Skin Cancer Symptoms

What is Skin cancer?

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells, which develops in areas that are more exposed to the sun. It is commonly found on the face, chest, arms, and hands. In some cases, this cancer can also develop on less exposed areas of our body, such as the scalp, under your fingernails, bottoms of your feet, neck, etc. Mutations and genetic defects are also triggers of Skin cancer.

Skin cancers often appear as a suspicious mole, patch, or a spot. There are three major types of skin cancer

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
3. Melanoma.

Skin Cancer Causes

Skin cancer is caused when the skin cells multiply uncontrollably due to DNA mutations. Most of the skin cells are damaged due to the ultraviolet radiations of the sun. People with less melanin content in their skin are more prone to skin cancers.

People with many moles on their skin are also at a higher risk of skin cancer.

It is also caused due to genetic factors.

People with weakened immune systems have a very high probability of contracting any disease. They are highly prone to cancer.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

There are different types of skin cancer symptoms. The common symptoms include changes in the skin that do not heal, skin ulcers, discolouration of the skin, and changes in existing moles, etc. Other symptoms include:

• Firm Lump.
• Brownish Scar.
• Waxy Translucent Bump.
• Tender and itchy Moles.
• Open sores on the skin.
• Change in the sensation.
• A new change in an existing mole.
• Bleeding or oozing out moles.
• The appearance of a new spot on the skin.
• Changes the appearance of the skin.
• Red and scaly patches on the skin.
• Red sore inside the mouth or on the ears.
• Unusual growth of patches or sores on the skin.

Skin Cancer Prevention

The following prevention measures can be taken against skin cancer:

• Avoid the sun during midday. The ultraviolet rays are direct that can adversely affect the skin.
• Wear sunscreen whenever stepping out in the sun.
• Avoid tanning beds. The lights used in tanning beds emit UV radiations that are harmful to the skin.
• Cover your body when going out in the sun.

As mentioned earlier, there are different types of skin cancer, which varies in their symptoms and the treatments. Most of the skin cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed in the early stages.