Health & Care Information Learn all about skin cancer sign and symptoms!
Cancer of the skin occurs more frequently in human beings than any other kind of cancer. Fortunately there is a higher rate of success in treating cancer of the skin than in any other kind of cancer but it must be treated in order to avoid an unfavorable outcome. Persons between the ages of 40 and 60 are the most likely to develop cancer of the skin.Skin cancers are new growths of epithelial cells of the skin, tending to spread into surrounding tissues or giving rise to the transfer of such cells from one organ or part of the body to another.
Cancers which begin as scaly or warty spots tend to grow rather rapidly, becoming both broader and deeper and eventually forming large ulcers that bleed easily. These ulcers are surrounded by narrow zones of hard tissue. As they become larger, malignant cells often spread from them through lymph channels to surrounding and underlying structures. Rarely they spread through the bloodstream to distant parts of the body, especially the lungs.
In the early stages, both pain and itching are slight or entirely absent, which may cause one to ignore the condition until it has spread far enough and deep enough to be really dangerous. Later there is more or less pain. After an extensive spread has taken place, no treatment can save life. Fortunately, the growth or spread is not so rapid that a really watchful person cannot seek for examination and treatment in time.Some skin cancers are up to 98 percent curable when treated properly. But some forms of skin cancer such as the melanoma, have a far lower rate of cure.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancerin in some countries.Most commonly affected area is skin that gets lot of sun, such as the face, scalp, neck, hands, and arms.Basal cell carcinoma major sign and symptoms include
- pearl-shaped lump
- Pimple that just won’t clear
- Sore that bleeds
- Scar that feels waxy
- Appearence off reddish coloured sores
- Reddish patch of dry skin that won’t heal
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is a very common type of skin cancer.Most commonly affected areas are ear, face, bald scalp, neck, or arm.Squamous cell carcinoma major sign and symptoms include
- Hard reddish bump(pearl shaped growth)
- Open sore that itches and bleeds
- Scaly patch on the lip
- Skin becomes thick
Melanoma
Melanoma often appears in an existing mole or looks like a new mole.Melanoma major sign and symptoms include
- Pain, itch, or bleeding in a new spot on the skin
- A mole on the skin (changing shape or changing color)
- Dark spot on the skin
- Bruise on the foot that does not heal
