Symptoms of skin cancer

Each year, many people are treated for symptoms of skin cancer so it is important to know what the signs of skin cancer are. The most common symptoms of skin cancer are new growths on the skin caused by the multiplication of cancerous cells. These cancerous cell are normally formed due to exposure to ultra violate radiation from the sun.

The main types of cancers are basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell cancers often start as a speck of coarse skin that is lighter or redder in colour than neighbouring skin. These sometimes start as little lumps or sores that do not heal and bleed easily. Basal cell cancer is the most common form of skin cancer and is very easily treated if detected early. Squamous cancer is quite easily treated but spreads more rapidly than basal cell cancer.

Melanoma is the most fatal skin cancer and is readily recognised by the changes in shape or colour of dark patches of skin or moles. When pigment melanoma are bombarded with uv radiation they sometimes change in charateristic causing them to multiply rapidly. If untreated this cancer can spread to other organs.

If you think that you are showing symptoms of skin cancer you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible. They can usually tell by looking at the skin problem whether or not it is cancerous. If you are showing symptoms of skin cancer, a biopsy will be done by taking a sample of your skin for testing.