Cancer of the skin occurs when cells in your epidermis multiply rapidly, resulting in a collection of cancer cells. The condition is potentially life-threatening without proper care, but early diagnosis can lead to complete treatment. Different types of skin cancer have unique symptoms that you can spot early to seek medical intervention. Here’s what the different cancers look like when they start:
Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The precancerous stage of basal cell carcinoma doesn’t present any symptoms even though the abnormal cells are present in your skin. Once the cells form into skin cancer, you can see a red or scaly scar-like lesion or a pearly or waxy bump. Other expressions include a scabbing sore that heals and returns. The cancer can also cause bleeding. The cancer doesn’t spread to other areas but can damage your healthy skin tissues. Both basal and squamous cell carcinomas affect the skin on your face, neck, arms, chest, back, and areas frequently exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma is prevalent in adults and more visible if you have fairer skin. If you have darker skin, you can develop the cancer in areas not frequently exposed to the sun.
The early signs of squamous cell carcinoma include a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. As the cancer progresses, it can form a wart-like growth. Squamous cell carcinoma is rarely life-threatening but tends to be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma. The tumor can grow into tissues under your skin and spread to your bones, nearby lymph nodes, and other parts of the body. Your dermatologist can diagnose the cancer’s stage by measuring the tumor. Early-stage cancer is treated through curettage and electrodesiccation. If the tumor has grown to a bigger size, your doctor can recommend other treatments, such as surgical excision, cryotherapy, Mohs surgery, and photodynamic therapy.
Melanoma and Other Cancers
Skin melanoma begins as a mole that changes its shape, size, or color over time. The cancer can also appear as a dark spot. Melanomas can spread rapidly and can become serious, so regular screening is recommended once you spot a new, unusual-looking mole. Doctors follow the ABCDE rule to assess the characteristics of unusual moles. The acronym stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving. Cancerous moles are asymmetrical, meaning one half doesn’t match the other. They also have irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined borders or edges. Melanomas also have color variations, including brown, black, red, white, or blue.
Cancerous moles have a larger diameter, about the size of a pencil eraser. The moles also evolve, showing changes in size, shape, color, and symptoms like tenderness, itching, or bleeding. Melanoma is treatable in its early stages before it spreads. The cancer can appear anywhere, including your palms or the sole of your foot. Your dermatologist can also diagnose other rare forms of cancer, including Kaposi sarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and sebaceous gland carcinoma. Kaposi sarcoma develops in your skin’s blood cells and appears as red or purple patches. Merkel cell carcinomas are firm, shiny nodules beneath your skin in hair follicles. Sebaceous gland carcinomas appear as hard, painless nodules on the eyelid.
Get Screened for Skin Cancer Today
Cancer can be treated with proper care and early diagnosis. If you spot any unusual developments on your skin, seek a professional diagnosis as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment with an experienced dermatologist today to get screened for skin cancer.