SKIN CANCER WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Skin cancer warning signs or skin cancer symptoms are very specific. Any presence of the signs of skin cancer should be taken seriously.

Skin cancer symptoms differ depending on the type of skin cancer present. The three main types of skin cancer are: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.

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Basal Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer is characterized by the presence of a skin sore or pimple on the skin that does not seem to heal. The growth is slow and often described as a pinkish or red, pearly or waxy bump with a depressed center. This skin imperfection may occasionally leak yellowish fluid or blood and eventually form a scab. The scab then falls off, more fluid leaks out, and another scab forms. This cycle continuously repeats. Small blood vessels may be apparent inside of the skin growth.

There are specific target areas for these skin cancer warning signs. Areas exposed to the sun most often can develop basal cell carcinoma. In particular, the upper back and chest, head, face, ears, nose, lips, and neck, are all prime target skin areas for these skin cancer symptoms.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Skin cancer warning signs for squamous cell carcinoma include growths that are flat and possibly inflamed skin patches or bumps that are pinkish or reddish in color. The growth is often scaly and might feel tender. Like basal cell carcinoma, leaking fluid and crusting cycling can occur and the sore never really heals. The skin growth may develop to be quite large if left untreated.

Target skin areas for these signs of skin cancer are the legs, top of arms and hands, in addition to the skin areas identified for basal cell carcinoma.

Malignant Melanoma

The skin cancer warning signs for malignant melanoma are described below.

The signs of skin cancer are focussed on pre-existing skin moles or skin freckles. When these freckles or moles start to become multi-coloured, in particular different shades of black or brown, then it should be noted that something abnormal might be occurring with the skin. These skin areas may also have areas of red, blue, or even white associated with them. Normal moles or freckles are usually a solid shade of brown, with no multi-coloring.

The borders of normal moles or freckles are often sharp or well defined. When skin cancer starts to become present, the borders become irregular and much less defined and the mole becomes larger. Some itching or bleeding from the mole or freckle may occur.

The other skin cancer symptom to be aware of is the appearance of moles where none existed before and the moles possess the skin cancer characteristics described on this page. In summary, the main skin cancer warning signs for malignant melanoma are:

• a property known as asymmetry or in other words one side of the mole has a different shape than the other side; generally moles on the skin are symmetrical
• the mole no longer has regular smooth borders or edges but rather the edges are ragged in nature
• uneven coloring or combination of coloring of the mole as described above
• the diameter of the affected skin area is greater than one quarter of an inch or approximately 5 to 6 mm

These skin cancer symptoms are more likely to be found on the trunk of the body or the legs as compared to the other types of skin cancer. These are the skin areas that only receive periodic sun exposure, but usually burn when they do.

Whenever the skin cancer warning signs outlined on this page are noticed it is a good idea to visit a physician or dermatologist. It may not be skin cancer in the end, but the only true method to be sure is with a proper diagnosis by a qualified medical professional. Avoid delays in going to see a physician. Early diagnosis translates to treatments that have a greater rate of success. Do not ignore the skin cancer warning signs.

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