Visual guide to identifying skin cancer and precancerous lesions
In the United States, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with about 1 in 5 Americans developing it at some point [1]. It's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms to facilitate early detection, which significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Let's delve into the visual differences between three common types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Melanoma typically appears as a new mole or changes in an existing mole, often showing asymmetry, irregular, blurry, or notched borders, and varied coloring including multiple shades of brown, black, white, red, or blue [3][5]. Melanomas can be smaller than a quarter in diameter and may appear as an irregularly shaped or colored patch anywhere on the body, including less sun-exposed areas.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) usually presents as a pearly or waxy bump, often flesh-colored or slightly pink, or a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion [1][3]. BCC can also appear as a sore that bleeds, heals, and then recurs repeatedly, or white patches or spots on the skin. BCC commonly develops in areas of the skin exposed to the sun.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) often looks like a firm, red nodule or bump, a scaly patch or sore that repeatedly heals and reopens, or crater-like lesions that are shallow with raised edges and often have a crust or ooze fluid [1][2][3]. SCC is more likely than BCC to invade deeper skin layers and spread if untreated.
Other signs of skin cancer include bumps and lesions with irregular borders, speckles, moles, or bumps that change in size, color, and shape, sores that do not heal, swelling with redness, pain, itchiness, or tenderness that persists, and discolored patches or lumps on the skin [1].
If you notice similar signs and symptoms, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare professional. A doctor may recommend a physical examination to identify skin cancer.
Remember, early detection is crucial for all types of skin cancer. Be vigilant, and if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to seek professional advice.
[1] American Cancer Society. (2021). Skin cancer: Early detection. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/early-detection.html [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Squamous cell carcinoma. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/squamous-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20355670 [3] Skin Cancer Foundation. (2021). Basal cell carcinoma. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/ [4] Skin Cancer Foundation. (2021). Melanoma. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/ [5] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Skin cancer: Early detection and self-examination. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevention-and-treatment/early-detection-and-self-examination
- Science and medical research have highlighted the significance of recognizing different types of skin cancer, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, to ensure early detection and boost the chances of effective treatment.
- Melanoma, one of the types of skin cancer, can manifest as a new mole or a change in an existing one, often displaying asymmetry, uneven borders, and varied coloring. It's important to note that melanomas can occur anywhere on the body, not just sun-exposed areas, and may be smaller than a quarter in diameter.
- When discussing health and wellness, it's essential to be aware that other signs of skin cancer include irregular bumps, moles, or sores that change in size, color, or shape, along with persistent redness, swelling, pain, itchiness, or tenderness on the skin. If any of these symptoms are present, a medical professional should be consulted for a proper examination.
