What Age Spots Look Like
Age spots are very common and are usually harmless. When you hit 50 years old, youll probably start seeing age spots on your skin, especially if you have pale complexion. Theyre caused by years of exposure to UV rays from the sun. If youre out in the sun a lot, you may start getting age spots earlier than usual. Thats why its so important to take care of your skin while in the sun!
Youll usually find age spots on your hands, shoulders, arms, tops of your feet and upper back. These are the areas of your body that see the sun the most. Though age spots vary in size, youll usually see the following characteristics when identifying an age spot, according to Mayo Clinic:
- Flat and oval areas of skin discoloration
- Tan, black or brown in color
- Appear in areas that are commonly exposed to the sun
If you have age spots or any other type of cosmetic brown spot, we can help erase them. Learn more about our brown spot treatments here!
Looking For Signs Of Skin Cancer
Non melanoma skin cancers;tend to develop most often on skin that’s exposed to the sun.
To spot skin cancers early it helps to know how your skin normally looks. That way, you’ll notice any changes more easily.
To look at areas you cant see easily, you could try using a hand held mirror and reflect your skin onto another mirror. Or you could get your partner or a;friend to look. This is very important if you’re regularly outside in the sun for work or leisure.;
You can;take;a photo;of anything that doesn’t look quite right. If you can it’s a good idea to put a ruler or tape measure next to the abnormal area;when you take the photo. This;gives you a more accurate idea about its size and can help you tell if it’s changing. You can then show these pictures to your doctor.;
Should I Be Checked For Skin Cancer
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The best way to protect yourself from skin cancer is to use sun protection and have regular skin examinations by a doctor who is trained in using dermoscopy . If you are at high risk of skin cancer , full skin examinations are recommended every 6 months.
Early detection of skin cancer can improve the chances of successful treatment. You should become familiar with your skin, even the skin that is not normally exposed to the sun, and tell a doctor if you notice any change in shape, colour or size of a mole or freckle, or if you develop a new spot.
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Skin Cancer Symptoms And Signs
Basal Cell Carcinoma
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer and has a predilection for sun-exposed skin. Tumors may appear as a pearly or waxy bumps usually with visible blood vessels , or as a flat scaly reddish patch with a brown border, or as a hard or scar-like lesion . Frequently BCCs can be itchy, often bleed, or in more advanced cases, ulcerate.
Leaving Squamous Cell Carcinoma Untreated
The third type of skin cancer we have to be cautious of in Australia is squamous cell carcinoma. This is potentially life threatening and is most dangerous when found on the face, lips, ears or neck. As it grows, there is the chance it may spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs, and while it isnt as fast growing as melanoma, it still requires treatment.
You may notice squamous cell carcinoma in the top layer of your skin and it will likely be red and scaly. Surgery is often used for removal, but if it has progressed significantly some reconstruction to the face may be needed. This is the second most common form of skin cancer, and can be quite painful to touch.
All skin cancer has the potential to be fatal, and regular checks and any necessary treatment is recommended. Melanoma is by far the most serious form of skin cancer, and if suspected you should seek an urgent skin check. Please contact My Skin Centre to book your appointment in the Perth region.
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After Squamous Cell Cancer Of The Skin Has Been Diagnosed Tests Are Done To Find Out If Cancer Cells Have Spread Within The Skin Or To Other Parts Of The Body
The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the skin or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
Basal cell carcinoma of the skin rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Staging tests to check whether basal cell carcinoma of the skin has spread are usually not needed.
The following tests and procedures may be used in the staging process for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin:
Flag A Spot Thats Slow To Heal
Moles and skin spots can get scraped, bumped, and cut, but an otherwise healthy mole should heal quickly. If it doesnt heal within three weeks, that can be a sign of skin cancer, says Dr. McNeill, noting that this includes melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell cancers. That cancer warning holds true even if, say, the bleeding or oozing happens only occasionally; if the skin sore heals and then comes back; or if a scab develops and the scab takes a few weeks to heal.
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New Changing Or Unusual
The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests being aware of 3 basic indicators of skin cancer that should prompt you to make an appointment with your dermatologist: new, changing, or unusual. If you see a new spot on your skin, like a mole, you should get it checked out. A spot that youve had for a while that starts to change can also be a warning sign. Some changes to be concerned about are: bleeding, crusting, oozing, enlarging border, increasing in size, or changing color. You might also notice an ugly duckling on your skin — a spot on your skin that doesnt look like neighboring spots. For example, you might notice that one of your moles is significantly larger than the others. This could be an indication of skin cancer — see your dermatologist.
Where To Find Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body in people of all ages and skin tones. In people with darker skin tones, melanoma is more likely to develop in areas that arent exposed to the sun, like the palms of the hand and soles of the feet. Skin cancer can be found under the nails, usually noticeable as a dark line. However, most skin cancer develops on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, and these are the areas you should be especially vigilant about in both prevention and detection. These parts of the body include the face, ears, scalp, neck, chest, shoulders, arms, legs and torso .
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How Often Should You Get A Skin Cancer Exam
Experts disagree on this question. Some medical groups say you should only get a screening if you have suspicious moles or you have a high chance of getting melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.
Others recommend a yearly screening for people who are at high risk for skin cancer. A few things make you more likely to get it:
- Blond or red hair, light eye color, and skin that freckles or sunburns easily
- People in your family have had melanoma
- Youve had unusual moles in the past
- Youve had sunburns before, especially any that blistered
- Youve used tanning beds
- You have more than 50 moles or any that look irregular
What You Need To Know About Early Detection
Finding melanoma at an early stage is crucial; early detection can vastly increase your chances for cure.
Look for anything new,changing or unusual on both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas of the body. Melanomas commonly appear on the legs of women, and the number one place they develop on men is the trunk. Keep in mind, though, that melanomas can arise anywhere on the skin, even in areas where the sun doesnt shine.
Most moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are harmless but not always. The ABCDEs and the;Ugly Duckling sign can help you detect melanoma.
Early detection makes a difference
99%5-year survival rate for patients in the U.S. whose melanoma is detected early. The survival rate drops to 66% if the disease reaches the lymph nodes and27% if it spreads to distant organs.
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Can Skin Cancer On The Scalp Spread To The Brain
Yes. If left untreated, skin cancer on the scalp can spread from your scalp to other areas of your body, including your brain.
This is known as metastatic cancer or, in some areas, stage IV cancer. Spreading to the brain is a relatively common form of metastatic skin cancer, especially with melanoma, which is part of why early treatment is essential.
Different Types Of Cancer Start In The Skin
Skin cancer may form in basal cells or squamous cells. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer. They are also called nonmelanoma skin cancer. Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that sometimes becomes squamous cell carcinoma.
Melanoma is less common than basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. It is more likely to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
This summary is about basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, and actinic keratosis. See the following PDQ summaries for information on melanoma and other kinds of cancer that affect the skin:
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How To Identify Skin Cancer Vs Age Spots
Finding a strange spot on your body can be pretty scary. You dont know how long it will be there, if its dangerous, or what it even is. The best thing you can do when you find weird-looking spot on your body is to visit your dermatologist.
While youre waiting to see a doctor, you may want to better understand two common types of skin spots: skin cancer and age spots, also known as liver spots. Its easy to get the two confused, so lets take a closer look at them.
Signs Of Skin Cancer: The Importance Of Screening
Age spot or liver spot.
If youre at risk of skin cancer, its wise to have a full-body exam by a dermatologist every one to two years. A melanoma may not look very threatening, but the longer it goes undetected and untreated, the more likely the cancer will spread to other areas of your body.
A board-certified dermatologist is best equipped to diagnose skin cancers. In addition to rigorous training, we also have special lighting and devices called dermatoscopes that help differentiate between lentigines, moles, and skin cancers, says Dr. Lipner.
Between visits to your dermatologist, do a monthly self-check of your skin to monitor your moles, brown spots, and freckles, as well as any new spots or growths that appear. Perform your self-exam under a bright light, using a full-length mirror as well as a hand mirror. And, make sure to check your lips, mouth, ears, scalp, under your breasts, fingernails, and toenails, between your fingers and toes, the soles of your feet, and your genitals.
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How Do You Check If You Have Skin Cancer
A dermatologist may perform a full-body exam when checking for skin cancer. You want to tell your provider if you have moles that bleed, itch, have changed over time, or are new. A dermatologist will look over your entire body and examine each mole. When they look at every mole, they will consider; the diameter, color, border, and symmetry of the lesions. Your doctor may also look for actinic keratoses that occur from sun damage and can lead to cancer if untreated.
However, a visual exam is only the first part. If your doctor is concerned about a mole, they will possibly perform a biopsy. Then, your dermatologist will usually send the mole sample to a lab to check it for cancer cells. If the biopsy says that there are cancer cells, your doctor may recommend additional treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Signs And Symptoms
Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma usually occurs because of repeated sun exposure over time. This skin cancer is a slow-developing skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the skin, although it is still considered uncommon to spread widely.
Squamous cell carcinoma normally takes the form of:
- wart-like bumps that often have crusted surfaces
- rough, scaly patches that may bleed
- an open sore that bleeds or develops a crust
- red, dome-like nodules
Bowens disease, also known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ, is an early form of squamous cell carcinoma. It usually appears as a red, itchy scaly patch that can often be confused for psoriasis or eczema. It is easily treated, but if left undiagnosed, it can pose a risk.
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Looks Can Be Deceptive
Precancerous skin growths may look harmless. As you now know, their looks can be deceptive. Following your dermatologists recommendations can help protect your skin and your health.
Precancerous skin growths may look harmless
These arrows point to precancerous skin growths that are barely noticeable.
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Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Most Common Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma, which is also called basal cell skin cancer, is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all cases.
Rates of basal cell carcinoma have been increasing. Experts believe this is due to more sun exposure, longer lives, and better skin cancer detection methods.
This type of cancer begins in the skins basal cells, which are found in the outermost layer, the epidermis. They usually develop on areas that are exposed to the sun, like the face, head, and neck.
Basal cell carcinomas may look like:
- A flesh-colored, round growth
- A pinkish patch of skin
- A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and then comes back
They typically grow slowly and dont spread to other areas of the body. But, if these cancers arent treated, they can expand deeper and penetrate into nerves and bones.
Though its rare, basal cell carcinoma can be life-threatening. Experts believe that about 2,000 people in the United States die each year from basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Some risk factors that increase your chances of having a basal cell carcinoma include:
- Being exposed to the sun or indoor tanning
- Having a history of skin cancer
- Being over age 50
- Having chronic infections, skin inflammation, or a weakened immune system
- Being exposed to industrial compounds, radiation, coal tar, or arsenic
- Having an inherited disorder, such as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum
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Get To Know Your Skin
The sooner a;skin cancer;is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious;melanoma;or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.
It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection.
It’s important to get to know your skin and what is normal for you, so that you notice any changes. Skin cancers rarely hurt and are much more frequently seen than felt.
Develop a regular habit of checking your skin for new spots and changes to existing freckles or moles.
Skin Cancer Is A Disease In Which Malignant Cells Form In The Tissues Of The Skin
The skin is the bodys largest organ. It protects against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. Skin also helps control body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The skin has several layers, but the two main layers are the epidermis and the dermis . Skin cancer begins in the epidermis, which is made up of three kinds of cells:
- Squamous cells: Thin, flat cells that form the top layer of the epidermis.
- Basal cells: Round cells under the squamous cells.
- Melanocytes: Cells that make melanin and are found in the lower part of the epidermis. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes make more pigment and cause the skin to darken.
Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common in skin that is often exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, and hands.
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How To Diagnose Skin Cancer
First, a doctor will examine a personâs skin and take their medical history. They will usually ask the person when the mark first appeared, if its appearance has changed, if it is ever painful or itchy, and if it bleeds.
The doctor will also ask about the personâs family history and any other risk factors, such as lifetime sun exposure.
They may also check the rest of the body for other atypical moles and spots. Finally, they may feel the lymph nodes to determine whether or not they are enlarged.
The doctor may then refer a person to a skin doctor, or dermatologist. They may examine the mark with a dermatoscope, which is a handheld magnifying device, and take a small sample of skin, or a biopsy, and send it to a laboratory to check for signs of cancer.