Five Signs of Skin Cancer
One of the most visible forms of cancerous growth on the body is skin cancer. Malignant growth is a characteristic of skin cancer and it can occur due to numerous reasons. Melanoma, squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer are the most widespread type of skin cancer. The tumor in skin cancer is very clearly visible as the abnormal growth of cells takes place on the skin’s surface specifically on the epidermal layer of the skin which makes for easy detection of signs of skin cancer.
The three types of skin cancers are named according to the type of skin cells on which they originate. Skin cancer is less deadly than lung, colon or stomach cancer. It is the most common type of cancer. Though melanoma is rarely found in comparison to the other types like basal cell cancer yet it poses a grave danger. Melanoma is usually found in the younger generation. The action of sun rays on the skin is primarily the main reason for skin cancer. Generally these are local infections and caused due to constant exposure to sun. This does not spread to adjacent areas. The signs of skin cancer are plenty in number starting from discoloration of skin, ulcer conditions and visible changes in the skin that refuse to heal. Discoloration of mole or its enlargement can also be considered as one of the signs of skin cancer.
In case of basal cell carcinoma, a raised structure of pear shape having a smooth outline is seen on areas like the head, shoulders or the neck. One can also see blood vessels emanating across the tumor. A crust develops and bleeding takes place eventually. Sometimes it may so happen that one mistakenly takes the signs of skin cancer for a sore that does not heal with time.
Now, squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by scales on the skin which are thickened at the edges and are red in color. This type of skin cancer is mainly seen in places where the sun acts the most. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer among the three.
Melanomas are lesions which are of black or brown color. Any change in the size, color or bulge of the mole can be taken as symptoms of skin cancer of melanoma type. Ulceration and bleeding are often visible in such cases. Then there are raised spots of purple or red skin which are non-itchy but they grow really very fast. Merkel cell carcinomas are of this variety.
As soon as one is able to interpret the signs of skin cancer, he should consult the doctor immediately to get the right treatment at the right moment. Otherwise, it may take a malignant form. A dermatoscope clearly reveals the condition of the area of an afflicted person during clinical diagnosis. Melanoma can be easily identified with the aid of the ABCD guideline. A skin biopsy is the essential requirement for the clinical diagnostic treatment. Shave and punch biopsies are among the many techniques used for this purpose.
