Signs of Skin Cancer

Oftentimes, people feel distraught upon knowing that they have any signs of skin cancer. No one can hold them from having such reaction and feeling for the skin is our largest organ and being affected with one of the lethal disease in the world, the anxiety comes common and natural. However, being familiar with what the disease really is eases the stress and one will have a better fight against it. So, what are signs of skin cancer?

Our body is composed of approximately 50 trillion cells. These cells are self-maintaining and keep our body in good sound. Sometimes, healthy cells lose the ability to sustain themselves and become abnormal cells. From these abnormal cells, cancer develops and spreads out uncontrollably and invades other tissues, organs and bones.

Signs of Skin cancer are typically visible and one can initially evaluate himself. But, at times people disregard it, for it was mistakenly thought of something else. Looking into photos and learning the differences, one can easily distinguish a regular mole, lesion or sore from skin cancer. Like basal cell carcinoma or BCC, the most common type of skin cancer which is often mistaken as a sore or boil that does not heal. It is elevated, smooth, shinny bump on the skin. The color may be brown or skin-colored. Typically, it appears on the areas of the skin that is exposed to the sun such as the head, neck, shoulders and arms.

Another common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma or SCC. It often appears on the rough or thick area of the skin. As reference to the pictures, you can see that SCC looks like a red growing tumor over the skin. Like BCC, it is also commonly found in sun-exposed areas but it can also grow even inside the mouth or genital area. Though, BCC and SCC have lesser risk of fatality but if not treated early, both can cause dis-figuration.

Another common but most fatal form of skin cancer sign is melanoma for it rapidly spreads and invades other tissues and organs. It is caused by too much exposure to the sun and looks like a mole or new mole. From the picture, you can see that unlike regular moles melanomas are multi-colored, asymmetrical in shape, have irregular or faded margins, larger than ¼ inch, growing and changing.

Surgical removal is the sole treatment for such disease. And being alert on changes on your skin and your body as well plus awareness on these signs of skin cancer do not only help cure and fight against skin cancer, but can save a life as well.