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Signs & Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer typically appears on parts of your body that have been frequently exposed to sunlight, although it can appear anywhere on your body, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Fair skin, heredity, aging and frequent sunburns all put you at an increased risk of skin cancer. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of this disease; some skin cancers, such as melanoma can be fatal.

  1. Asymmetry

    • Check the asymmetry of your moles; if you were to draw a line through the center of the area, both sides should match. It is easy to remember the signs of skin cancer by thinking of A, B, C, D, (asymmetry, border, color and diameter).

    Borders

    • Moles typically have even borders. Watch for moles that have uneven, notched or scalloped edges. You should do a skin exam at least once a year in front of a full-length mirror to examine all parts of your body to check for changes in existing moles or new ones.

    Color

    • Moles usually have a single brown color in them, if your mole has black, tan or uneven shades of brown or any other colors, have it examined by a dermatologist. Unusual colors such as blue, red and white can show up on an existing mole and are not considered normal.

    Diameter

    • You may have a mole that has remained the same size for years, and it suddenly starts to grow larger. A doctor should check out a mole that is bigger than a pencil eraser.

    Scabs

    • If a spot on your skin forms a scab and starts to heal and then develop a new scab, this is a symptom that something is wrong.

    Thickening of the Skin

    • If you notice a small area on your face, neck or hands that is scaly or is getting thicker, this is another symptom of skin cancer. This type of symptom can appear on any area of your body, but usually in areas that have had the most sun exposure.

    Changes

    • If you have a mole that bleeds, gets larger, becomes ulcerated or darkens, this is a symptom that should not be ignored.

    Strange Growths

    • Check your skin for waxy or pearly growths; this is not normal according to the Texas Agri Life Extension Service website.

    Healing Process

    • Healing of any blemish, sore, scab, blister, pimple or any other unusual growth should occur within a few days. If the healing takes longer than a couple of weeks, you should consult your dermatologist.

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