Skin cancer can happen to anyone, regardless of their skin tone. It mostly develops on skin that has been exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, scalp, chest, neck, arms, and legs. However, it can also develop in areas not exposed to the sun in individuals with darker skin tones. The three main skin cancer types are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, each presenting unique symptoms and signs of skin cancer. In this article, we will look at the various signs of skin cancer associated with these different types.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops due to the growth of abnormal epidermal cells caused by DNA damage. This damage leads to mutations that cause the cells to rapidly multiply and develop into malignant tumors. This damage is caused by the ultraviolet rays that emanate from tanning beds and the sun. Skin cancer will vary in appearance from one individual to another based on factors such as the type and location of the skin cancer, and the person’s skin tone. Thankfully, our practitioner can potentially treat the cancer and eliminate it if the disease is addressed in its early stages. Therefore, early detection is vital to a positive outcome! The best way to detect skin cancer early is by knowing which signs of skin cancer to look out for. Let’s look at the various signs associated with each skin cancer type.
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma grows rapidly and can spread to any organ. It is regarded as the most dangerous type of skin cancer and comes from skin cells called melanocytes. Dark skin pigment comes from melanin, which is produced by the melanocyte cells. Around one-third of melanomas originate in existing moles, while the remainder originate in normal skin. While melanoma makes up only 1% of all diagnosed skin cancers, it is responsible for most deaths related to skin cancer. Men typically develop this type of skin cancer on their upper backs, while women tend to develop it on their legs. Although it is a very serious type of skin cancer, it can be cured if detected and treated early enough.
The Signs of Melanoma
According to Cleveland Clinic, melanoma often appears as scaly patches, raised bumps, open sores, and moles. One sign to look out for is asymmetry, which means that one half of the mole does not match the other in shape. The edges of the border won’t be smooth and the color will be uneven and mottled, exhibiting shades of black, great, brown, white, or red. Another sign to look out for is if the spot changes in appearance or grows bigger than 6 millimeters. Painful lesions that burn or itch should also raise concern. If one mole looks different from the rest or you notice any of the above signs, it’s best to book an appointment with your dermatologist and have it looked at.
What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal Cell Carcinoma is considered the most common type of skin cancer, with around 3.6 million Americans diagnosed with the disease annually alone. Basal cell carcinoma comes from the uncontrolled growth of basal cells. This skin cancer type develops slowly over time, therefore it is typically curable and causes relatively little damage if diagnosed and treated early enough. Around half of the lesions are pigmented in people with darker skin tones and can appear brown, black, or tan in color.
The Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma
According to Skincancer.org, these growths often look like pink growths, red patches, open sores, or slightly elevated growths. These spots may sometimes itch, bleed, crust, or ooze. Open sores tend to not heal and may persist for weeks, sometimes seeming to heal but then returning again later. Red patches typically occur on the chest, shoulders, face, arms, and legs. The pink growths usually have slightly raised edges, with a crusted indentation in the middle of the growth. Another of these signs of skin cancer to look out for is a waxy yellow or white area that looks almost like a scar.
What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
This type of skin cancer results from the overproduction of squamous cells in the top layer of skin, the epidermis. It is rated as the second most prevalent type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas typically occur in the areas of your body most affected by the sun, such as your arms, legs, and head. It can also develop in areas that contain mucous membranes, such as your anus, lungs, and mouth. Squamous cell carcinoma can manifest as cutaneous and metastatic variations with the former affecting the top skin layer, and the latter spreading to other areas of the body.
The Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Skin changes associated with squamous cell carcinoma include the appearance of roughly-textured growths or bumps which often crust or bleed. Growths will often be higher than the skin around it but with a depression in the center. Wounds tend not to heal properly or may disappear for a while and then resurface. Another sign to look out for is a flat area of scaly, red skin that is around 2.5 centimeters in size. A lesion may also appear on your lower lip or pale white spots may appear on your cheeks, gums, or tongue. If you notice any of these signs of skin cancer, be sure to visit your dermatologist soon!
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