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Early Signs of Skin Cancer



Most skin cancer can be detected in the early stages. Be aware of the signs of skin cancer as skin tumors are more visible than tumors of internal organs.



Signs of Skin Cancer

Very often, the first sign of change on the skin - new growth, a sore that does not heal or a change in an old growth (for example a mole) is the most common signs of skin cancer. But not all skin cancers look the same.

Skin changes to watch out for are:

  • a sore that does not heal

  • small, smooth, shiny, pale or waxy lump

  • firm, red lump

  • sore or lump that bleeds or develop a crust or scab

  • flat red spot that is rough, dry or scaly and may become itchy or tender

  • red or brown patch that is rough and scaly

  • the shape of one half of the spot does not match the other

  • the edges of spot are ragged, notched, blurred or irregular in outline and the pigment may spread into surrounding skin

  • the colour is uneven - shades of black, brown and tan mat be present. Areas of white, grey, red, pink or blue may be seen

  • an increase in size of a spot - larger than 6 mm

If you have a question or concern about something on your skin, consult your doctor. Do not use the above description of signs of skin cancer to try to diagnose it yourself. Even some pictures are useful examples, but they cannot take the place of a doctor's examination.



How to Examine Your Skin?

In order to detect skin cancer in the earliest stage possible, it is important to check our skin preferably once a month to look out for early signs of skin cancer. Be familiar with your pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles and other marks on your skin so that you will notice any changes.

A self examination is best done in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. A hand held mirror can be used for areas that are hard to see.

Face the mirror

  • check your face, ears, neck, chest and belly

  • check the underarm areas, both sides of the arms, tops and palms of your hands and fingernail beds

Sit down

  • check the front of your thighs, shins, tops of your feet, in between your toes and toenail beds

  • look at the bottom of your feet, calves and backs of your thighs using a hand mirror

Stand up

  • use the hand mirror to check the buttocks, genital area, lower and upper back, and back of the neckor it may be easier to look at your back in the wall mirror using the hand mirror

  • or it may be easier to look at your back in the wall mirror using the hand mirror

It is good to record the date of your skin examination and to write notes about the way your skin looks. The best is to capture on photos with a ruler next to the spot or mole. This way you have the size recorded.

Early detection is essential for successful treatment of skin cancers. You should consult your doctor if you have any suspicious skin changes or leisons.



What is an Ordinary Mole?

An ordinary mole is an evenly coloured brown, tan or flesh-coloured spot on the skin. It is either flat or raised. It is round or oval in shape and has sharply defined borders. Moles are generally less than 6 mm in diameter.

A mole may be present at birth or it may appear later. Sometimes several moles may appear at the same time especailly on areas of the skin exposed to the sun. Once a mole is fully developed, it normally remains the same size, shape and colour for many years. Most moles fade as we grow older.

Most people have moles and almost all moles are harmless. But it is important to recognize changes in mole - size, shape, colour and feel.



Take a QUIZ! I do not sunbathe, so there is no way I could get skin cancer. TRUE or FALSE?

The answer is FALSE! Sun exposure can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. But it is not the only cause. If you have a family history of skin cancer, you may be genetically predisposed and should take extra precaution and pay attention to the signs of skin cancer.



Related Articles

To find out what causes skin cancer.

Learn how to identify skin cancer signs with links to ACS, NCI and AAD





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