Skin cancer is a serious medical condition, and early detection is key to successful treatment. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the 10 skin cancer symptoms and know when it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor. It can also help you catch any signs of skin cancer in its early stages, allowing for more effective treatment.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common form of all cancers and accounts for around 40% of all new diagnoses each year. Not only does skin cancer have many different forms, but it can also affect people of any age, gender or race. The main cause is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can come from the sun or certain types of tanning beds. It can be cured by methods like freezing, chemotherapy and excisional surgery. However, the best way of doing so is by Mohs surgery.
10 Symptoms Of Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer is a very serious disease that should not be ignored. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of skin cancer. Here are the 10 most common symptoms of skin cancer:
1. Change In Skin Color
Unexplained changes in skin color may be a sign of skin cancer, especially in moles. If you notice that any mole on your body is darker than usual or has gotten much lighter over time, this could indicate melanoma, and you should talk to your doctor immediately.
2. Patchy Spots On The Skin
Some patches of the skin can become dry, scaly, or itchy and may indicate pre-cancerous spots. Keeping an eye out for any such patches is important as they are often caught early enough to treat without too much harm done.
3. Changes In Moles
Most moles are harmless, but any new or changing moles should be checked out by a doctor. Look out for changes such as thickness, size, shape, color, and texture; all of these can indicate skin cancer.
4. Raised Bumps On The Skin
Any raised bump on the skin that doesn’t go away within two weeks may be a sign of skin cancer and should be examined by a medical professional right away.
5. Open Sores That Don’t Heal
If an open sore remains on your body for longer than four weeks, it may indicate melanoma or another form of skin cancer. A visit to the doctor is necessary to have it looked at.
6. Bleeding Or Pus-Filled Lesions
If you notice any bleeding or pus-filled lesions on your skin, this is a sign that something more serious may be going on and needs medical attention as soon as possible.
7. Thickened Or Scaly Patches On The Skin
Any thickening or scaly patches of skin can be due to actinic keratosis, which is a type of pre-cancerous lesion caused by too much sun exposure.
8. Reddish Patches Or Growth On The Skin
A reddish patch of skin or growth with an irregular border could be an early sign of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
9. Wart-Like Growths On The Skin
If you notice any wart-like growths on your body, they may be a sign of basal cell carcinoma and should be looked at by a doctor as soon as possible.
10. Change In A Mole’s Color Or Shape
Changes in the color, size, shape, or texture of an existing mole can indicate melanoma and should not be ignored. Seeing your doctor have it checked out is very important for early diagnosis and successful treatment.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to remember that all skin cancers are treatable if caught early enough. Be sure to keep track of any changes on your skin and go to your doctor right away if any of the above symptoms present themselves.
FAQs
Q. Is it normal for moles to change over time?
A. It is completely normal for moles to fade or become darker over time, but any unusual changes such as size, shape, color, or texture should be looked at by a professional.
Q. What kind of sunscreen should I use?
A. You should always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when going out in the sun. Reapply it every two hours and after swimming or sweating heavily.
Q. How can I protect my skin from the sun’s harmful rays?
A. It’s important to limit your time in the sun and avoid UV exposure as much as possible. Wear long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses for extra protection.