The skin is the body’s largest organ. Like many
other body organs it is susceptible to cancer. This kind of cancer affects skin
that is exposed to the sun most of the time. This means the backs of hands,
neck, arms, face (including mouth, lips and nose), lower legs and a bald scalp
are common areas affected. On the other hand, the genital areas, feet soles and
nail bed are areas rarely affected by skin cancer. There are three main types
of skin cancers. These are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and
melanoma. Aside from these common ones there are other rarer kinds of skin
cancers and pre cancers like Actinic Keratosis. This article will look at skin cancer signs and their types.
Actinic Keratosis
This is also referred to as pre cancer or solar
keratosis. This precedes the onset of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Skin cancer symptoms of this condition
include reddened, rough and irregular patches with a scaly feature. They have a
stinging sensation and usually occur in multiple patches.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
This is the second most common skin cancer. It
usually stems from skin affected by Actinic Keratosis. At other times it may
happen on parts of the skin affected by irradiation and burns. Its common appearance
is that of a red toned nodule with a crusty or scaly surface. It could also
start as an ulcer in the skin. In advanced cases they bleed and ulcerate. The skin cancer symptoms for SCC are
minimal. Itching is an uncommon symptom. Any non-healing ulcer or growth should
be seen by a dermatologist to rule out an SC, as, left untreated it will spread
to other organs and grow deep towards the bones.
Basal cell carcinoma
This is the most common kind of skin cancer. Signs of skin cancer for this type are
difficult to spot, as early lesions are usually mistaken for a pimple or spot.
It develops slowly and like SCC it usually affects areas of the skin over
exposed to the sun. There are three forms of BCC. There is the nodular BCC
which presents as a smooth/ shiny growth with visible/ prominent blood
vessels. There is also the superficial
BCC which features a red patch with scales. Lastly, you could have sclerosing
BCC which can be mistaken for a scar. Other skin cancer signs include a pimple that does not fade or clear,
patches of skin growths either pink or reddish that bleed easily and are
usually scaly, and non-healing ulcers.
Melanoma