The various forms of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and melanoma, can often appear initially as small changes in your normal skin. These cancers can present themselves in a range of different ways. For instance, they may begin as sudden growths and precancerous lesions or changes that aren’t cancer to begin with, but may end up becoming cancerous after some time. about 40 to 50 percent of people with fair skin who live to the age of 65 may develop a type of skin cancer. Knowing how to be aware of the warning signs of cancer could help you to get treatment as early as possible.
Skin cancer can generally be cured if it is treated and found early. Non-melanoma skin cancers often develop most frequently on the skin that is exposed regularly to the sun, such as a bare scalp, the earlobes, or the arms and legs. If you want to ask “How do you know if you have skin cancer?” the answer may be getting to know exactly how your skin normally looks. Examining and understanding every spot and blemish on your body can mean that you’re ready to spot changes more easily. Ask for help checking your skin if you need to.
Looking for Signs of Skin Cancer
When answering the question “How do you know if you have skin cancer?” the first step is to examine your body for abnormal growths or blemishes. To check areas that you can’t see easily, remember to ask a trusted friend or partner to check for you. This is particularly important for people who work outside regularly without a shirt, or sunbathe regularly.
The signs of skin cancer might include:
– Spots or sores. This is common, but if you have a spot or sore that doesn’t heal within four weeks it should be checked by a professional You should also watch for sores or spots that are itchy, painful, bleeds frequently, or crusts over.
– Ulcer – look out for areas of skin that have broken down into an ulcer that does not heal for a period of four weeks or more.
– Lumps. It is possible to notice small, slow-growing lumps that are pink or red on your skin – these may indicate the presence of skin cancer.
– Red patches. In some cases, red patches on your skin could be itchy and uncomfortable. The presence of these patches might indicate cancer, or other non-cancerous skin conditions.
When Are Moles a Problem?
When it comes to learning “How do you know if you have skin cancer” many people find themselves obsessing over moles. Moles are a benign growth of melanocytes, which give the skin it’s color. Though few moles will actually progress into cancer, atypical or abnormal moles can develop into melanomas over time. Generally, normal moles can appear raised or flat, and may begin flat or become raised over time. The surface in this case is generally quite smooth. Moles that may change according to skin cancer are often strangely shaped and contain various colors.
