Skin Cancer Symptoms

What is a Skin Cancer Symptom?

The primary skin cancer symptom is a change somewhere in the appearance of the skin. This can be a change in a mole or wart that is already on the skin or a new sore that does not heal in a reasonable length of time. The most common type of skin cancer is the basal cell carcinoma accounting for just over seventy percent of all skin cancers. The signs to look for with this type of skin cancer are not necessarily distinctive from those of the others. If you see a mole that changes shape or if the color or the size of it changes then this is something to bring to the attention of your health care provider. Any spot on the skin that is red, smooth, or shiny and bleeds for no reason, then scabs, bleeds again and scabs with this cycle repeating regularly and lasting more than three weeks should be checked.

The basal cell carcinoma is highly curable if caught early. That means even if you feel foolish about asking your health care provider about something small that seems out of place on your skin you are doing the cautious and smart thing. This type of skin cancer can appear in several different forms and each one is just a much a concern. Sometimes the skin cancer symptom appears as a spot filled with blood vessels and looks more like a spider. This is called telangiectasias. Whichever signs you notice do not ignore them.

The second most common kind of cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. Over twenty percent of the remaining cases diagnosed yearly will be this kind. Like basal cell carcinoma it is curable if identified and treated early. The skin cancer symptom you would check for is not much different though if you are a smoker, spend too much time in the sun or chew tobacco and notice sores on the lower lip that do not heal properly this is also a sign. Any bump or sore that does not heal on the skin is worrisome and should be checked out. Do not delay if you see something you think is wrong, the worst that can happen is your health care provider givers you a clean bill of health.