Sun-exposed skin is most likely to develop skin cancer – an abnormal growth of skin cells. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of body cancers – after lung cancer and stomach cancer. However, this can also occur on skin areas that are not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Read on to find more information on what are its common symptoms and the causes/risk factors behind it’s development.
Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are the three types most common types of skin cancer. There are several uncommon and rare types. We will further discuss these types in detail. [1]
Limiting or avoiding your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation reduces the risk of skin cancer. Preventing other risk factors -including certain diets – is important too. Detecting skin cancer at its earliest stages can be achieved by checking your skin for suspicious changes. Detecting skin cancer early increases your chances of successfully treating it.
First thing first, here’s how skin cancer manifests its signs and symptoms.
1Early Symptoms Of Skin cancer
The majority of skin cancers develop in areas with sun exposure, such as the face, lips, scalp, neck, ears, hands, chest, arms and the legs (mostly in women). But you can also develop it on areas not usually exposed to the sunlight – such as your palms, genital areas, and beneath your toenails and fingernails. [2]
Although it commonly affects white people, people with darker skin tones are also susceptible to skin cancer. Dark-skinned people are more likely to develop melanoma (skin cancer) in areas not usually exposed to the sun, such as beneath their toenails, fingernails, palms and soles.
Let’s discuss the signs and symptoms of each type of skin cancer.
Signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinomaÂ
Your neck or face (and sun-exposed areas of your body) are the primary body parts where the basal cell carcinoma develops. It may appear as:
- A skin bump (pearly or waxy)
- A flat scar-like lesion (flesh-colored or brown)
- A scabbing or bleeding sore that usually heals but frequently returns
