May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so there’s no better time to have the talk about what it looks like, how to identify it, and what to do if you think you may have it.
As Health.com reports, skin cancer often manifests as changes in your skin’s appearance or moles. Different types—basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma—vary in their symptoms.
How To Identify Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, making up about 8 in 10 cases. BCC starts in the basal cells in the skin’s outer layer, the epidermis. It grows slowly and is less likely to spread compared to other skin cancers.
In people with lighter skin, BCC often appears as a painless growth:
- Small, shiny, pearly bump or nodule on the skin
- Flat pink or red patch
- Slightly scaly or crusty
- An open sore that bleeds and does not heal
BCCs are less common in people with darker skin. When they do occur, they often share similar characteristics, like a shiny surface or raised edges, but tend to be darker.
BCCs commonly appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, and scalp, but they can also develop elsewhere. They often occur in people with significant sun exposure or a history of sunburns.
How To Identify Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) ranks as the second most common skin cancer. SCC can be more aggressive than BCC, meaning it may require prompt treatment.
SCC usually grows slowly and is highly treatable if found early. However, if left untreated, it can penetrate deep into the skin, making treatment harder and posing serious health risks.
SCC may present with these physical characteristics:
- A scaly, crusted growth
- A sore that forms in an old scar
- A very small, rhinoceros-shaped horn growing from the skin
- Rough, red, or skin-colored
- Sometimes has a wart-like surface
- Raised bump with a central depression or an open sore that does not heal
- Varies in size and may grow over time
SCC commonly occurs in areas exposed to sunlight, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, and the backs of the hands. It’s also more common in people over 50.
Recognizing the Signs of Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. This type originates in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Melanoma is known for its potential to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.
Melanoma often starts with changes in a mole’s size, shape, color, or texture. Typically, melanomas have dark shades like black or black-blue. They can also appear as new, irregular moles that look abnormal.
The ABCDEs are criteria to identify potential melanomas, focusing on specific characteristics of skin lesions. Here’s what each letter stands for:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot does not match the other half in terms of shape or size. Benign (non-cancerous) moles are generally symmetrical.
- Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined. Melanomas may have uneven or blurred borders, unlike benign moles, which typically have smooth and even borders.
- Color: The color of the mole varies from one area to another. It may include shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue. Benign moles usually have a uniform color.
- Diameter: The mole or spot is often larger than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser. A larger diameter is a common indicator, although melanomas can be smaller.
- Evolving: The mole or spot changes in size, shape, color, or texture over time.
Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, including areas not typically exposed to the sun. Common locations include the back, legs, arms, face, mouth, genital area, and inside the nose or eye.
Are There Other Warning Signs of Skin Cancer?
Besides changes in skin appearance or the development of new growths, there can be other signs of skin cancer.
With basal and squamous cell skin cancer, the affected area may be tender, itchy, or painful. These symptoms typically begin once the lesion has grown larger. Additionally, a BCC might bleed if you shave or get a minor injury because it’s fragile.
Why Is Early Detection So Important?
Early detection can improve treatment outcomes. Treatment options are more effective and less invasive when skin cancer is detected early.
BCC and SCC have a high cure rate when diagnosed early. Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a significantly better prognosis when caught early. Early detection also minimizes the risk of complications and helps prevent the cancer from advancing to more severe stages or metastasizing (spreading) to other parts of the body.
Regular skin exams by a dermatologist (who specializes in skin conditions) are essential for early detection. Pay close attention to changes in skin appearance and reach out to a dermatologist if you have any concerns.
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Photo Credit: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com
