Skin Cancer – Early Signs, Types, and Preventive Tips
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells that most commonly occurs due to sun exposure. It can, however, develop for a variety of reasons. It is divided into three types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The risk of developing this cancer can be reduced by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Early detection of this skin condition offers the best chance of treatment and cure.
Early warning signs of skin cancer
Abnormal markings on the skin
Irregularities on the skin are a major warning sign of this condition. Any new mole, sore, lump, bump, lesion, or other mark that gradually gets worse, has multiple colors, oozes, bleeds, keeps coming back, or never goes away is extremely suspicious and needs to be checked right away.
Examining your skin once a month is highly recommended. For a preliminary full body scan at home, a person needs to stand in front of a mirror and closely examine various regions of the body, including hidden areas such as between your fingers and toes, the armpits, and the genital area. It is best to consult a doctor if anything unusual is noticed.
Sudden change in weight
Many things, including physical activity and calorie-controlled meals, may help someone grow slimmer. However, consistent loss of muscle mass and fat without a known cause or physical activity may be an indication of skin cancer. This early warning sign means it is advisable to see a doctor and get tested.
Extreme fatigue
Feeling tired at the end of the day is common, but feeling exhausted and fatigued after doing little to no work can be concerning. Cancer consumes the body’s nutrients in order to develop and spread; as a result, the nutrients are no longer replenishing healthy cells. This can result in significant fatigue.
Painful and itchy skin conditions
Red, itchy, and painful skin sores or pimples can be caused by toxins in the environment or a severe allergic reaction. If no obvious cause can be found, having it checked is the best way to avoid future complications.
In terms of occurrence, basal and squamous cell skin cancers are more common and less severe than melanoma. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly noted on the face, head, or neck.
Symptoms of basal skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma can appear as an itchy, elevated patch of skin or as a flat, firm region of skin similar to a scar. In dark-skinned individuals, it may be the same color as the skin or darker. If one has pale skin, it may appear pale, reddish, yellow, or pink. It causes tiny, pearly pimples with blue, brown, or black borders. It can also appear as raised edges and a lower center in growths, as well as abnormal blood vessels that spread from the growth. In some cases, it also leads to open sores that ooze or crust over and do not heal on their own.
Symptoms of squamous cell skin cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma can present as a raised growth or lump, possibly with a lower center, or as a rough or scaly red area that may crust or bleed. It appears to be a growth with a wart-like appearance. This skin condition can take many different forms. Other symptoms of this cancer include changes in skin color, a sore that does not heal, new swelling outside a mole’s border, itching, pain, or tenderness in a mole, seeping, scaliness, or bleeding in a mole, and a black track around a nail.
Symptoms of melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. There are two methods for detecting early melanoma symptoms. It is also known as the ABCDE method or the ugly duckling method. Keep an eye out for the following abnormal mole symptoms:
A- Asymmetries
If a mole’s two halves are uneven, this can be an early sign of the condition.
B- Border
The edges of a harmless mole are uniform and smooth. A mole with uneven, scalloped, or notched edges may indicate the presence of melanoma in its early stages.
C- Color
Non-harmful moles are only one color, usually brown. Melanoma can change the color of the skin from tan, brown, or black to red, blue, or white. The lesion may be darker, or the color changes may be less noticeable on dark skin.
D- Dimension
Less dangerous moles have a smaller diameter, and a cancerous mole is typically one-quarter of an inch in size.
E- Evolving
It can be dangerous if a mole begins to change or evolve, such as in shape, color, or elevation from the skin. It may also begin to bleed, itch, or crust.
The “ugly duckling” method is based on the idea that a person’s moles tend to look alike. If one mole seems unusual in any manner, it may be an early warning sign of skin cancer. Although not all moles indicate this, it is still advisable to have them checked if any of the symptoms listed above are present.
Preventive measures against skin cancer
Stay inside during particularly sunny hours, such as 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Avoid using UV tanning beds, tanning in the sun, and getting sunburned.
Apply sunscreen to all body parts exposed to the sun, including the face, when going outside.
Always wear protective clothing, such as a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses with UV protection.
Use a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB) and has an SPF of 15 or higher. Use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if you intend to spend lots of time outside.
Before going outside, apply 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) of sunscreen all over your body. Reapply every two hours, after swimming, and whenever you sweat profusely.
Examine your entire body and skin from head to toe once a month.
A dermatologist should be seen at least once a year for a thorough skin examination.
