Signs of Skin Cancer
Signs of skin cancer are predominantly seen in the outer layer of the skin, which is the epidermis. The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as discoloration, a new growth or a sore that will not heal.
This new growth, which is usually called tumor, is cause by an abnormal multiplication of skin cells, which forms a mass. And this tumors of the skin are often referred to as lesions.
Growths or tumors can be benign or malignant.
Benign growths are not cancer. They are rarely life threatening. It can be removed and they don't grow back. Cells from benign growths do not invade the tissues around them and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant growths are cancer. It is more serious than benign growths. They may be life threatening. They can be removed, but they often grow back. Cells from malignant growths can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. And can spread to other parts of the body. This spread of cancer is called metastasis.
Like many cancers, skin cancers start as precancerous lesions. These precancerous lesions are changes in the skin that are not cancer but could become cancer over time.
The early signs of skin cancer includes:
- Skin pigmentation. Examine if there is any change in the appearance of the skin. Find any brown or red spots on your body that are scaly or rough in texture.
- A sudden unusual growth on the skin's surface, which appears to be translucent, pearly, brown or black, tan or multicolored. The growth might increase in shape and size overtime.
- Any change in the texture of the skin. Like lumps or bumps and if there's any discoloration.
- A noticeable change in pigmented areas. Be keen in observing any changes in the color, size, consistency and texture of affected skin.
- A noticeable change in moles. Any irregularities in the border and shape of the mole should be given attention.
- A growth or lesion that continuously hurts, itches, scabs, crusts, ulcerates, bleeds or erodes.
- Some scars might appear on the skin's surface can be cancerous. Need to know the cause of the scar, if you feel it's a mystery scar, you see a doctor immediately.
- Sore that does not heal.
Medical professionals often refer to these changes as dysplasia. Some specific dysplastic changes that occur in skin are as follows:
Actinic keratosis is a patch of red or brown, scaly, rough skin, which can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
A Nevus is a mole, and dysplastic nevi are abnormal moles. These can develop into melanoma over time.
Statistics show that the disease appears most frequently on persons who have lighter skin tones. People with fair skin, especially those types that freckle, sunburn easily, is at greatest risk of having skin cancer, also those with light (blond or red) hair and blue or green eyes.
There are various examinations being use to look for any occurrence of skin cancer. And through these examinations, abnormalities in the skin can easily be detected.
By: Sydney
Signs of Skin Cancer Recommended Resources:
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