Q. What are the warning signs of skin cancer?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Skin cancer can present with various warning signs, and it's essential to be aware of these signs to facilitate early detection. The most common warning signs of skin cancer include:
1. Change in the Appearance of Moles: Pay attention to moles on your skin. Warning signs can include changes in color, size, shape, or texture. Any evolving mole should be examined by a dermatologist.
2. New Moles: The sudden appearance of a new mole on your skin, especially after the age of 30, should be evaluated.
3. Asymmetry: One half of a mole or skin lesion does not match the other half.
4. Irregular Borders: The borders of a mole or skin lesion are irregular, not well-defined, or appear jagged.
5. Color Variation: Moles or lesions with multiple colors or colors that have changed over time, such as red, white, blue, or black, can be a warning sign.
6. Diameter: Any mole or lesion larger than the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm or ¼ inch) may be a cause for concern.
7. Evolving or Changing Lesions: Moles or skin lesions that change in size, shape, color, or texture, or become itchy, painful, or bleed should be evaluated promptly.
8. Sores that Don't Heal: Non-healing sores, ulcers, or scabs on the skin that persist for several weeks may be a sign of skin cancer, especially in older individuals.
9. Redness or Swelling: Skin that becomes red, swollen, or develops a raised border can be a warning sign.
10. Itching or Pain: Persistent itching, tenderness, or pain in a mole or skin lesion should be checked.
11. Flat or Scaly Red Patches: Red, scaly, or rough-textured skin patches that don't resolve and may crust or bleed could be a sign of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
12. Translucent or Pearly Bumps: Bumps that appear translucent, pearly, or waxy may be indicative of basal cell carcinoma.
13. Firm Red Nodules: Raised, firm, red nodules with a central depression may suggest basal cell carcinoma.
14. Dark Lesions: Dark or black lesions on the skin that may be nodular or have an irregular border may be melanoma.
15. Change in Nail Color: Changes in nail color, such as dark lines or streaks, may indicate a form of melanoma that affects the nail bed.
Remember that early detection is critical for successful treatment of skin cancer. If you notice any of these warning signs, consult a dermatologist for a professional evaluation. Skin cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed and treated in its early stages.