What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Skin Cancer in Children?

Skin cancer is not as common among children as it is among adults. However, skin cancer is on the rise and the number of children diagnosed with some form of skin cancer is increasing each year. Often, people fail to use sunscreen on themselves and on their children to help protect them from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Failing to do so can lead to skin damage, and in some cases, skin cancer. Skin cancer is a disease that develops in the outermost layer of the skin. There are different types of skin cancer and each one has its own particular signs and symptoms. Fortunately, if you are aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease, skin cancer can be easily detected and treated.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common among children and among skin cancer patients in general. It appears on the skin as either an elevated waxy or pearly bump that appears on the neck ears or face, or it can appear as a fleshy colored flat lesion that appears scar-like on the back or chest. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, and early diagnosis and treatment will ensure that there is no lasting damage to surrounding tissue. Most basal cell carcinomas appear on skin that is exposed to the sun. Adults and children alike run a higher risk of getting basal cell carcinoma if they have had an organ transplant.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma often develops in fair-skinned people, and people who have been constantly exposed to the sun for a very long time. Signs and symptoms may include: a scaly patch of skin with a red, inflamed base; a firm, red bump on parts of exposed skin; or a non-healing lesion. These are often found on lips, neck, ears, head, hands and arms. Squamous cell carcinoma can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. However, this form of cancer grows quickly and can spread. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer that occurs in children and adults who have undergone an organ transplant.

Melanoma

• Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer because it can spread rapidly to the lymph system and internal organs in the body. This form of cancer generally starts from a mole. Signs and symptoms may include: a simple mole anywhere on the skin that changes in color, size, shape and texture; dome shaped bumps located anywhere on the body and dark lesions on the palms, soles, toes and fingertips. Melanoma normally does not occur in children, but rare cases have been observed and are increasing in frequency. Melanoma lesions in children often appear different from those found on adults, and are sometimes misdiagnosed. Lesions related to melanoma in children can be lighter in color (almost like a pinkish mole) and have well -defined borders. However, some children may exhibit the classic adult signs and symptoms of melanoma.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

• Some people are at higher risk for getting the various forms of skin cancer than others. People who have fair skin, fragile skin, moles, precancerous skin lesions, or a weak immune system are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Several other factors may contribute to a person developing this disease. These factors include: history of sunburns, sunny or high altitude climates, family or personal history of cancer, excessive exposure to sun light, increased age, and exposure to any environmental hazards. You can reduce your risks by using sun screen and avoiding overexposure to the sun.