Monday, March 31, 2008
Symptoms Of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer, like many forms of cancer, has no common symptoms that will make it obvious that you have a form of the disease. Only in the later stages of skin cancer will you start to feel lethargic but by this stage you will no doubt be aware of the condition. Indeed the best way to guard against skin cancer is to check the body from time to time for any changes in the skin. This article will cover the three types of skin cancer and the kind of changes to look out for. Changes in the condition of the skin could be symptoms of skin cancer but it is very hard for the layman to arrive at a decision based on this. If you have a concern about a part of the skin then you should consult a doctor.
Types of Skin Cancer
The first type of cancer is known as basal cell carcinoma. The typical signs of basal skin cancer are waxy or pearly bumps that can occur anywhere on the body. However areas that are more frequently exposed to the sun, like the face, arms and legs should be checked more often. It might also show up on your back or chest as a scar-like spot that can be flesh-colored or brown. This is the most common type of skin cancer and is treatable. It doesn't usually spread so if caught should be easy to treat.
The second type of cancer is known as squamous cell carcinoma. It is characterized by symptoms like a red nodules or a scaly lesion. Again it can show up on any part of the body but the face, arms and legs are most exposed to it. This type of cancer is also not prone to spreading, although the frequency of spreading is slightly higher than that of basal cell carcinoma. It is also a cancer that can easily be treated effectively.
The third type of skin cancer is known as melanoma, and is considered to be the rarest type of skin cancer. It is also the most serious. Symptoms of skin cancer for melanoma include a mole that can be located anywhere on your body. Check your skin for new moles. Check existing moles for any noticeable changes like an increase in size or a change in color. For instance, a melanoma can look like a large brown spot with darker speckles inside it. Lesions with irregular borders or more than one color are also signs of melanoma.
If you notice any unusual spots or moles anywhere on your body, or if a current mole changes at all, it is important to see your doctor for a professional examination. While melanoma can be more serious, it is still 99% treatable when caught in the early stages.
Prevention and Screening
Of course it is not always easy to notice small changes on your body, like a small mole, especially if you have lots of freckles. If this is the case then visiting a specialist who can examine your body is good advice. They will be more experienced at identifying unwelcome spots and blemishes and detect the early signs of skin cancer.
This is also the case if you job is spent outdoors or you spend a lot of time in the sun. Good advice is to get your skin checked out once every 6 months or so.
Other than that, you should protect the body from the sun as much as possible. Always wear high factor (SPF 15+) sunscreen, eye protection, a hat and a long sleeve shirt.
Summary
Skin cancer can be effectively treated in most cases if it is identified in the early stages.
Screen your body for new moles or blemishes.
If you do not feel confident in doing this then get a regular check up with your doctor.
Prevention is just as important as monitoring. Always wear good sunscreen at the very least, if out in the sun. A hat, long sleeved shirt and sunglasses should also be worn.
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