One in five Americans is diagnosed with skin cancer before their 70th birthday. Luckily, skin cancer does not have to be as dangerous as you may fear if it is treated. With early identification, melanoma has a 99% survival rate. You should frequently inspect your skin for early symptoms and warning signs to maximize your chances of preventing significant complications. While numerous things could signify Huntsville skin cancer, here are the five common warning signs to look out for.
- Moles On The Skin
When detecting melanoma, moles are frequently crucial. By employing the ABCD approach to inspect your moles monthly, you have a decent chance of detecting them.
- Asymmetry: One portion of your mole is different from the other.
- Border: The mole’s borders are irregular or ill-defined
- Color: The hue varies from region to region
- Diameter: Melanomas are often larger than a pencil eraser
- Evolving: Your mole is constantly changing in color, shape, or size
- Lesions
Whether slightly elevated, flat, or huge enough to be termed lumps, lesions that grow on the face or legs. Often, these lesions develop in a brown, red, or purple hue, characteristic of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS).
First emerging as dots on the skin, these lesions are neither unpleasant nor bothersome. For this reason, individuals sometimes overlook having them examined. However, considering the benefits of identifying skin cancer early and the adverse consequences of not treating it early, you should not disregard any lesions that develop on your skin.
- Itchy, Reddish-Pink Patches
Occasionally, everybody develops rashes. Whether it results from contact dermatitis, sensitive skin, poison ivy, or poison oak, a rash is not always a sign of cancer. Nevertheless, if you acquire persistent, raised, ruddy patches, this may be an indication of basal cell carcinoma. Other associated concerns with cancer include:
- Pink growths with elevated margins
- Flat, yellow spots
- Pearly, shiny bumps on your skin that might appear as blue, pink, black, and/or brown mixtures
- Open wounds that do not heal
- Bumps and Lumps
If you recognize solid purple, pink, or red bumps and lumps on your skin, you may have Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). MCC could arise anywhere on the body. These lumps and bumps are typically painless, but they develop rapidly and can occasionally become sores or ulcers. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, MCC leads to life-threatening effects; thus, it is best to have a specialist examine your condition immediately.
- Any Surprising Changes
Change is the one constant in this world. However, alterations must always be looked at with skepticism when it pertains to your skin. See a specialist in case of:
- Variations in texture
- New growths
- Swelling
- Discoloration
Anybody can acquire skin cancer, but some individuals are at a greater risk of developing more severe forms of this condition, such as Merkel Cell Carcinoma. If you identify any of the concerns highlighted above, do not hesitate to contact Ray Sheppard, MD General Surgery. Dr. Ray Sheppard will assess your concerns and provide an accurate diagnosis. In most cases, Dr. Sheppard uses surgical excision to eliminate unusual growths and prevent cancer from spreading. Arrange an appointment today through mobile or request online to learn more.