Skin Self-Examination: What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?

Skin cancer is a common form of cancer which can usually be
successfully treated if caught in an early stage of development.
It’s important to detect skin cancer early, because even
melanoma, the most difficult form of skin cancer to treat, has a
high recovery rate if treated before metastasis. What does skin
cancer look like? Only a doctor can tell you if you have skin
cancer, but there are some warning signs you can look for to let
you know when you need to ask for a doctor’s opinion.

The first symptom of skin cancer is a tumor on the skin. Since
these tumors appear on the skin, they are easily detected at an
early stage, making rapid treatment a possibility. While it is
less known than a breast exam, people can do their part to
detect skin cancer early by doing a skin self-examination.
Instructions are available on how to do a thorough examination,
but the basic idea is that you check your entire skin area for
anything unusual. This includes your scalp, between your toes,
and every part of your skin.



It is important to be familiar with your body so that you notice
any differences. Nevi or moles are extremely common, and the
average person has 10 to 40 of them. Even having some dysplastic
nevi, irregularly-shaped moles, is common. These are benign
growths and they are nothing to worry about. However, you should
be familiar with your moles and their appearance. New moles and
changes in the appearance, texture, or color of old moles could
be a sign of a cancerous tumor developing, and you should
consult your doctor if something like this occurs.

Basal cell and squamous skin cancer can appear as a new,
strange-looking mole, or as an area resembling a rash or a sore
which does not heal normally. The key to detecting these cancers
early is to do skin self-examinations, and consult a doctor if
there are any such irregularities.

Melanoma has an appearance which may be more striking and
obvious. This is a deadlier form of skin cancer, affecting the
melanocytes which lay beneath the epidermis. These cells give
pigment to your skin, and these are the types of cells which
form nevi. If you discover a new dysplastic nevus that was not
previously on your body, you should see a doctor. Early
detection and early treatment are necessary to prevent the
cancer from spreading. A discolored mole, a mole which has
increased in size or is surrounded by discolored or broken skin,
or an asymmetrical mole may be a cancerous tumor and should be
examined by a doctor.

Regular skin self-examinations can help you detect
irregularities which should be evaluated by a medical
professional. What does skin cancer look like? Looks can be
deceiving, and only your doctor can tell you for sure, but there
are some warning signs which can help you detect and eliminate
skin cancer in its early stages.

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To learn much more about the different types http://skincancer-101.com
Author: Adam Hefner