The Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Cancer is the one thing that most everyone dreads. Having your doctor tell you that you've been diagnosed with any type of cancer is frightening. Skin cancer is thought to be more curable than other forms of cancer is caught in time. Since it is found on the outer layers of the skin it causes a change in the color of the skin. Light skinned people who cannot tolerate heat from the sun are more susceptible than darker skinned people. A red spot, or the skin will have a reddish appearance, or there will be oily looking shiny spots, or even a sore. People need to be educated about the symptoms of skin cancer because early detection can result in a lasting cure.

If you have some skin discoloration it doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer. Although any change in color on the skin requires medical attention, many moles and warts that are found on the skin are benign. These discolorations are caused by heat, UV rays and usually found in exposed portions of the body like the face, neck, head and arms. People who sunbath often or have contact with dangerous chemicals are also, or work near heat engines can also have this problem. Regardless of the reason, if you notice a change in your skin, see your health care provider.

The symptoms of basal carcinoma are the appearance of an oily, shiny pink spot that may from a crust days pass. If it isn't treated the crust may start bleeding and eat into the tissues. Another form of skin cancer is called squamous carcinoma and occurs when pink or red spots appear on the head, neck or limbs. At times they may develop into a dangerous ulcer. Malignant melanoma is caused by UV exposure and is found mostly on the face, neck, arms, head or back. The symptoms are a raised skin level that is brown or black in appearance and looks like a mole, crust formation, bleeding or oozing sticky liquid may also occur. Malignant melanoma spreads quickly and can eat into nearby cells and tissues, if caught early it is treatable, if not it can be fatal. Both squamous and basal carcinoma can be successfully, though the quickly spreading squamous carcinoma can be a problem at very advanced stages

Treating skin cancer usually involves surgically removing the section and a small area nearby, which has proven effective for basal, squamous and malignant melanoma when it is caught early. When malignant melanoma spread it can be stopped by surgery and chemotherapy, but not cured completely and can only prolong the life of the patient.

Using skin creams when you go out will help, but should not be seen as a preventive measure. If you are light skinned or have sensitive skin it's even more important for you avoid going out into the sun as much as you can and you should also not take long sunbaths. These are some of the best ways to avoid an occurrence of skin cancer. If you notice a suspicious spot, consult your doctor right away.