Just about everyone has been admonished at some point in his or her life to remember to wear sunscreen, yet many people fail to heed that sage advice. The purpose of it isn't to avoid a tan, but to reduce the risk of getting skin cancer.
Whether they've been careful about sunscreen use or not, the best way to identify potential cancer cells early is to schedule a dermatology appointment as soon as unusual symptoms appear. Read on to find out what to look for.
Signs and Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer that occurs most frequently in sun-exposed areas of the body. Most people develop cancerous regions on their necks and faces. In its early stages, basal cell carcinoma can look like a flat, scar-like legion that's either brown or flesh-colored, it could appear as a waxy, pearly bump, or it could manifest itself as a sore that repeatedly returns.
Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma most regularly occurs on sun-exposed areas such as the face and hands. People with darker skin tones may be at higher risk of developing this form of skin cancer on areas they don't regularly expose to the sun, as well. Regardless of where it's located, squamous cell carcinoma tends to appear as either a firm red nodule or a flat, scaly, or crusted lesion.
Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It can develop anywhere on the body, though it often appears on the face or trunk in men or on the lower legs in women. There is not a direct correlation between the development of melanoma and exposure to the sun.
Although melanoma can affect people of all complexions, it tends to occur in different places on patients with darker skin. They are more likely to develop melanoma on their palms, on the soles of their feet, or underneath fingernails and toenails. Common signs and symptoms of melanoma in all patients include:
- Large brown spots with dark speckles
- Moles that change in color or size
- Growths that bleed
- Small lesions with irregular borders and different combinations of red, pink, blue, black, and white coloring
- Painful, itching, or burning lesions
- Any darker lesions on the feet, hands, or on mucous membranes
Schedule an Appointment Right Away
All forms of skin cancer are best treated in the earliest possible stages, so it's important to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as any of the signs and symptoms described above appear. With prompt treatment, the outcome for skin cancer patients is usually good.
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