Skin Cancer: Don't Ignore These 5 Early Warning Signs

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that can invade other parts of the body. It occurs because the skin develops abnormal cell growth because of ultraviolet sun rays, causing cellular damage. The detection of skin cancer during its early stages, results in better treatment outcomes. Early warning signs of skin cancer can be misleading, that people fail to recognise correctly, and are often overlooked. However, like it is with all cancers, early detection is crucial for treatment, and gives a better chance at survival. Here are 5 very early signs of Skin Cancer that are easily ignored...

The early stages of skin cancer develop through scaly, and rough skin patches. The areas present like dry skin, eczema or warts, leading people to either dismiss them, or apply creams that are of no help. The skin patches come in brown, red or flesh-colored hues, with a rough and scaly surface texture. Basal cell carcinoma primarily causes this symptom, which represents the most widespread form of skin cancer. Any skin patch that fails to improve after two weeks of moisturising and cleaning, requires medical attention for proper examination. Skin cancer potentially develops from scaly patches, which fail to heal even after prolonged periods.

The early stages of melanoma skin cancer reveal themselves through changes in existing moles, or the development of new dark spots. People typically retain their moles throughout their lives and they do not change shape, yet medical evaluation becomes necessary when a mole undergoes shape changes, or color variation. Patients need to check for symmetrical features by comparing the two halves of the mole against each other, and should also inspect for blurred or jagged edges, together with multiple colors and diameters, exceeding 6 millimeters and noticeable growth or elevation. When moles develop pain, bleeding or start itching, they become a warning sign.

Open skin lesions from cancer often appear as sores or wounds, that do not heal, or as ulcers with crater-like depressions. These lesions frequently appear on areas of the body that receive high levels of sun exposure, including the face, neck and hands. Squamous cell carcinoma manifests through shallow sores, which resemble volcanoes, and are bloody inside. The exposed sores may bleed while producing discharge, while simultaneously causing pain or discomfort. People tend to dismiss these skin lesions because they believe they represent wounds or infections, but medical evaluation becomes essential when such lesions persist longer than two weeks without recovery.

An early warning of skin cancer particularly basal cell carcinoma, presents itself as shiny, pearly or translucent bumps under the skin. The surface texture of these bumps is smooth and waxy, while their shape resembles a dome. A network of tiny red or pink blood vessels exists either within, or near these growths. Such growths primarily emerge in sun-exposed locations including the face, ears and neck. Many people tend to dismiss these growths, because they resemble benign skin lumps or cysts. The growth of a bump that continues without resolution, requires dermatological examination because it might represent early skin cancer.

Unresponsive skin itching or irritation, often presents itself as a first indication of skin cancer. The symptom appears like eczema or allergic reaction, yet persists after standard treatment or moisturising. The skin lesions of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, often present as small red irritated areas, which cause itching. The immune system mounts a response against cancerous cells, by creating continuous itching or inflammation. Any skin area that maintains unusual itchiness, redness or inflammation needs prompt medical evaluation.

Reference Links

https://www.manipaltrutest.com/blogs/five-lesser-known-skin-cancer-symptoms-to-watch-for-early-detection

https://www.check4cancer.com/blogs/advice-and-awareness/tagged/skin

https://gshospitals.in/did-you-know-the-symptoms-of-skin-cancer.php

https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/warning-signs-of-melanoma-skin-cancer/

https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a20889128/skin-cancer-facts/

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice