Skin Cancer Warning Signs

There is nothing more terrifying than that nagging worry about developing a condition such as skin cancer, and for some the knowledge and awareness of skin cancer warning signs can be the difference between life and death. For those who are sun worshipers or treat themselves to regular sun bed treatments, risk is heightened which means that awareness should be too.

Skin Cancer: Not as Innocent as it May Seem

So many people have a flippant attitude to the potential risks and effects of skin cancer. For those who live in hot and sunny climes it is often the opinion that they are excluded from the risks of cancers compared to those who don’t. Skin cancer itself can be successfully treated in most cases if detected and treated early. For some unfortunate victims this is not always the case, and skin cancer is detected too late at a time when it has spread and begun to affect other parts of the body.

The longer it is left undetected, skin cancer can spread to vital parts of the body such as the lungs, the spine or the liver. In cases such as this, treatment for the condition can result in radical surgery. In some cases this may not be successful, which compared to a minor operation to remove a suspect mole is really a very big sacrifice to make as a result of ignorance concerning the risks.

As well as the need for surgical intervention, unlike the treatment to remove a malignant mole, those who have been affected by a spread of the cancer are likely to require chemotherapy or radiotherapy to eradicate the cancer cells, a distressing treatment which in so many cases could be avoided if vigilance were optimized.

Skin Cancer Warning Signs: Be Skin Aware

Without being obsessive about it, there are routine measures that can be taken to ensure you are familiar with your skin. By checking the skin surface once a month and noting any possible changes, a person can take control of their own risk and act upon any concerns. Skin cancer does not only affect those who expose themselves frequently to the sun or UV rays, or those who have experienced sunburn. Some unfortunate people are simply more prone to the likelihood of getting skin cancer.

The following ‘ABCD Guide’ is a widely recognized and easy to remember guide to what everybody should be looking out for when concerned about potential skin cancer:

• A – stands for asymmetry. This means that the surface of the mole may not be ‘uniform’ and one part may differ in color and texture to another.
• B – stands for border. Where the edges of the mole may be jagged or irregular.
• C – stands color. In moles which may be cancerous there may be more than one color visible.
• D – stands for diameter. Moles that exceed 6mm in diameter (about the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil), should give cause for concern. Be aware also if a mole that has been present for years suddenly increases in size.

The ABCD observations are crucial and should be taken into account when performing a skin check. As well as observing for the changes noted above it is also important to report to your physician, without delay, any of the following:

• A skin growth that is unfamiliar and tends to be sore. Often these blemishes do not heal.
• A similar blemish that becomes itchy and/or is sore.
• A mole or pimple which may have been present for a long time that begins to bleed or form a scab.

It is crucial to get to know your own body. If you are unable to check those hard to reach areas then ask your partner or a friend to take a look. You can check them out at the same time. There is really no excuse not to perform regular skin checks; after all, it only takes a few moments.

Don’t Dismiss a Thing

There is nothing worse than pondering for days or even weeks whether to go and see your physician or nurse about something which doesn’t seem ‘quite right.' We are all in charge of our own fate and should therefore accept equally if we are sent away from the clinic with simple words of reassurance.

Not every suspicious pimple or mole ends up being a malignant melanoma, and no physician will criticize you acting on the cautious side. It may be that one time that you choose to ignore a skin change that could be the unfortunate event we all dread.

Never allow an untrained person to dismiss a concern about a mole or unusual skin blemish. What may appear normal to one person may be of huge concern to another, therefore it is always best to leave it to the experts.

• How to Do a Pedicure
• Homemade Acne Treatments
• Black Nail Designs
• Acne Myths Quiz
• Nail Care Quiz

• Pictures of Skin Rashes
• Skin Rashes
• Gel Nails Acrylic Nails
• Pictures of Skin Disorders
• Pictures of Simple Nail Art

• Main Page
• Sun Protection Expert: Dr. David Leffell
• Category:Skin Conditions
• Skin Cancer Symptoms
• Skin Cancer