Some of the most common signs of skin cancer may include a reddish patch that refuses to heal, a sore that bleeds seems to heal then reemerges, may look like a mole on the skin but develops much faster or appearance of a large spot with dark speckles, as stated by the American Academy of Dermatology. There are different types of cancer and each may have a unique combination of symptoms.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly experienced type of cancer in the world today, and it mostly affects areas that are frequently exposed to the sun. These include the arms, face, scalp, and neck. Initially, it appears like a reddish patch on the skin. In some cases, it may heal then return after a short while. Sometimes, it appears as a bunch of scaly sores that develop slowly and bleed easily when touched.
Squamous is another type of skin cancer that may affect people. It normally appears as a hard reddish bump or scaly patch on the lips. It may cause the skin on the lips to grow thick.
The other type of cancer that may affect people is melanoma. It may develop as a mole that frequently changes shape and color. Sometimes, it appears as a bruise on the foot and does not heal even after a long period of time.
What Are the Signs of Skin Cancer on the Face?
Symptoms of skin cancer on the face vary depending on the cancer type but may include a firm, red nodule on the face, a flat lesion with a crusted surface, a brown or skin-colored scar-like lesion or a waxy bump. Other symptoms include a large brown spot with dark speckles or a small lesion of varying colors with an irregular border, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Some of the most common areas for skin cancer to develop include the face, lips, neck, scalp, ears, chest, arms and legs, but it can also affect areas such as the palms, genitals and under the fingernails. Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, according to the Mayo Clinic. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are some of the most common types of skin cancer, often affecting areas such as the face. Melanoma is another common skin cancer that can appear anywhere on the body. Melanoma most often affects the face or trunk in men, and it normally affects the lower legs when it occurs in women. Rarer types of skin cancer include Kaposi sarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and sebaceous gland carcinoma. Individuals should visit a doctor if any worrisome skin abnormalities develop on the face.
What Are Some Ways to Identify Skin Cancer?
The symptoms of skin cancer* vary by cancer type; for example, basal cell carcinoma generally occurs on the areas of the body that are most often exposed to the sun, such as the face and neck, and it may appear as a waxy or pearly bump or a flat brown or flesh-colored lesion that looks much like a scar. According to Mayo Clinic, squamous cell carcinoma is generally seen as a flat lesion with a crusty scaled surface or a firm red nodule.
By contrast, melanoma symptoms include a mole that changes in color, “feel” or size or that bleeds; a large brown-colored spot with dark speckles; dark lesions located on the toes, fingertips, soles or palms or on the mucous membranes lining the anus, vagina, nose or mouth or a small lesion with portions appearing blue-black, blue, white or red that has irregular borders.
Less-common skin cancers may exude other symptoms. Kaposi sarcoma, for example, causes purple or red patches on the skin. Merkel cell carcinoma causes shiny, firm nodules just beneath the skin. Sebaceous gland carcinoma is characterized by painless, yet hard, nodules that can appear nearly anywhere, but that are most common on the eyelid.
What Are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?
The most common types of skin cancer* include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, according to WebMD. Rare types of skin cancer include Merkel cell tumors and dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are typically grouped together and called non-melanoma skin cancers, WebMD explains. Melanoma is the highly aggressive skin cancer that can be fatal if it is not detected and treated early; however, melanoma comprises a small fraction of skin cancer cases. Most skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. These non-melanoma cancers usually do not spread to different parts of the body, so they are rarely deadly. They can cause disfigurement if not diagnosed and treated early.
Most skin cancer develops from a pre-cancerous lesion, WebMD reports. The lesions are changes in skin that may, but not always, become cancerous. They include rough, scaly skin that appears red or brown, which can become squamous cell carcinoma, and abnormal moles.
As of 2015, skin cancer cases are up considerably in the United States, WebMD says, but patients are reporting better outcomes because of earlier detection and treatment. Ultraviolet rays from the sun are by far the biggest cause of skin cancer. People with fair skin that freckles are the most at risk.
