When you look at your skin, whether it's on the face, arms or neck, chances are you may have seen some signs of discoloration or sores from time to time. However, basal cell skin cancer is more often found on the parts of the body that are often exposed to the sun. Understanding the symptoms and possible causes of this disease is essential to getting the right treatment.
Basal Cell Skin Cancer Symptoms:
Since there are several forms of skin cancer, it is important that you know which symptoms are most likely to be related to basal cell skin cancer. One of the first indications is a subtle change in the skin. There may be a growth or a sore patch that doesn't may not heal properly or there may be some type of discoloration that gives evidence that you are developing skin cancer. Each of these symptoms will have several types of characteristics that can help you to identify the cancer and whether or not you should get to see a doctor.
The bump: In some cases, a translucent bump that is white or pink in color will appear. People with darker skin tones will have a darker color but it will still be translucent so you will be able to look below the surface and see tiny blood vessels inside. Over time, this bump may eventually rupture, bleed, and then scab over.
The lesion: You could also see darker lesions that are slightly raised. These may indicate a more advanced progression of the disease. They will still have some type of translucency but only around the edges.
The patch: Other cases of basal will show a raised patch of reddish skin that will continue to grow over time.
The scar: The rarest form of basal cell skin cancer appears as a white, waxy looking scar that can be very hard to identify. This form of basal is one of the most invasive and if left untreated could actually progress to the point of causing disfiguration that will be difficult to reverse.
If you observe any of these types of skin changes, it is important to have a doctor examine and test it. You should examine your skin on a regular basis, looking for new growths or even recurring sores that could be an indication of basal cell skin cancer.
Basal Cell Skin Cancer Causes:
This type of cancer is believed to be the result of a mutation in one's DNA. Basal cells are responsible for creating new skin cells. The mutation forces the cells to multiply at a faster rate. Under normal circumstances, when these cells reach the surface of the skin they should die off but they continue to grow accumulating into cancerous tumors and lesions. This is believed to be triggered by constant exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays either from spending too much time in direct sunlight or in tanning salons however, there are also other risk factors that could trigger the abnormal growth. Most people who have developed this kind of skin cancer have chronic exposure to direct sunlight, have gone through radiation therapy, are fair skinned, or male. Other possible causes could be the types of medication you take, exposure to certain toxins, or a genetic disposition. Whatever the case, taking the necessary precautions and catching it early is the primary defense against basal cell skin cancer.