Warning Signs Of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer has become one of the biggest threats in the modern world. Pollution, exposure to ultraviolet light and even nutrition are risk factors that can cause cancer cells to form in the skin. The most common form of skin cancer is non-melanoma, as this type of cancerous tumor includes all types of skin cancer except malignant melanoma, which comes from the melanocytes in the skin. In today’s post, we will review the warning signs of skin cancer.

Causes of skin cancer

• One of the primary causes of skin cancer is frequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is found in sunlight. If you are exposed to strong sunlight for a long time, you have a greater risk of developing skin cancer. The level of risk depends on the intensity of sunlight, the exposure time and on whether the skin is protected by e.g. sunscreen or clothing.
• The use of high mountain sun or tanning beds is another risk factor that can lead to skin cancer. Tanning beds are a source of ultraviolet radiation, which has been shown to cause non-melanoma skin cancer. 

•  Contact with or exposure to toxic chemical elements such as arsenic, industrial tar, coal, paraffin and certain types of oil.
• Radiation from radiation therapy.
• Damage to or severe inflammation of the skin, such as severe burns, the skin on top of a bone infection and / or skin damaged by inflammatory diseases.
• Genetic risk factors.

Warning signs of skin cancer

Any change in the skin, such as sores, dents, spots, marks, patches or anything other than the usual, is a potential warning sign, which can mean that you have non-melanoma skin cancer, or in the worst case, melanoma skin cancer.

The signs of non-melanoma skin cancer start with marks on the skin- Among the most important warning signs is the appearance of a mass, a bulge or a spot, which continues to grow over a period of time, which can last several months or even several years. A wound that does not heal within three months can also mean skin cancer.

Basocellular carcinoma is a type of slow-growing cancer that can be detected by the appearance of red, scaly, flat areas on the skin.  It can also show up as small, waxy areas that will easily bleed. It also manifests itself as dark blue, brown or black areas on the skin as well as as irregular blood vessels that can be seen under the skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 20% of all skin cancers and develops in the top layer of the skin. It can be detected by the appearance of growths, which usually have a rough surface, but can also develop as being a flat, red area that slowly increases in size. This type of cancer is often found on areas of the face and on the back of the hand.

Kaposi’s sarcoma begins in the subcutaneous tissue but can also start in the internal organs. The affected area will often begin to look like a bruise, but will develop into a cancerous tumor.

Signs and symptoms of Melanoma (skin cancer)

A common feature of skin cancer is the appearance of a new birthmark on the skin or a change in the shape or color of an existing birthmark. Another warning sign of cancer is a birthmark that looks different from the rest of those you have. In any case, it is always best to talk to a doctor as soon as possible.

Another simple way to catch skin cancer is by following the AKFDU rule:

• Asymmetry: The two halves of the birthmark do not match.

• Edge:  Poorly defined, uneven or abnormal edges.
• Color:  Uneven color, including shades of brown or black. Red, blue, white or pink marks may also appear.
• Diameter:  A mother brand with a diameter of over 6mm.
• Development: Changes in size, shape or color.