Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, making it important to recognize the symptoms of skin cancer as soon as they appear. Skin cancer can manifest in various forms, with different types of symptoms depending on the specific kind of cancer. This article explores the symptoms associated with the three main types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—along with other less common forms, providing a comprehensive guide to identifying potential signs of this disease.
Common Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Unusual Skin Growths or Sores
One of the most common symptoms of skin cancer is the appearance of unusual growths or sores on the skin.
- New growths: Any new growth on the skin that doesn’t resemble the surrounding area should be examined. These growths can vary in color, size, and texture.
- Non-healing sores: Sores that do not heal within a few weeks, or that heal and then reopen, can be a sign of skin cancer. These sores may ooze, bleed, or crust over.
- Changes in existing moles or spots: Pay attention to any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of existing moles or skin spots, as these can be early indicators of skin cancer.
Persistent Itching, Pain, or Tenderness
Skin cancer can sometimes present as a lesion or area of skin that is persistently itchy, painful, or tender to the touch.
- Itching: Persistent itching in a specific area, especially if it’s associated with a visible lesion, can be a symptom of skin cancer.
- Pain or tenderness: A lesion that is painful or tender, especially if it feels sore to the touch or causes discomfort without an obvious cause, may warrant further examination by a healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Pearly or Waxy Bumps
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It often presents as a small, pearly or waxy bump on the skin, especially in areas exposed to the sun.
- Appearance: These bumps are typically flesh-colored or slightly pink, and they may have a translucent appearance. They often resemble a small pimple that doesn’t go away.
- Location: BCCs commonly appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and ears. They may also appear on the shoulders, back, and arms.
- Blood vessels: Tiny blood vessels, known as telangiectasias, may be visible within the bump, giving it a slightly reddish or blueish tint.
Flat, Flesh-Colored or Brown Lesions
Another common presentation of basal cell carcinoma is a flat, scar-like lesion that is flesh-colored or brown.
- Appearance: These lesions are often flat, with a slightly raised edge. They may have a waxy or shiny appearance and can resemble a scar.
- Texture: The surface of the lesion may be smooth or slightly rough, and it can appear shiny or have a crusty surface.
- Growth over time: These lesions tend to grow slowly over time, and they can become more noticeable as they expand.
Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Rough, Scaly Patches
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often presents as rough, scaly patches on the skin that may be red or brown in color.
- Appearance: These patches can appear thickened, with a rough texture that may feel gritty or scaly to the touch. They are often red or brown and can have a crusty surface.
- Location: SCC typically occurs on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, ears, neck, hands, and arms. However, it can also develop in other areas, including the mucous membranes.
- Symptoms: These patches may be itchy, tender, or painful, and they can sometimes bleed or become ulcerated.
Firm, Red Nodules
Squamous cell carcinoma can also appear as firm, red nodules on the skin that may bleed or crust over.
- Appearance: These nodules are usually firm to the touch and can range in color from red to brown. They may have a rough or crusty surface.
- Ulceration: The center of the nodule may ulcerate, leading to a sore that does not heal and may bleed or become infected.
- Rapid growth: Unlike basal cell carcinoma, which tends to grow slowly, squamous cell carcinoma can grow more rapidly and may spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Symptoms of Melanoma
Asymmetry, Border Irregularity, Color Variation, Diameter, and Evolving (ABCDE) Signs
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and can be recognized by the ABCDE signs, which help identify suspicious moles or lesions.
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole or lesion does not match the other half in shape or size, indicating asymmetry, which is a hallmark of melanoma.
- Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are notched, scalloped, or blurred, rather than smooth and even, which is common in benign moles.
- Color variation: The mole contains multiple colors, such as shades of brown, black, tan, white, red, or blue, rather than being a single, uniform color.
- Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser), although they can be smaller when first detected.
- Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation of a mole, or the appearance of new symptoms such as itching, bleeding, or crusting, is a sign that the mole may be malignant.
Dark Lesions on Palms, Soles, Fingertips, or Mucous Membranes
Melanoma can also present as dark lesions in less common areas, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the nails, or on mucous membranes.
- Acral lentiginous melanoma: This type of melanoma typically appears as dark spots or streaks under the nails or on the palms and soles. It is more common in people with darker skin.
- Mucosal melanoma: This rare form of melanoma occurs on mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth, nasal passages, or anus. It can present as a dark spot or lump in these areas.
Symptoms of Less Common Types of Skin Cancer
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that typically appears as a fast-growing, painless nodule on the skin.
- Appearance: Merkel cell carcinoma usually presents as a firm, red or purple nodule that can grow quickly over a few weeks or months.
- Location: These nodules often appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, and legs.
- Aggressive growth: Merkel cell carcinoma is known for its rapid growth and the potential to spread to other parts of the body, making early detection and treatment critical.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Kaposi’s sarcoma is a cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels and typically presents as red, purple, or brown patches or nodules on the skin.
- Appearance: These patches or nodules are usually flat or slightly raised and can range in color from red to purple or brown. They often appear on the legs, feet, or face.
- Associated conditions: Kaposi’s sarcoma is commonly associated with immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, and can also occur in people with weakened immune systems due to other conditions or treatments.
- Other symptoms: In addition to skin lesions, Kaposi’s sarcoma can affect internal organs, leading to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and difficulty breathing if the lungs are involved.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer Recurrence
New Growths at Previous Cancer Sites
Individuals who have had skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing new cancers at the same site or nearby.
- Recurrent growths: Recurrent skin cancers may appear as new growths, sores, or lesions at or near the site of the previous cancer. These may resemble the original cancer in appearance and behavior.
- Regular monitoring: Regular follow-up with a dermatologist is essential for early detection of recurrent skin cancer, especially for those with a history of the disease.
Changes in Existing Scars or Treated Areas
Changes in the appearance or texture of existing scars from previous skin cancer treatments can also indicate a recurrence.
- Scar changes: If a scar from a previous treatment becomes raised, changes color, or develops new growths, it may be a sign of recurrent skin cancer.
- Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, or itching in the area of the scar or treated site should be reported to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Conclusion
Recognizing the symptoms of skin cancer is crucial for early detection and successful treatment. From the appearance of unusual growths and persistent sores to changes in existing moles and the development of new lesions, being aware of these signs can help individuals seek timely medical attention. Whether it’s the common presentations of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma or the more dangerous signs of melanoma, understanding these symptoms empowers individuals to monitor their skin health and take action when necessary. Regular self-examinations, along with professional skin checks, are key to catching skin cancer early, when it is most treatable.