SKIN CANCER || ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

 There is a significant probability of detecting skin cancers early because many of them start where they can be seen. It is crucial to regularly examine the skin for any new or atypical growths as well as any changes to pre-existing moles. Any questionable findings should be discussed with your primary care physician, a dermatologist (skin doctor), or another healthcare provider who is trained to identify the symptoms of skin cancer and make a diagnosis.

The first sign of a non-melanoma skin cancer may be an unusual skin growth or sore that doesn't go away. On the skin's surface, skin cancer may first show up as a nodule, rash, or a strange patch. These lesions could be elevated and easily ooze or bleed. The size or shape of the apparent skin mass may alter as the cancer spreads, and it may also invade deeper skin layers. If you find any suspicious or changing marks on your skin, see a dermatologist right away because it may be challenging to tell one type of skin cancer from another.

On the head or neck, basal cell carcinomas may initially manifest as a waxy transparent lump or a pale patch of skin. The core of the hump may have an indentation or blood vessels. On the chest, the carcinoma may appear more like a brownish scar or a flesh-colored lesion. Injured portions of the malignancy may bleed as it progresses, while other areas may ooze and become crusty.

Squamous cell carcinomas can also manifest as a cutaneous bump. In contrast to a basal cell carcinoma, which has a smooth and pearly look, these solid lumps are often rough on the surface. Cancer may develop more like a reddish, scaly area if a nodule doesn't form. These rough, lesion-like spots keep growing slowly, unlike a skin rash that goes away over time. The common sites for this form of cancer include the head, neck, hands, and arms, but they can also appear in other places, like the genital area, in scars, or in open sores or wounds.

Merkel cell carcinomas can take the form of elevated, flesh-colored moles that are red or another hue.

These tiny tumours typically develop on skin that is exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, or scalp.

Checking for skin cancer symptoms

Early detection and treatment of skin cancer depend on routine skin examinations for any new or unusual growths as well as any changes in the size, shape, or colour of an existing lesion. You should speak to a dermatologist or your primary care physician if you notice anything questionable.

While many skin cancers start in areas that are exposed to the sun, they can also start in places that are typically out of the sun's reach. It is crucial to look into each of these topics. In addition to checking the legs, trunk, arms, face, and neck, it's crucial to check the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, genitalia, and even the eyes for any symptoms of skin cancer.