Customer question:
What are the symptoms of skin cancer? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Symptoms of skin cancer can vary depending on the type of skin cancer.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma:
- usually appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, and neck
- a wound may appear that does not heal or opens regularly
- marks have a shiny or pearly appearance
Squamous cell carcinoma:
- usually occurs on exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, and hands
- ulcers or wounds that do not heal or reopen are common
- signs with a hard edge and a scaly center
Melanoma:
- changes in the color, shape, or size of nevi (birthmarks)
- new spots that are darker or more scaly than other marks
- asymmetry of the mole and irregular, indistinct, or jagged edges
- signs of different colors or different shades
- itching, burning, or pain in the area of the nevus
- rapid changes in the shape, size, or color of the marks
- increase in the size of the nevus
It is essential to understand that any skin change that persists or worsens may require a professional evaluation by a dermatologist or doctor. If you notice any symptoms that worry you, or if you notice new or unusual spots, consult a skin specialist. Early skin cancer detection and treatment increase the chances of a successful treatment outcome.
Interesting reading: Skin cancer images
Interesting reading: Non-melanoma skin cancer images