Symptoms of three types of skin cancer

There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Abnormal spots appearing on the skin can potentially cause skin cancer. Checking for common common signs can help detect the disease early.

The ulcer does not heal

Many types of skin cancer are initially mistaken for insect bites, minor trauma or skin irritation, but then do not go away over time. If the wound does not heal or appears to be healing but then recurs, the patient should see a doctor. In general, any skin changes that do not resolve on their own within a two-week period should be checked by a doctor.

Changes in existing skin lesions

Some types of skin cancer arise from skin lesions or moles that have been present for a long time. When freckles, moles, or other skin spots show signs of change, talk to your doctor.

Sensation of skin lesions

Moles or other skin lesions do not normally cause sensation. With skin cancer, the patient may experience persistent itching, pain, numbness, and tingling in that area of ​​skin. Some people describe this feeling as feeling like ants crawling on the skin.

Doctors must biopsy and evaluate using a microscope to accurately distinguish the type of cancer. But they also have certain differences that can be recognized with the naked eye.

Basal cell carcinoma usually a shiny area of ​​skin that can be flat, raised, or dome-shaped and is often pink, pale, or flesh-colored. When looking closely, the patient can see small blood vessels. Basal cell carcinoma is often characterized by gnawed ulcers.

Squamous cell carcinoma Usually the skin is raised and feels scaly to the touch. They may look like an ulcer, meaning there is a depression in the middle that is lighter and flatter than the surrounding area. This damaged area sometimes bleeds, oozes fluid, or forms a scab.

Melanoma usually manifests as changes in an existing mole or a new mole with unusual characteristics. They often appear on the legs in women and on the back in men with light skin. For people with dark skin, the most common locations are the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, under toenails and fingernails, and on mucous membranes (such as around the mouth, nose, and genitals).

The ABCDE rule is often applied to check moles on the body for signs of suspected melanoma.

A (Asymmetry): Asymmetrical, meaning that when divided, the two halves of the mole are not similar.

B (Border): Border. Malignant tumors often have irregular borders, dark or jagged areas.

C (Color): Color. Normal moles have a uniform color. If the mole has many different colors and shades such as brown, tan or black alternating with white, gray, red or blue, it can be a warning sign of malignancy.

D (Diameter): Diameter. A mole larger than a pencil eraser (about 5-6 mm) is considered abnormal, even when there are no other noticeable abnormalities.

E (Evolution): Progression. Moles develop in color, diameter or height over time.

These are just common signs that help easily identify potentially malignant moles. Not all cases of melanoma have the above characteristics. Some moles may change color but remain symmetrical or grow larger but do not have other characteristics in the rule.

When melanoma develops in an existing mole, the texture of the mole may change, becoming hard, rough, or scaly. Although the patient may feel different skin sensations, itching, oozing or bleeding, melanoma usually does not cause pain.

If you notice any signs or symptoms of skin cancer, you should see a dermatologist to have your skin examined and see if a biopsy is needed. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common types of skin cancer, have a slow growth rate, and have a good prognosis for treatment and recovery if detected early.

Melanoma Only accounts for about 1% of skin cancers, but is the main cause of death in most cases. This type of cancer is more dangerous, responds poorly to treatment, metastasizes quickly through the blood and lymphatic system, causing secondary cancers in the liver, bones, lungs, brain, lymph node system…