Skin cancer information the skin cancer foundation. Basal cell carcinoma, or bcc, is a cancer of the basal cells at the bottom of the epidermis. Skin cancer signs, symptoms and causes science online. Skin cancer risk factors ultraviolet uv light exposure this is the main risk factor for developing most skin cancers fair skin, freckling, and light hair the risk of skin cancer is much higher for lightskinned people than for those with darker skin. In people with darker or black skin, sccs are more likely to affect areas that have less or no sun exposure. Melanoma is less common than some other types of skin cancer, but it is more likely to grow and spread. Cdc develops materials designed to teach health professionals, policy makers, the media, and the public about cancer prevention and control. This article provides information on what symptoms are unique to each specific skin cancer. A skin spot or sore that is not a mole or birthmark could still pose a risk. Skin cancer memorial sloan kettering cancer center. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. If you are in a highrisk group for skin cancer or have ever been treated for some form of the disease, you should familiarize yourself with how skin cancers look. Skin cancers can look very different and the symptoms can vary.
Different types of changes occur as the cancer develops in. Appendix 3 provides a brief discussion of skin cancer screening. It can be more difficult to notice changes if you have darker skin. Is much less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but its far more dangerous. They can be temporary or permanent, and may be painless or painful. A basal cell carcinoma bcc usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sunexposed. Symptoms that are similar to those of breast cancer may be the. These slowgrowing skin cancers can be easy to ignore unless they become big and begin to itch. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands, and. Get the facts on skin cancer symptoms, signs, treatment, and types basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma. A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. But it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day your palms, beneath your fingernails or toenails, and your genital area.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the united states. Regular examination of the skin for any new or unusual growths, or changes in the size, shape or color of an existing spot, is key to finding and treating skin cancers early. The symptoms of skin cancer vary depending on the cancer, but in general, the best thing you can do to catch skin cancer early is to keep an eye on any strange lumps or bumps on your dogs body. They tend to develop most often on skin thats exposed to the sun. Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sunexposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. It looks like a red, scaly patch and can develop into invasive squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer. There are various types of symptoms that can be associated with each type of skin cancer. Skin biopsy options recommended to you will vary depending on the expertise of your doctor and the type of skin cancer suspected. Some have situational causes, while others may be genetic.
Melanoma can almost always be cured in its early stages. They are malignant melanoma and nonmalignant melanoma. Signs and symptoms are both signals of injury, illness, disease signals that something is not right in the body. Diagnosing skin cancer early saves lives, so its vital to know what to look for and its vital to take action to protect yourself from skin cancer too. It starts in melanocytes, which are the cells in the middle that. Understanding skin cancer diagnosis and treatment webmd. But skin cancer types, treatment options and prognoses vary widely depending on the types of cells affected. Melanoma can appear anywhere on your body, but they most commonly appear on the back in men and on the legs in women. Normal moles are generally round or oval, with a smooth edge, and usually no bigger than 6mm in. Skin experts know that the mineral zinc and the antioxidant vitamins a betacarotene, c, and e can help repair damaged body tissue and promote healthy skin. Success stories in skin cancer prevention are discussed in appendix 4, and current federal. Skin cancer includes basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancers and other rare types. Breast cancer symptoms vary widely from lumps to swelling to skin changes and many breast cancers have no symptoms at all.
However, there arent many exact numbers because the cases of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers arent required to be reported to cancer registries, partly because of their low lethality and very high curability rate. Aug 11, 2014 signs and symptoms of cancer what are signs and symptoms. It can also develop underneath a nail, on the sole of the foot, in the mouth or in the genital area, but these types of melanoma are rare. Signs and symptoms of cancer what are signs and symptoms. The surgeon generals call to action to prevent skin cancer. A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. Skin cancer symptoms skin cancer symptoms depend on the type of skin cancer that has developed. You may not have any symptoms in the early stages of the melanoma, or a melanoma may be. This leaflet contains information on how to spot the symptoms of skin cancer early and reduce your risk. Symptoms of melanoma metastasis melanoma is the rarest and most dangerous skin cancer type. This could be a new growth, a sore that doesnt heal, or a change in a mole. They are available online as web pages, adobe acrobat pdf documents, or both. In this article, we take a close look at the types. Examining your skin on a regular basis will put your mind at ease, especially as treatment effectiveness increases if you find symptoms of.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the united states. Often the only sign of early skin cancer is a skin lesion. Is almost always curable in its early stages when its small. Symptoms of melanoma skin cancer library skinvision. The disease is being seen on a daily basis not only by dermatologists and plastic surgeons but. The good news is that if skin cancer is caught early, your dermatologist can treat it with little or no scarring and high odds of eliminating it entirely. Skin cancer signs and symptoms are too vague and may often be confusing, so keep thorough check.
These include the lower legs, torso, genitals or areas where there has been longterm scarring, for example after a burn. But did you know your nails can also reveal a sign of skin cancer. We offer a variety of fact sheets, brochures, posters, and more, including a selection in spanish. However, there arent many exact numbers because the cases of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers arent required. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and related. Skin cancer, of various types, is the most common cancer in the uk and rates are rising dramatically.
More than 3 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the u. Learn how to tell the difference between a benign mole and a potential skin. Other rare forms of skin cancer include lymphomas, merkel cell cancers, and cancers of other tissue in the skin, including sarcomas as well as hair and sweat gland tumors. The doctor will likely ask about your symptoms and risk factors. A sign is a signal that can be seen by someone else maybe a loved one, or a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional. Understanding skin cancer cancer council western australia. Skin cancer types, symptoms, causes and prevention.
Early skin cancer symptoms know how to prevent skin cancer. There are different forms of skin cancer, and the most common are. If youve been diagnosed with skin cancer, you are facing many decisions choices that can be overwhelming and hard. Nearly all skin cancers can be treated effectively if they are found early, so knowing what to look for is important. When you think of skin cancer, you probably think of checking for moles. If a spot or a sore doesnt feel comfortable, make sure to look out for. Melanoma skin cancer overview what is melanoma skin cancer. Early signs of skin cancer to identify and treat any abnormal skin moles. Cancer symptoms and signs depend on the specific type and grade of cancer. You may not have any other symptoms unless the cancer is advanced how is skin cancer spotted. The most common sign of skin cancer is an abnormal pink or brown spot, patch, or mole. The diagnosis and treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancers in the u. There are two different categories of skin cancer melanoma. If you have melanoma or are close to someone who does, knowing what to expect can help you cope.
Here you can find out all about melanoma, including risk factors, symptoms, how it is found, and how it is treated. Since there are no general screening guidelines for skin cancer, most people need to rely on recognizing the signs and symptoms of the disease to catch it as early as possible. Cases of melanoma have been increasing for many years. People should check every month for signs of melanoma and other skin cancers. Some of the symptoms are similar to other conditions. Remember that there are many other skin conditions that are not cancer, especially in older people. The first sign of a melanoma is often a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole. The main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma.