Warning Signs of Skin Cancer - What does Skin Cancer Look like?

The very thought of cancer brings on cold sweat and dread to anybody. Cancer is a harsh reality, that makes us stop and look at our lifestyle. One of the most common types of cancer these days are lung cancer and skin cancer. These cancers are mostly lifestyle based. It is always wise to stay alert and recognize the early symptoms of cancer. This Buzzle article will cover information related to the warning signs of skin cancer. Let us go into the details of this dreadful disease.

Introduction to Skin Cancer
Skin cancer or skin neoplasms is a condition where there is an abnormal growth of skin cells. This occurs mostly in regions of skin, exposed to the sun, but it can also occur on parts of the body where sunlight doesn't reach. There are three types of skin cancer- basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. While basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are treatable if caught on early, melanoma is more serious and spreads to other tissues of the body, and is the most serious type of skin cancer. All types of skin cancer can be avoided by avoiding exposure to ultraviolet rays and radiation, and by carefully observing any and all changes in the skin. This brings us to the main question: what does skin cancer look like?

A pimple, a scar, a blemish, sunspots or pigmentation, all should be taken seriously because you never know what could turn out to be skin cancer. Which is why most people as the question what does skin cancer look like on the face, arm, back as well as legs? This question is a very difficult one to answer. This is because of the disease itself; the appearance of skin cancer varies depending on its stage, seriousness, body type, cancer type and location. So, one can never be sure what skin cancer can look like, the best thing is to get any sort of skin abnormality checked by a dermatologist. Also, most of the skin cancers generally develop on the epidermis, thus, one can easily spot a tumor. All three types of skin cancer can look different for each and every person; it again depends on a variety of factors including general health and lifestyle.

Signs of Early Skin Cancer

There are no clear-cut warning signs for skin cancer, the signs and symptoms can largely vary for people, but it primarily occurs on part of the skin that is exposed to the skin like the scalp, lips, face, ears, neck, arms, legs and hands. Let us have a look at the types of skin cancer and its warning sign in the following paragraph.

Basal Cell Carcinoma
This type of skin cancer is the easiest to treat, and it is also the most common. Basal cell carcinoma looks like a pearly, translucent or waxy bump on the face, ears or neck. It can also be a flat, skin colored scar or lesion on the chest or back. At times one can observe blood vessels within the tumor. It may appear like an ulcer. The sore may crust and bleed, due to the development of the tumor. It may not heal easily and the only way one can assume they have this type of skin cancer, and it always good to get any suspicious looking bump examined by a dermatologist. The good thing is, this cancer can be easily treated without leaving any kind of scars. It is the most common form of skin cancer that is seen in about 90% of skin cancer patients in the United States.

This cancer usually develops in people with fair skin. It is a common geriatric cancer. It occurs usually on the back, chest, arms, scalp and legs, that is, skin exposed to sun. other risk factors include exposure to ultraviolet radiation, especially when visiting tanning booths, therapeutic radiation that given to treat other cancers and weakened immune system due to disease or use of medication. Basal cell carcinoma takes months or years to become big enough. It is usually diagnosed by biopsy of the skin. It can be treated using curettage and desiccation, cryosurgery, radiation therapy, surgical excision, creams that attack cancer cells as well as Mohs micrographic surgery.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This type of skin cancer, if diagnosed early is quite easy to treat. But this squamous cell carcinoma is a rapidly growing tumor as compared to the basal cell carcinoma. It looks like a firm nodule with a reddish appearance on the face, lips, ears, neck, hands or arms. It can also look like a flat yet scaly lesion with a crusty surface on the face, ears, neck, hands or arms. A few nodules become hard and form a dome shape. These nodules may become ulcerated and bleed. If not treated early, they develop into a large mass. This skin cancer should not be taken lightly, although it is not as dangerous as melanoma.

This cancer affects light-colored skin people who have a history of sun exposure. Men are more commonly affected by this cancer than women. Some strains of human papillioma virus are thought to be responsible for development of squamous cell cancer. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, this cancer can metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. Punch biospsy is carried out to diagnose this cancer.

The treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is similar to that of basal cell carcinoma. Curettage and desiccation, cryosurgery, Mohs micrographic surgery, creams, etc. are used to treat and eliminate this form of skin cancer.

Melanoma
This is considered to be the most dangerous and severe type of skin cancer as it can lead to death. Melanoma is when a mole on the skin or any normal skin turns malignant. It can occur on any part of the body in men and women but it mostly occurs on the face or upper back and back of the neck area. It can be a brown or black spot with darker speckles on any part of the body. It can be a simple mole that has changed in size, color, and texture and is prone to bleeding. A lesion with an irregular border of red, white, blue or black spots around it commonly found on arm and legs. Dark lesions on palms, soles, fingers, toes, mouth, nose, vagina and anus. Shiny and random firm bumps on any part of the body. If one observes any change in the mole size, shape, color or elevation, they should seek help from dermatologists. Other warning signs of melanoma include ulceration, bleeding and pain on the site of cancer. Any patch bigger than 6 mm should be examined by a doctor.

Melanoma can occur in any part of the body that includes the eye and bowel, that contains melanocytes. It is a dangerous disease that causes about 75% deaths due to skin cancer. It is common in women than men. Caucasians are more prone to developing melanoma. Skin biopsy helps in diagnosing this cancer. Treatment for melanoma includes adjuvant treatment, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy as well as surgical excision. If the condition is detected when it is small and thin, it can be surgically removed and be completely eliminated.

These were some of the warning signs of skin cancer. One never knows when a mole or pimple turns cancerous. Remember, that while it is good to be alert about the changes on your skin, not all changes or signs can be cancerous. The best way is to put all doubts to rest, is to get it checked by a doctor or skin specialist.