Who Gets Skin Cancer And Why
Sun exposure is the biggest cause of skin cancer. But it doesn’t explain skin cancers that develop on skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Exposure to environmental hazards, radiation treatment, and even heredity may play a role. Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have:
- Fair skin or light-colored eyes
- An abundance of large and irregularly-shaped moles
- A family history of skin cancer
- A history of excessive sun exposure or blistering sunburns
- Lived at high altitudes or with year-round sunshine
- Received radiation treatments
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like Pictures Plus Prevention Tips
Its likely happened to you in the shower: Youspot a mole you hadnt noticed before, or a mole has grown larger or changedcolor. Should you get it checked out?Could it be skin cancer?
Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless ofage, nationality, or skin type. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, morepeople are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined, and one infive people in the U.S. will develop skin cancer by age 70. The foundation alsoestimates that the number of new cases of melanoma the most serious type ofskin cancer diagnosed in 2019 will increase by 7.7%.
The majority of skin cancers are caused by sunexposure. Even if you apply sunscreen daily and are careful about sunprotection, its important to examine your skin regularly for suspiciouslesions, moles, and skin changes. Heres a quick primer of what to look forduring your self-exam.
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.
Also Check: What Are Symptoms Of Melanoma That Has Spread
Most Common Types Of Skin Cancer
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the first most common type of skin cancer, appearing on the skin as a pinkish patch or a flesh-colored, pearly bump.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the second most common type of skin cancer. It may present with a recurring sore that heals and reopens, a scaly patch, or a red bump that is firm to the touch.
- Melanoma: Because of its ability to spread to local lymph nodes, melanoma can be deadly, making early detection and treatment crucial. Melanoma may develop in a pre-existing mole, but it commonly develops as a new dark spot on the skin.
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma: This type of skin cancer is very rare, but individuals with fair skin who are at a higher risk should know that it most often appears on the head or neck as a painless, firm, shiny nodule.
What Are The Abcde’s Of Moles
Skin cancer pictures are helpful, but this is a tried and true way to answer, “what does skin cancer look like?” The method of identifying cancerous moles is called the “ugly duckling sign” because you’re looking for the odd one the mole that is a different size, shape, or color than the surrounding moles. The ABCDE’s of moles will teach you how to spot skin cancer, the ugly ducks if you will.
A Asymmetry: If you could “fold” a mole in half, both sides of an irregular one would not line up evenly.
B Border irregularity: Border irregularity is when a mole has a crooked or jagged edge rather than a round, smooth edge.
C Color variation: Some moles are dark, some are light, some are brown, and some are pink but all moles should be the same color throughout. A darker ring or different colored splotches in a mole should be monitored.
D Diameter: A mole should be no larger than 6 mm. A mole larger than 6 mm, or one that grows, should be checked by a derm.
E Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.
Also Check: What Is Carcinoma In Situ Of Cervix
Skin Cancer And Moles
It is well known that excessive sun exposure can promote the development of many skin cancers. The 3 main types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma , and squamous cell carcinoma . Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer because it spreads more readily than the other forms of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, and it typically does not spread. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, and while it can spread, it does not do so as commonly as melanoma. The risk of getting basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma is determined by a person’s lifetime exposure to sun and the person’s skin color, with pale skin being more prone to skin cancer.
Your awareness of the signs of skin cancer might allow you to find an early lesion on yourself or a loved one, before it is a significant health problem. Pre-cancerous skin changes include red, scaly lesions called actinic keratoses. When on the lip , it is called actinic cheilitis. Actinic keratoses are considered to be premalignant lesions as 1 in 100 cases per year will develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Moles that have started to itch or bleed or change in color or shape are also warning signs of possible melanoma.
How Do People Find Signs Of Melanoma On Their Own Skin
Performing a skin self-exam as often as recommended by your dermatologist is the best way. While examining your skin, you want to look for the following:
-
Mole that is changing in any way
-
Spot that looks different from the rest of the spots on your skin
-
Growth or spot on your skin that itches, bleeds, or is painful
-
Band of color beneath or around a nail
-
Sore that doesnt heal or heals and returns
The ABCDEs of melanoma can help you find changes to a mole, freckle, or other spot on your skin.
You May Like: How Do You Know You Have Skin Cancer
When To See A Dermatologist Plus Prevention Tips
Its important to catch skin cancer early for the best treatment outcomes, so consult a dermatologist for any skin change you feel is suspicious. If we discover a cancer, we can connect you with a skin cancer expert at the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center for specialized care.
Dermatologists are trained in the nuances of diagnosing skin cancer and unusual lesions. We can help you personalize a skin care routine and skin exam schedule based on your personal risk factors.
And, like most cancers, prevention is key. Our dermatologists often recommend the following prevention tips to patients:
- Apply sunscreen every day. This is the No. 1 tip for preventing skin cancer. Use an SPF 30 or higher that is labeled “water-resistant” and “broad-spectrum.”
- Fully examine your skin, head to toe, on a regular basis.
- Wear sun-protective clothing such as long sleeves and broad-brimmed hats when outside.
- Limit sun exposure when UV rays are strongest .
Skin Cancer Is By Far The Most Common Type Of Cancer
Lung cancer originates in the lungs, but it can spread. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Here we look at some of the key symptoms of this disease to watch out for. Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer. A series of mutations in the dna of the cell creates cancer. It affects people of all races, genders and ages, which is why it’s absolutely critical for americans to learn about. Most cases of lung cancer are associated with. Lung cancer is a leading type of cancer and a leading killer in the united states every year. Discovering new growths on your skin can cause your mind to race towards worrying about cancer, but take heart. Skin dermatitis is an umbrella term describing inflammation of the skin. The condition is easily treatable. In the united states, it’s estimated that doctors diagnose over 100,000 new skin cancer cases each year. According to the american cancer society, just over 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the united states each year.
The condition is easily treatable. Each individual is unique, so survival rates, treatments and symptoms vary by pati. Most cases of lung cancer are associated with. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Here we look at some of the key symptoms of this disease to watch out for.
Recommended Reading: How Do They Treat Skin Cancer
Squamous Cell Skin Cancers
Squamous cell skin cancers can vary in how they look. They usually occur on areas of skin exposed to the sun like the scalp or ear.
Thanks to Dr Charlotte Proby for her permission and the photography.
You should see your doctor if you have:
- a spot or sore that doesn’t heal within 4 weeks
- a spot or sore that hurts, is itchy, crusty, scabs over, or bleeds for more than 4 weeks
- areas where the skin has broken down and doesn’t heal within 4 weeks, and you can’t think of a reason for this change
Your doctor can decide whether you need any tests.
-
Cancer and its management J Tobias and D HochhauserBlackwell, 2015
-
Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology VT De Vita, TS Lawrence and SA RosenbergWolters Kluwer, 2018
How Can I Help Prevent Sun Damage And Ultimately Skin Cancer
Nothing can completely undo sun damage, although the skin can sometimes repair itself. So, its never too late to begin protecting yourself from the sun. Your skin does change with age for example, you sweat less and your skin can take longer to heal, but you can delay these changes by limiting sun exposure.
Maintaining healthy skin
- Stop smoking: People who smoke tend to have more wrinkles than nonsmokers of the same age, complexion, and history of sun exposure. The reason for this difference is unclear. It may be because smoking interferes with normal blood flow in the skin.
- Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or greater 30 minutes before sun exposure and then every 2 to 3 hours thereafter. Reapply sooner if you get wet or perspire significantly.
- Select cosmetic products and contact lenses that offer UV protection.
- Wear sunglasses with total UV protection.
- Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Perform skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing growths and to notice any changes or new growths.
- Relieve dry skin using a humidifier at home, bathing with soap less often , and using a moisturizing lotion.
- Become a good role model and foster skin cancer prevention habits in your child. Eighty percent of a persons lifetime sun exposure is acquired before age 18.
Understanding UV index
11 or higher : Extreme
Don’t Miss: Is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Aggressive
What Skin Cancer Looks Like
Unfortunately for all of us, skin cancer can look a lot like age spots. This is why its important to visit a dermatologist if you see a new and unusual spot on your skin. Skin cancer comes in many forms, but all are most commonly caused by UV light from the sun or tanning beds . When your skin is constantly exposed to UV rays, abnormal skin cells can begin to grow uncontrollably. We call this growth skin cancer.
Less Common Skin Cancers
Uncommon types of skin cancer include Kaposi’s sarcoma, mainly seen in people with weakened immune systems sebaceous gland carcinoma, an aggressive cancer originating in the oil glands in the skin and Merkel cell carcinoma, which is usually found on sun-exposed areas on the head, neck, arms, and legs but often spreads to other parts of the body.
You May Like: How Young Can You Get Skin Cancer
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.
When To See A Dermatologist
Plan an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible if you notice any changes to your skin that worry you. Not all skin changes are evidence of cancer. Your dermatologist will evaluate your skin changes to identify the cause and prepare a plan of treatment. Remember, early detection of skin cancer is the key to proper treatment and survival. Almost all skin cancers respond favorably to treatment when detected early enough.
Don’t Miss: How To Tell If Melanoma Has Spread
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Melanoma
Melanoma is a skin cancer that can show up on the skin in many ways. It can look like a:
-
Changing mole
-
Spot that looks like a new mole, freckle, or age spot, but it looks different from the others on your skin
-
Spot that has a jagged border, more than one color, and is growing
-
Dome-shaped growth that feels firm and may look like a sore, which may bleed
-
Dark-brown or black vertical line beneath a fingernail or toenail
-
Band of darker skin around a fingernail or toenail
-
Slowly growing patch of thick skin that looks like a scar
Early melanoma
This early melanoma could be mistaken for a mole, so its important to look carefully at the spots on your skin.
What Kind Of Skin Cancer Has Red Spots
Skin cancer, from melanoma to basal cell carcinoma, may also appear as red spots, scaly plaques or moles on the skin. Be sure to always consult a doctor if you are unsure about any bump or spot on your body. Use the SkinVision application to check your skin from the comfort of your own home.
Read Also: What Causes Small Cell Carcinoma
You May Like: How To Spot Skin Cancer On Face
How To Check Yourself
By checking your skin regularly, you will learn to recognize what spots, moles, and marks are already present and how they typically appear. The more you get to know your skin, the easier it will be for you to detect changes, such as new lesions or spots and moles that have changed in shape, size, or color, or have begun bleeding.
It is best to use a full-length mirror when checking your skin for changes or early signs of skin cancer. Observe your body in the mirror from all anglesfront, back, and on each side.
Taking each part of the body in turn, start with your hands and arms, carefully examining both sides of the hands and the difficult to see places like the underarms. Move on to your legs and feet, making sure to check the backs of your legs, soles of your feet, and between your toes.
Use a small mirror to get a closer look at your buttocks and your back. You can also use a small mirror to examine your face, neck, head, and scalp. Don’t forget to part your hair and feel around your scalp.
Skin Cancer Pictures By Type
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. There are several different types of skin cancer with Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Bowens Disease, Keratoacanthoma, Actinic Keratosis and Melanoma most commonly occurring.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, and least dangerous whereas melanoma is the most dangerous type.
Below you will find skin cancer pictures of these six types, but remember that skin cancer should be diagnosed by a doctor. Comparing your skin lesion to skin cancer images found online cannot replace medical examination.
If you have any pigmented mole or non-pigmented mark on your skin that looks different from the other marks or moles on your skin, that is new or that has undergone change, is bleeding or wont heal, is itching or in any way just seems off, visit your doctor without delay dont lose time comparing your mole or mark with various pictures of skin cancer.
If you want to be proactive about your health, you may want to photograph areas of your skin routinely including individual moles or marks to familiarise yourself with the appearance of your skin . A skin monitoring app may be a useful tool to assist in that process.
MIISKIN PROMO
Don’t Miss: What Is High Grade Papillary Urothelial Carcinoma
What You Can Do
If youve already had a BCC, you have an increased chance of developing another, especially in the same sun-damaged area or nearby.
A BCC can recur even when it has been carefully removed the first time, because some cancer cells may remain undetectable after surgery and others can form roots that extend beyond whats visible. BCCs on the nose, ears and lips are more likely to recur, usually within the first two years after surgery.
Heres what you can do to detect a recurrence and safeguard yourself against further skin damage that can lead to cancer:
Reviewed by:
After Treatment: Days 29
Day 29 Day 13 post-application: Tried sunscreen on red area. Was terrified it would burn. Haven’t had anything but Vanicream on it since post app. Used Blue Lizard spf 30 for sensitive skin. Didn’t burn at all. Feel completely normal. Slight headache early in the morning. Redness is fading. Indoor lighting makes it barely noticeable. In natural light, it’s still visible.Day 30 Day 14 post-application: First day of vacation. Used Blue Lizard spf 30. No burning/stinging. Treated area grew bright red outdoors in the heat. Stayed under hat and reapplied sunscreen several times through the day.Day 31 Day 15 post-application: Red area is still very defined. Used Blue Lizard spf 30. Umbrella. Bright red in heat. Headache.Day 32 Day 16 post-application: Same as day 31Day 33 Day 17 post-application: Bright red in heat. No stinging, just red and very well-defined.Day 34 Day 18 post-application: More fading. Pretty much the same as day 33. No headache today. Drank lots of water all day.Day 35 Day 19 post-application: Heading home from Florida. Used Blue Lizard spf 30. Less red today.
You May Like: What Stage Is Invasive Lobular Carcinoma