How do you recognise the early signs of skin cancer

How do you recognise the early signs of skin cancer

Skin cancer is the result of abnormal growth of skin cells. And no, it is not like a cold or flu. You cannot catch it from other people by touching them. It is caused by frequent exposure to harmful rays from sunlight. Other causes of skin cancer include, but not limited to, repeated exposure to X-ray, certain chemicals or untreated scars from diseases or burns. How do you recognise the early signs of skin cancer, you ask? Let’s walk you through some examples.

It is easier to detect skin cancer and even possible to see with naked eyes. Any effort made to catch it at its earliest will help you cure the disease altogether. So, if you encounter new or unusual growth on the skin, changes to the size, colour or form of an existing mole, it is possible that the growth is cancerous. And needs immediate attention from a dermatologist or qualified health care professionals. Like those from northern beaches skin cancer clinics who have the best doctors to brief you about cancer and its symptoms. The dermatologist will then prescribe a more in-depth diagnosis to figure out the type of skin cancer that you are having.

Any unusual skin sore or growth that doesn’t seem to cure within a week. Is the first indication that you may be exposed to the elements that cause skin cancer. Cancer of the skin may initially look like a rash or nodule, sometimes with blood oozing from it.

The spot may be raised, or you may also experience irregular patch here and there. As the cancer steps into the next level, the size or colour of the nodule may change extending its tentacles into deeper layers of the skin. When this happens, it is advised to consult a doctor. So that they can find out the exact type of skin cancer and treat it accordingly.

The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinomas, that appears as a pale patch of skin or bump on the head or neck. There may be a presence of indentation or blood vessels on the bump. As cancer grows, it may bleed when injured or become crusty when dried.

Squamous cell carcinomas, on the other hand, are cancerous lumps on the skin. They are hard to touch, unlike basal cell carcinomas. They start with a skin rash that doesn’t go away with time. Only to grow and develop slowly and spread to other parts of the body. This type of skin condition is usually found on the head, hands, arms and neck. Although they may develop in other areas of the body as well.

Last, but not least, Merkel cell carcinomas are cancerous moles that are raised and flesh-coloured. If untreated, they can grow like wildfire within a week or two. They mostly appear in the areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight.

As mentioned earlier, frequent exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer of any type. However, this cancer may also develop in areas that are hidden and not exposed to the sun. It is therefore important to examine any mole or skin growth that you find suspicious and seems to be growing unusually. Many of these skin cancers can be prevented. By either taking certain precaution while being under the sun or when there is a chance of getting exposed to harmful chemicals and pollutants.

This approach has been successful in many people who are otherwise more susceptible to skin cancer – those with a low level of melanin. Other approaches such as getting treated immediately as soon as the signs are obvious and undergoing recommended treatment for skin cancer can prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body and save your life.