FYI Cosmetics

Knowing what skin cancer looks like is the first step in both identifying and eliminating it.  Saying that individuals should be looking for any skin abnormalities is grossly generalizing skin cancer, mostly because our skin can change and develop at any time, and those changes don’t necessarily relate to cancer.  There are specific warning signs that all individuals should be aware of regarding the presence of skin cancer; anyone who experiences any of these signs should have their skin screened immediately.  Below are the most common warning signs pertaining to skin cancer.

• Translucent pearl-shaped growth
• Mole that has grown quickly and may bleed or itch
• Mole with any ABCDE feature:
  • A – Asymmetrical – most freckles and moles are near perfect circles.  Moles that are not symmetrical are commonly the beginnings of skin cancer.
  • B – Borders are irregular.
  • C – Color varies.
  • D – Diameter that is greater than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser). Melanoma’s are usually greater than 6mm but can be smaller when first diagnosed.
  • E – Evolution in size, shape, color or texture.  Sudden changes in moles that have always looked the same.
• Brown or black streaks underneath fingernails or toenails
• Sore that heals and reopens on a repeated basis
• A smooth, waxy lesion
• Cluster(s) of shiny or scaly lesions that are pink or red in color and are slow growing

There are three different types of skin cancer which include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.  Each type has different warning signs; therefore it is important to be familiar with all so that you can detect skin cancer as early as possible.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: basal cell carcinoma accounts for over 80% of skin cancer cases worldwide, making it the most common form that individuals experience.  This type of cancer most often appears in areas that are over exposed to the sun, including the face, ears, scalp, neck, chest, hands, back and legs.  Basal cell carcinoma can take several forms including: small translucent growths that may be slightly pigmented and may contain small blood vessels, open sores that repeatedly bleed and heal and small clusters of slow growing pink or red lesions that can be shiny and scaly.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer and accounts for about 16% of new skin cancer cases in the United States.  Warning signs for this type of cancer commonly appear in sun exposed areas such as the face, neck, ears, scalp, arms and hands, however it can appear anywhere on the body including the lips, the inside of the mouth and the genitals.  Warning signs for squamous cell carcinoma include crusted or scaly areas on the skin, sores that do not heal, red, scaly bumps or patches and wart-like growth on plaque.

Melanoma: Melanoma accounts for only about 4% of skin cancer cases and is the most serious form of skin cancer, only because of its ability to spread rapidly.  Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, however it is most commonly found on the buttocks, back, legs, scalp, neck and behind the ears.  Melanoma most often develops in pre-existing moles, causing it to rapidly change in size, texture and color.  20% to 40% of all melanoma cases begin in an atypical mole which is why it is important to be aware of the moles you have and keep an eye out for any changes.

Studies have shown that with early detection, over 95% of skin cancer cases are cured.  Regular skin screenings with your dermatologist will allow for early detection for all types of skin cancer.

Source: Freckle Removal