Detecting Early Signs of Skin Cancer
June 1, 2009
Over the past few decades, incidence of skin cancer is rising rapidly. Unlike other types of cancers, skin cancer sufferers are often responsible for the development of the disease. Therefore, by taking adequate precautions, we can prevent occurrence of skin cancer.
Prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun is largely responsible for development of skin cancer.
Types of skin cancer
Primarily there are two types of skin cancer – keratinocyte cancer and melanoma. Keratinocyte cancers, also known as basal and squamous cell cancers, develop from keratinocyte cells of the skin. Risk of keratinocyte cancers increases with increased exposure to sunlight. This cancer occurs on the exposed parts of the body. Of the different types of keratinocyte cancers, basal cell cancers are localized in nature. They hardly invade other parts of the body.
Melanomas are fatal than keratinocyte cancers. They develop from the pigment forming melanocyte cells of the skin. Appearance of moles on the skin, sometimes indicate melanoma. This form of skin cancer can occur throughout the body. However, in women, melanomas occur largely on legs and in men, they occur on the trunk.
Skin cancers are curable if the diseases are detected at an early stage.
Checking your own skin
To detect early signs of skin cancer, check your skin at least once every month. To check your skin, stand in front of a full-length mirror in a well-illuminated room. Thoroughly, check your entire body, including face, neck, ears, chest, abdomen and limbs. Women should lift their breasts to see the underlying skin. Do not miss checking the underarms and the areas between your fingers and toes. Use a hand mirror to check the genital area, buttocks and the back. You should also check your scalp.
Signs of skin cancer
Small, pinkish rough spots might indicate pre cancerous conditions caused by too much exposure to sunlight. Flat, flesh colored patches, which grow gradually needs immediate medical attention. Lump covered with crust or scale, which is gradually growing, might indicate squamous cell cancer. Basal cell cancers often appear as flat, reddish, shiny spots, which might be slightly raised. Blood might ooze out from these areas, even from a minor injury. If you discover a new mole on your body, do not ignore it. It might be the sign of melanoma. Moles that are over ¼-inch wide, asymmetrical, have uneven color, irregular or blurred edges and are growing might indicate occurrence of melanoma.
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