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Signs That Suggest a Skin Lesion May Be Cancer

It is important to have the ability to recognize the early warning signs of skin cancer in order to detect and prevent progression of existing cancerous lesions. The signs of skin cancer are specific to the type of skin cancer that has developed. Guidelines for detecting lesions of the three most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, are readily available.

  1. Risk Factors

    • Lesions are more likely to be cancerous with people who have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Risk factors of skin cancer include fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, and a history of sunburns. Additionally, people who have atypical moles, or have more than 50 moles on the body, are more likely to develop skin cancer.

    Basal Cell Carcinoma

    • Basal cell carcinoma may appear as five different types of lesions. A persistent area of agitated skin caused by basal cell carcinoma frequently appears on the legs, chest, arms, face, or shoulders. Basal cell carcinoma may also present itself as a lump of glossy skin, a slowly enlarging pink growth, a scar-like area with inconsistent borders, or an unrelenting sore. Some lesions associated with basal cell carcinoma may also be painful, itchy, or prone to bleeding. However, some lesions, such as the scar-like type of lesion, may persist without any discomfort at all.

    Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    • There are five main types of lesions which are indicative of a development of squamous cell carcinoma. If the lesion appears as an inflamed, scaly, and continual patch with inconsistent borders and occasional crusting and bleeding, it may be cancerous. Squamous cell carcinoma lesions may also appear to be crater-like, wart-like, or simply as a sore that may occur for weeks. If a cancerous lesion is of a crater-like shape, it may promptly enlarge.

    Melanoma

    • Basal cell carcinoma may appear as five different types of lesions. A persistent area of agitated skin caused by basal cell carcinoma frequently appears on the legs, chest, arms, face, or shoulders. Basal cell carcinoma may also present itself as a lump of glossy skin, a slowly enlarging pink growth, a scar-like area with inconsistent borders, or an unrelenting sore. Some lesions associated with basal cell carcinoma may also be painful, itchy, or prone to bleeding. However, some lesions, such as the scar-like type of lesion, may persist without any discomfort at all.

    Self-Examination

    • Performing regular self-examinations of the skin is an effective way to detect any possible presence of skin cancer. When examining the skin, take note of any abnormalities which may be indicative cancer. If any characteristics typical of cancerous lesions are discovered, consult with a doctor to determine the cause of the lesion.

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