Warning Signs of Skin Cancer - What does Skin Cancer Look like?

Skin Cancer Warning Signs

So there are no clear-cut warning signs for skin cancer, the signs and symptoms can largely vary for people, but it primarily occurs on part of the skin that is exposed to the skin like the scalp, lips, face, ears, neck, arms, legs and hands.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer is easiest to treat, and it is also the most common. Basal cell carcinoma looks like a pearly or waxy bump on the face, ears or neck. It can also be a flat, skin colored scar or lesion on the chest or back. This is the only way one can assume they have this type of skin cancer, and it always good to get any suspicious looking bump examined by a dermatologist.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer, if diagnosed early is quite easy to treat. But this squamous cell carcinoma is prone to spreading faster than basal cell carcinoma. It looks like a firm nodule with a reddish appearance on the face, lips, ears, neck, hands or arms. It can also look like a flat yet scaly lesion with a crusty surface on the face, ears, neck, hands or arms.

Melanoma

This is considered to be the most dangerous and severe type of skin cancer as it can lead to fatality. Melanoma is when a mole on the skin or any normal skin turns malignant. It can occur on any part of the body in men and women but it mostly occurs on the face or upper back and back of the neck area. It can be a brown spot with darker speckles on any part of the body. It can be a simple mole that has changed in size, color, and texture and is prone to bleeding. A lesion with an irregular border of red, white, blue or black spots around it commonly found on arm and legs. Dark lesions on palms, soles, fingers, toes, mouth, nose, vagina and anus. Shiny and random firm bumps on any part of the body.

Remember that while it is good to be alert about the changes on your skin, not all changes or signs can be cancerous; the best way is to get it checked by a doctor or skin specialist.