How To Spot A Bcc: Five Warning Signs
Check for BCCs where your skin is most exposed to the sun, especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, shoulders and back, but remember that they can occur anywhere on the body. Frequently, two or more of these warning signs and symptoms are apparent in a BCC tumor.
Please note: Since not all BCCs have the same appearance, these images serve as a general reference to what basal cell carcinoma looks like.
An open sore that does not heal
A reddish patch or irritated area
A small pink growth with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center
A shiny bump or nodule
A scar-like area that is flat white, yellow or waxy in color
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can show up on the skin in many ways. Also known as BCC, this skin cancer tends to grow slowly and can be mistaken for a harmless pimple, scar, or sore.
Common signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma
This skin cancer often develops on the head or neck and looks like a shiny, raised, and round growth.
To help you spot BCC before it grows deep into your skin, dermatologists share these 7 warning signs that could be easily missed.
If you find any of the following signs on your skin, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Early Stages
The second most common form of cancer in the skin is squamous cell carcinoma. At first, cancer cells appear as flat patches in the skin, often with a rough, scaly, reddish, or brown surface. These abnormal cells slowly grow in sun-exposed areas. Without proper treatment, squamous cell carcinoma can become life-threatening once it has spread and damaged healthy tissue and organs.
Read Also: What Is Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma
How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed In A Child
The healthcare provider will examine your child’s skin. Tell the healthcare provider:
-
When you first noticed the skin problem
-
If it oozes fluid or bleeds, or gets crusty
-
If its changed in size, color, or shape
-
If your child has pain or itching
Tell the healthcare provider if your child has had skin cancer in the past, and if other your family members have had skin cancer.
Your child’s healthcare provider will likely take a small piece of tissue from a mole or other skin mark that may look like cancer. The tissue is sent to a lab. A doctor called a pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope. He or she may do other tests to see if cancer cells are in the sample. The biopsy results will likely be ready in a few days or a week. Your child’s healthcare provider will tell you the results. He or she will talk with you about other tests that may be needed if cancer is found.
How Can I Help My Child Live With Skin Cancer
If your child has skin cancer, you can help him or her during treatment in these ways:
-
Your child may have trouble eating. A dietitian or nutritionist may be able to help.
-
Your child may be very tired. He or she will need to learn to balance rest and activity.
-
Get emotional support for your child. Counselors and support groups can help.
-
Keep all follow-up appointments.
-
Keep your child out of the sun.
After treatment, check your childs skin every month or as often as advised.
Read Also: How Serious Is Skin Cancer On The Face
More Pictures Of Basal Cell Carcinoma
While the above pictures show you some common ways that BCC can appear on the skin, this skin cancer can show up in other ways, as the following pictures illustrate.
Scaly patch with a spot of normal-looking skin in the center
On the trunk, BCC may look like a scaly patch with a spot of normal-looking skin in the center and a slightly raised border, as shown here.
Basal cell carcinoma can be lighter in some areas and darker in others
While BCC tends to be one color, it can be lighter in some areas and darker in others, as shown here.
Basal cell carcinoma can be brown in color
Most BCCs are red or pink however, this skin cancer can be brown, as shown here.
Basal cell carcinoma can look like a group of shiny bumps
BCC can look like a group of small, shiny bumps that feel smooth to the touch.
Basal cell carcinoma can look like a wart or a sore
The BCC on this patients lower eyelid looks like a wart* in one area and a sore** in another area.
If you see a spot or growth on your skin that looks like any of the above or one that is growing or changing in any way, see a board-certified dermatologist.
The Warning Signs Of Skin Cancer
Skin cancers — including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma — often start as changes to your skin. They can be new growths or precancerous lesions — changes that are not cancer but could become cancer over time. An estimated 40% to 50% of fair-skinned people who live to be 65 will develop at least one skin cancer. Learn to spot the early warning signs. Skin cancer can be cured if it’s found and treated early.
Read Also: What Is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Early Detection Best Practices
When caught promptly, almost all squamous cell carcinomas of the skin can be successfully treated. But when they become more advanced, these skin cancers can become dangerous.
Thats why its important to be on the lookout for any SCC warning signs, including new,changing or unusual skin growths.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Images
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma sometimes looks like a hard red bump, almost like a pimple. Other times it is a flat lesion with a crusty or scaly surface. It may resemble a sore that has scabbed over. Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is most commonly found on the face or neck, though it sometimes occurs in other parts of the body.
Don’t Miss: Are White Spots Skin Cancer
What Are The Types Of Skin Cancer
There are 3 main types of skin cancer:
-
Basal cell carcinoma. The majority of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma. Its a very treatable cancer. It starts in the basal cell layer of the skin and grows very slowly. The cancer usually appears as a small, shiny bump or nodule on the skin. It occurs mainly on areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, arms, hands, and face. It more often occurs among people with light-colored eyes, hair, and skin.
-
Squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer is less common. It grows faster than basal cell carcinoma, but its also very treatable. Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as nodules or red, scaly patches of skin, and may be found on the face, ears, lips, and mouth. It can spread to other parts of the body, but this is rare. This type of skin cancer is most often found in people with light skin.
-
Melanoma. This type of skin cancer is a small portion of all skin cancers, but it causes the most deaths. It starts in the melanocyte cells that make pigment in the skin. It may begin as a mole that turns into cancer. This cancer may spread quickly. Melanoma most often appears on fair-skinned people, but is found in people of all skin types.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet NZ
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ is also known as Bowens disease. It appears as a red or brownish patch or plaque on the skin that grows slowly over time. It is a pre-cancerous condition, meaning it could turn into cancer if left untreated.
The patches are often found on the legs and lower parts of the body. They can also be found on the head and neck. In rare cases, the patches are found on the hands and feet, in the genital area, and around the anus.
Bowens disease is uncommon. Only 15 out of every 100,000 people develop this condition every year.
The condition typically affects Caucasian individuals. Assigned females are more likely to develop Bowens disease than assigned males. The majority of cases are in adults over 60.
As with other skin cancers, Bowens disease can develop after long-term exposure to the sun. It can also develop following radiation treatment.
Other causes include:
- Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema
- A human papillomavirus infection, or a group of conditions that cause warts
Bowens disease is generally treatable. It doesnt usually develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Up to 16% of cases develop into cancer.
Recommended Reading: Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Genetic
Can Squamous Cell Carcinoma Be Prevented
The best way to prevent SCC is to avoid sunburn. Avoid going outin the sun when the UV Index is higher than 3, such as in the middle of theday. Seek shade, wear a hat, sunglasses and clothing that protects you from thesun, and always use an SPF30+ sunscreen. Do not go to tanningsalons.
If you are at very high risk of developing another skin cancer, yourdoctor may prescribe you specific vitamins.
You May Like: Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma Survival Rate
What Are The Symptoms
You may not have any symptoms in the early stages of melanoma. Or a melanoma may be sore, or it may itch or bleed.
Any change in the shape, size, or color of a mole may be a sign of melanoma.
Melanoma may look like a flat, brown or black mole that has uneven edges. Melanomas usually have an irregular or asymmetrical shape. This means that one half of the mole doesnt match the other half. They may be any size but are usually 0.25 in. or larger.
Melanomas can be found anywhere on your body. Most of the time, they are on the upper back in men and women and on the legs of women.
Read Also: What Is The Survival Rate Of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Don’t Miss: Can Melanoma Cause Back Pain
What Are Possible Complications Of Skin Cancer In A Child
Possible complications depend on the type and stage of skin cancer. Melanoma is more likely to cause complications. And the more advanced the cancer, the more likely there will be complications.
Complications may result from treatment, such as:
-
Loss of large areas of skin and underlying tissue
-
Scarring
-
Problems with the area healing
-
Infection in the area
-
Return of the skin cancer after treatment
Melanoma may spread to organs throughout the body and cause death.
What Skin Cancer Looks Like
Skin cancer appears on the body in many different ways. It can look like a:
-
Changing mole or mole that looks different from your others
-
Dome-shaped growth
-
Non-healing sore or sore that heals and returns
-
Brown or black streak under a nail
It can also show up in other ways.
To find skin cancer on your body, you dont have to remember a long list. Dermatologists sum it up this way. Its time to see a dermatologist if you notice a spot on your skin that:
-
Differs from the others
-
Itches
-
Bleeds
To make it easy for you to check your skin, the AAD created the Body Mole Map. Youll find everything you need to know on a single page. Illustrations show you how to examine your skin and what to look for. Theres even place to record what your spots look like. Youll find this page, which you can print, at Body Mole Map.
You May Like: What Does Early Skin Cancer Look Like
When To See A Healthcare Provider
It is always vital to seek medical advice early for a skin change, no matter how small it may appear. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider for a skin exam if you notice:
- Any new changes, lesions, or persistent marks on your skin
- A mole that is asymmetrical, has an irregular border, is multicolored, is large in diameter, is evolving, or has begun to crust or bleed
- An “ugly duckling” mole on the skin
- Any changes to your skin that you are concerned about
Can Rashes Be A Sign Of Cancer
Occasionally, bumps or redness on your skin can be a sign of cancer.
For example, if you notice an itchy mole on your chest that seems to be changing shape, theres a chance youre dealing with skin cancer.
Because cancer can be very serious even life threatening its important to know the difference between a rash caused by irritation and one caused by skin cancer.
This is why its important to talk with a dermatologist about any rash or growth thats new, changing, or not going away.
While skin cancers are often asymptomatic, meaning they dont show symptoms, they can be itchy.
For instance, basal cell skin cancer as a raised reddish patch that itches, and melanoma can take the form of itchy dark spots or moles.
Talk with your doctor about any itchy, crusty, scabbed, or bleeding sore thats not healing.
of skin cancer is a change in your skin, such as a:
- new growth
- sore thats not healing
- mole thats changing color or shape
Melanoma is a less common but more dangerous form of skin cancer because it can spread easily if not treated. One of the best ways to get a handle on its symptoms is to think of A-B-C-D-E.
If any of these apply to a mark on your skin, its important to talk with a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Actinic cheilitis looks like scaly bumps and sores on your lower lip. Your lip might also be swollen and red.
Actinic cheilitis can turn into squamous cell cancer if you dont have the bumps removed.
Also Check: Where Can Skin Cancer Spread
Pimple Or Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a very slow developing disease, often taking weeks, months, or even years to fully take hold. While pimples may come and go, a skin cancer bump or lesion will not heal on its own, and in fact will continue to grow and change its appearance over time. The average pimple stays on the skin for about a week and will begin to subside after popping it. Skin cancer pimples may pop, but that wont help them heal.
One of the most surefire ways to tell the difference between a pimple or skin cancer is whether or not the bump goes away. Even the deepest of pimples will begin to fade over time, but skin cancer requires professional treatment.
What Does A Cancerous Rash Look Like
Cancerous rashes, marks, and moles can vary in their appearance. If you notice a red, scaly patch on your skin that itches, cracks, or bleeds and doesnt seem to be healing there is a chance it could be cancerous.
Talking with your doctor or a dermatologist is the best way to figure out if youre dealing with a less serious rash or something that will need to be biopsied.
As a general reminder, if you notice a mark on your skin thats changing shape or color, its important to get a medical opinion as soon as possible.
You May Like: How Quickly Can Melanoma Appear
A Primer On Skin Cancer
Malignant melanoma, especially in the later stages, is serious and treatment is difficult. Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the survival rate. Nonmelanoma skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both are common and are almost always cured when found early and treated. People who’ve had skin cancer once are at risk for getting it again they should get a checkup at least once a year.
Skin Cancer Of The Head And Neck Treatment
Many early-stage small basal cell cancers or squamous cell cancers can be removed by Mohs surgery, a technique that spares normal tissue through repeated intraoperative margin testing, removing only the cancer and leaving adjacent normal tissue. Tumors with nerve involvement, lymph node involvement or of a large size are not suitable for Mohs surgery. They require a multimodality approach to treatment, with formal surgical resection and adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy.
Melanoma is more likely to spread, and aggressive surgical resection with wide margins is required, in addition to radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Also Check: How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed
The Early Stages Of Skin Cancer
Some forms of cancer, especially melanoma, may appear suddenly and without warning. Most people become alarmed only when they develop a crust or sore that refuses to heal. Did you know that the early stages of cancer do not always look or feel so bad? Harmless-looking moles, skin lesions, or unusual skin growths may also be the signs of early stages.
Regular skin examination can help you spot these early clues. If you see anything suspicious or observe unusual appearances in your skin, we can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment immediately. Some forms of cancer in the skin can be life-threatening and spread without being given urgent attention.