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

The very thought of cancer brings on a cold sweat and dread to anybody, but cancer is a harsh reality, one 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 are mostly lifestyle based.

Introduction to Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer is when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, these occur mostly when the skin is 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 also 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? 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. 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.

Skin Cancer Warning Signs

So 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.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer is easiest to treat, and it is also the most common. Basal cell carcinoma looks like a pearly 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. This is 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.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer, if diagnosed early is quite easy to treat. But this squamous cell carcinoma is prone to spreading faster than 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.

Melanoma

This is considered to be the most dangerous and severe type of skin cancer as it can lead to fatality. 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 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.

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 get it checked by a doctor or skin specialist.