03 Dec Early Signs of Skin Cancer and What You Should Know
The skin serves as a protective barrier against the environment. Changes in the skin are common, but certain new or evolving spots may indicate a developing health concern. Understanding the early signs of skin cancer and how to detect them can facilitate early discussions with a healthcare provider.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. This condition often occurs on skin that is most exposed to the sun. There are three primary types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common form. It often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin. It commonly occurs on sun-exposed areas of the body.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type affects the squamous cells, which make up the outer layers of the skin. While not usually life-threatening, it can be aggressive in some cases. It often presents as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
- Melanoma: This is the most serious type of skin cancer because of its potential to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma develops in the cells that produce melanin. The first sign of melanoma is often a new mole or a change in an existing mole.
How Is It Detected?
Early detection of skin cancer provides the greatest chance for successful treatment. Regular self-examinations can help you become familiar with your skin and notice any changes. When examining your skin, look for new moles or growths, and any changes in the size, shape, or color of existing spots. Dermatologists often use the “ABCDE” method to assess moles and spots:
- A is for Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot does not match the other half.
- B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
- C is for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, or patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
- D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
- E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
If you identify a spot that aligns with any of these characteristics, a consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. A dermatologist can perform a thorough skin examination and may conduct a biopsy.
How Is It Treated?
The treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size, depth, and location of the lesion. Excisional surgery involves the surgeon removing the cancerous tissue along with a surrounding margin of healthy skin. Mohs surgery is another approach, often used for larger, recurring, or difficult-to-treat skin cancers. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the skin growth layer by layer until no abnormal cells remain.
Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells, may be an option when surgery is not feasible. For melanomas that have spread to other parts of the body, treatments might include immunotherapy. The specific treatment plan is determined by a medical team based on the individual’s health and the specifics of the cancer.
Meet With a Dermatologist
Performing regular self-checks allows you to establish a baseline of what is normal for you, making it easier to identify new or changing lesions. If you notice any spot that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way, scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist is a proactive step. These specialists possess the training and tools to accurately diagnose skin conditions and recommend an appropriate course of action.
No Comments