What are the Signs of Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. In fact, studies estimate that one in every five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer at some point in their lives.

The sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays are typically to blame for the development of abnormal, or cancerous, skin cells.

Usually, when you shed old skin cells, new and healthy ones take their place. However, if something disrupts this process (such as too much sun exposure), a group of abnormal skin cells can form. The growth is often cancerous, though, sometimes, it can be benign (noncancerous). 

Thankfully, as long as skin cancer is caught early, the prognosis is very good. Skin cancer provides a lot of external warning signs since it often develops in places you can easily see. You just have to know how to recognize them.

At Thomas Dermatology located in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and Lake Havasu City, Kingman, and Bullhead City, Arizona, our team of dermatologists is passionate about empowering you to recognize signs of various types of skin cancer.

In this month’s blog, we highlight the signs of some of the more common types of skin cancer to help you with early detection. 

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and often occurs after many years of exposure to the sun and tanning beds. Those most at risk for developing basal cell carcinoma are those with fair skin. This type of skin cancer can grow anywhere on your body that gets a lot of sun exposure, including your head, neck, chest, arms, and legs. 

Keep an eye out for signs of basal cell carcinoma growths, which can look like small and waxy bumps, pink-colored skin patches, or flesh-colored lesions. 

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, and it also most often develops on heavily sun-exposed areas such as your ears, face, and hands. Those with fairer skin are also at a higher risk for this type of skin cancer.

Warning signs of a squamous cell carcinoma growth are having a red and firm bump, a scaly patch, or a scab that keeps healing and then re-opening. 

Melanoma 

Unlike the other two, melanoma can occur anywhere on your body, not just places that see the sun. It’s also considered much more dangerous since it can spread quickly to other areas of your body. 

Melanoma can develop from moles that you already have, or it can pop up as a new skin growth. If you notice any of these signs in a new or current mole or skin growth, it’s crucial to seek treatment quickly:

• The brown growth is large with dark speckles
• The mole itches, bleeds, or changes in size
• The growth has uneven borders and multiple colors

Early detection of melanoma is key for successful diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Get expert skin cancer screening

When it comes to skin cancer, it’s important to get screened whenever you notice any type of suspicious growth on your skin. To schedule your screening, simply call your nearest office location, or use our online booking feature today.