Skin cancer symptoms vary depending on the type, making it difficult for the average person to identify. Any new growths or moles should be evaluated by a doctor. Basal cell, squamous cell, and malignant melanoma have their own distinctive symptoms and tend to occur in specific places on the body. Changes in an existing mole or growth, emergence of a new mole or growth, and sores on the skin that don’t heal should always warrant concern. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and can cause cancerous growths in organs.
Since there are different types of skin cancer, each type will have its own set of symptoms. Usually, it is not possible for the average person to say for sure whether a mole or growth on the skin represents skin cancer. However, because this type of cancer is so potentially dangerous, any new growths of moles or new growths on the skin should be evaluated by a doctor.
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell, squamous cell and malignant melanoma. These disorders tend to show up in certain patterns, and there are a few things to look for about moles you have or if you notice a new mole. Most of us are born with moles, so a good look every few months is a great idea. If necessary, ask a parent, spouse, or good friend to help you examine moles that you can’t see very well.
For all forms of skin cancer, three symptoms should always warrant concern. These are:
1) Changes in an existing mole or growth
2) Emergence of a new mole or growth
3) Sores on the skin that don’t heal, especially if they’re over an existing mole.
Each form of skin cancer tends to occur in specific places on the body and has its own distinctive symptoms. For example, basal cell carcinoma tends to occur on the face, neck, upper chest, and back. These are areas that often get a lot of sun exposure. It occurs less frequently on the arms, legs and hands.
Basal cell carcinomas can start as the growth of an existing mole or enlarging freckle. They can also itch and scratch easily, resulting in cuts in the mole that never heal. Sometimes they look like a pimple or an unhealed sore, although they can also get very large.
Squamous cell carcinoma also occurs in most of the same places as the basal cell. Unlike basal cells, squamous cells can occur on the hands or arms. Existing moles or new growths may appear red or pink and appear inflamed. They can also feel like sores that don’t heal as they scratch easily and scab over and over again.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it metastasizes more easily and can cause cancerous growths in organs. Most melanomas are found in areas not commonly exposed to the sun, such as the midsection and legs. They often start from a mole that already exists.
Unlike the normal mole, melanomas are usually multi-colored and their borders may not be uniform. The normal mole could, if removed from the skin, be symmetrically folded in half. A melanoma doesn’t show this symmetry, but does have jagged edges. Occasionally melanomas can also bleed.
Any of these symptoms can indicate cancer, although many growths on the skin can act like skin cancer and still be perfectly harmless. Since you won’t notice the difference, it’s always important to check for bumpy moles or new growths. It’s much better to be safe than sorry, especially if you suspect melanoma.
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