The National Institutes of Health report that skin cancer is the No. 1 cancer diagnosed in the United States. There are different types of skin cancer, and each type can have its own set of initial signs and symptoms. Knowing what signs to look for when checking for skin cancer can help detect it early, allowing you to treat it early and give you a better prognosis.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Signs
Basal cell carcinoma is listed by the Mayo Clinic as the most common type of skin cancer. When examining the body, look for signs of bumps that may have a waxy or white surface, or flat areas of skin that look like scars. Some basal cell carcinomas can ooze fluid or bleed easily. Check areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, face, ears and arms.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Signs
Squamous cell carcinomas show signs of lumps that have a rough surface. The American Cancer Society also reports that, like basal cell carcinomas, they can appear as flat red patches that grow and spread slowly. Because they can often look like "normal" skin, basal and squamous cell carcinomas can be difficult to detect. For this reason, early detection of the warning signs is very important.
Actinic Keratosis Signs
Actinic keratosis, or solar keratosis, is sometimes a "pre-cancerous" skin condition that is brought on by overexposure to the sun. On the skin, these areas are usually small spots that are reddish in color and rough in texture. Several can develop over sun-exposed areas of the skin, or there may be only one or two. This sign needs to be closely watched, as it can often turn into carcinoma.
Melanoma Signs
Melanoma can be hard to detect because it appears to be a simple mole. However, some signs that the mole could be skin cancer involve the appearance of the mole. Look for inconsistency in the color, border and symmetry of the mole. Also, melanomas often grow larger than moles. The American Cancer Society reports that average moles are less than 1/4 inch in diameter, and melanomas can often grow larger than that. A sore that does not heal over the course of two to three months can also be a sign of melanoma.
