Five Signs of Skin Cancer

Although it is best to see a doctor if you suspect that you have skin cancer, there are at least five signs of skin cancer that you can keep an eye out for. People usually say that you should go to a dermatologist if you see an abnormal growth on your skin. What is abnormal or suspicious? There is no need to panic if you see any of these symptoms on your skin. Only a doctor can tell you for sure if you have skin cancer, but knowing some of the general skin cancer symptoms can help make you more aware and knowledgeable.

The Five Signs of Skin Cancer

First, you need to know where to look for skin cancer. Where does skin cancer appear or where is it most likely to develop? Although cancer is more likely to appear in areas that receive sunlight, skin cancer can occur anywhere, like between your toes or on the palm of your hands. Now that you know where to look, here are some common signs of skin cancer.

Shape

Check the shape. The mark on your skin has an odd shape. Look for marks with darker freckles on it. Inspect your body for marks that are red or blue. Examine the mark to see if it has a different color on its exterior than on its interior. This mark may or may not be cancerous, but some cancers generally have irregular colors and may change in size.

Changes in Size

Did the size change? Don't panic, but watch the blemish on your skin and notice if it seems to get bigger or changes its size in any way. Ask your doctor if you do notice such a change. Keep an eye out for blemishes that look suspicious. These marks may be noticeable to you due to different color or shape.

Raised Blemishes

Is it raised? A raised blemish that feels smooth to the touch may describe several different skin imperfections, but it could also be a sign of melanoma, according to the Mayo Clinic. One of the signs of melanoma skin cancer is a smooth or slick raised bump that is darker and a different color from your other skin. Even if the lesion if the same color as your own skin, consult a doctor if the texture feels questionable.

Raised Edges

Other possible cancer symptoms relating to texture that you should be aware of relate to the edges of the blemish. A symptom of cancer includes a lesion that has raised edges, with the inside of the lesion sunken in. Again, this characteristic applies to several different skin conditions; it also describes a ringworm, but it is always a good idea to ask a doctor to look over any marks, bumps, or bruises or changes to your skin that are causing you concern.

Bleeding or Oozing

A lesion on your skin that does not seem to heal or continues to bleed and ooze pus should be examined by a doctor. Do you have a blemish and have no idea of its origin? Does the blemish continue to bleed or ooze and not heal? A bleeding or oozing blemish that does not heal is probably the most noticeable sign that something is wrong. If the blemish does form a crust, but still does not completely heal, you should see a doctor. Cancers may form a crust but then begin to ooze or bleed again for several weeks. Do not procrastinate or ignore any suspicious blemishes. Even if the five symptoms of skin cancer do not turn out to be cancer in your case, the symptoms could be a sign of infection or another problem.

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