Unusual moles, ulcers, lumps, markings or discoloration in any area of skin may be an early sign of melanoma or other types of skin cancers. Developing with minor symptoms, skin cancer is the most common type of cancers so far in the United States and it is important to recognize it from your outlook that which type of cancer you have for that affects your treatment options. The most common types of skin cancer include melanoma cancer (melanoma cancer develops in melanocyte skin cells that generate skin’s brown pigment), keratinocyte cancer (cancers that develop in the skin cells called keratinocytes) which has two main subtypes: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Skin cancer has other types which account to less than 1% of skin cancers, include Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, cutaneous (skin) lymphoma, skin adnexal tumor.
Skin cancer most often starts in the cells of the skin and some cases start in other parts of your body and will spread to the skin cells. It is important to differentiate the warning symptoms from common skin diseases.
Melanomas are cancers that develop from melanocyte which make the brown pigment that gives skin its color. It can also make benign (non cancerous) growths commonly called moles. The cancer cells can occur anywhere on your body and most often starts from the chest and back (called the trunk) in males. The legs are the most common beginning area in females. The neck and face are second common sites for melanoma cancer to starts. Melanoma is not the most common type of skin cancer as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell skin cancer, but it can be more fatal and leads to far more serious results. Same as other skin cancers, melanoma can be cured in its very early stages but if left keep developing, melanoma is very likely to spread and become hard to clear.
Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma Cancer
Sudden raised moles, sores, bumpy skin, or changes to your skin may indicate precancerous symptoms.
A normal skin mole may be flat or raised, dark or brown spot on the skin. Most appear in your childhood or adulthood and some people are born with them can develop later. Though some moles gradually fade away in years or decades, what you should bring to attention is the new spots or moles that appear in your growth and change in size, shape or color requires a medical checkup. You may tell from the following features of the changes in skin that melanoma cancer might be developing:
A bleeding skin spot
A non healing sore
A spreading pigment larger than 6 mm across
A mole with ragged or blurred border
Sudden pain, itchiness or tenderness in skin
An obvious growing spot
A spot or a mole getting pink, red, or white
It’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between melanomas and common skin moles for both patients and doctors. Always be sure that show your doctors what concerns you on any area of your skin or what you find abnormal.