Introduction

Cancer can be a very scary thing to think about. But despite how scary it may sound, it’s quite easy to spot skin cancer on your body. In fact, skin cancer is actually one of the easiest cancers to find and that’s because it usually starts in a place you can see. If you know where to look and what to look for, you can easily spot the early signs of skin cancer. And if you have any questions or concerns, you can always ask your dermatologists about a skin exam.

•   Types of Skin Cancer and Their Symptoms

There are several types of skin cancer to keep your eye out for, each with their own symptoms to look for. But with our ‘ABCDE’ trick, which we’ll go over after the three most common skin cancers, you can have peace of mind knowing you’ll be one step ahead of the game.

•  Basal Cell Carcinoma – Basal Cell Carcinoma is one of the most common types of skin cancers to be diagnosed with, as well as one of the easiest to treat. This is because it usually grows on parts of the body that are always exposed to sunlight, such as the head, neck, and face. A few of the common signs of Basal Cell Carcinomas to look for include the following:

1. Flat, firm areas that are similar to a scar.
2. Reddish patches that are raised and may be itchy.
3. Smally, pearly bumps that appear pink or red with blue, brown, or black areas inside.
4. Pink growths that have raised edges and a lower center.
5. Open sores that heal and come back, or don’t heal at all

•  Squamous Cell Carcinoma– Similar to Basal Cell Carcinomas, Squamous Cell Carcinomas also appear on places of the body that are commonly exposed to sunlight. While they can appear in other areas, the face, neck, and head are the most common areas.

1. Rough, scaly patches that may bleed or have crust around them.
2. A raised growth or lump that often has a lower center.
3. Open, oozing sores that heal and continue coming back, or do not heal at all.
4. Growths that are similar to warts.

•  Malignant Melanoma– Malignant Melanoma occurs when pigment-producing cells start to grow uncontrollably and won’t allow the older cells to die. While they can occur on areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight often, they can also grow within an existing mole.

1. Moles that change color or appearance over time.
2. Pigmented or unusual skin growths.
3. Painful lesions that burn or itch often.
4. Large, brown spots that have darker spots within them.

•   Factors that May Increase the Risk of Skin Cancer

There are many potential causes when it comes to skin cancer, one of the most common being excessive exposure to sunlight. In addition to UV rays, other risk factors include the following:

1. Fair Skin
2. Existing Moles
3. History of Severe Sun
4. Weakened Immune System
5. Personal and Family History of Skin Cancer

• Symptoms

Customary assessment of the skin for any new or unordinary developments, or changes in the size, shape, or color of a current spot, is vital to finding and rewarding skin cancers early. On the off chance that you discover anything dubious, you ought to examine it with your essential consideration doctor or a dermatologist. 

While many skin cancers create in regions presented to the sun, they may likewise create in zones that are normally avoided the sun. It is imperative to analyze these territories. Notwithstanding analyzing the legs, trunk, arms, face, and neck, it is imperative to search for indications of skin cancer in the zones between the toes, underneath nails, palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet, privates and even the eyes.

•  Seek Out Winston Salem Dermatology for Assistance

We understand how difficult it may be to hear that you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or that you may be at risk for skin cancer, but we can help you here at Winston Salem Dermatology. Whether you’re interested in having a check-up, skin exam, or if you’d simply like to speak with a Dermatologist about your risks, you can contact us today at (insert number here).