Sign of skin cancer

Recognize a Common Sign of Skin Cancer

Different skin cancers have different clues to their state. The clues are based on which type of skin cancer they are. If you see something strange that you think might be a sign of skin cancer be sure to see your health care provider immediately. Most skin cancers can be cured if they are found quickly; the problem is when they are not recognized and so go untreated. Studies have shown that the average health care provider only makes the right diagnosis ninety percent of the time. That ten percent of the time they are wrong can be a fatal mistake for the person who is given the wrong information. Due to this possible misdiagnosis it is important for the average person to know what they should be aware of when it comes to skin cancers.

The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer, are the appearance of a bump on the face or neck that is off white in color. Sometimes they look flesh colored or like a fresh scar and are on the chest or back. This cancer strikes nearly three quarters of a million people yearly, but is highly curable if caught early and treated. If the sign of skin cancer that is noticed is on a person’s face, lips, arms hands or on the neck and seems to be a solid red bump this may be squamous cell cancer, the second most common kind diagnosed. Sometimes they appear crusty though still on the same areas.

The most dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma. This is because this type will spread and that is when it becomes worrisome. There are several signs to be wary of with melanoma. One of the most common is changes that take place in a mole. If one changes color, bleeds or feels different it should be shown to a physician immediately. If a new mole appears suddenly, or a small sore that does not go away which is firm and shiny these also should be shown to a health care provider as soon as possible. Another sign on skin cancer is seeing red or purplish colored patches on the skin. These can be a sign of Kaposi’s sarcoma which is a skin cancer common in AIDS patients. Any unusual skin lesions should be shown to a physician to prevent spreading and get early intervention; it could save your life.