+353 (0)1 206 4219
The word ‘cancer’ can be a frightening one to hear and throws up many worries and questions. This is as true of skin cancer as other forms of cancer and being aware of what skin cancer looks is important. Armed with this information you will know what to look out for and, if you find something unusual, you may at least have some idea of what’s going on when you contact your GP.
With that in mind, I thought it might be beneficial to look at the common signs of skin cancer, or rather what some of the various types of skin cancer look like, so that you can quickly identify them with the recommended A,B,C,D,E self-check.
Yes, there are in fact a number of forms of skin cancer. Cancers occur when cells do not behave normally and skin cancers usually develop on sun-exposed areas, such as the scalp, face, lip, neck, ears, arms etc. It is therefore vitally important that you remain sun smart.
However, they can also form on areas that usually stay covered (particularly on people with dark skin tones), in places like the palms, underneath fingernails or toenails, and genital areas. It is also important to understand the causes of skin cancer and whether you are at risk of developing one of the types mentioned below.
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma and the more serious melanoma. Below I have outlined some of the things to look for in each case.
This is a type of skin cancer that occurs in the cells at the base of the outer layer of the skin and develops on areas exposed to the sun. Generally basal cell cancer does not spread. Commonly, it appears on the face, neck and ears. If untreated, it can form what is referred to as a rodent ulcer. This can be a pearly or waxy bump on your face, ears or neck. Rather confusingly, it can also appear as a flat, brown lesion that resembles a scar on the chest or back.
Another common cancer, squamous cell carcinoma tends to also occur on areas exposed to the sun, particularly the face, lip, ears and neck. Like basal cell carcinoma, it generally doesn't spread to other areas. This form of skin cancer appears as a firm, red nodule or lump, however it can also be a flat lesion or lump, with a scaly surface.
Melanoma is a more serious cancer and manifests differently. It may begin in an existing mole you already have on your body, or as a completely new growth. It often appears on the face but can also appear on the trunk in men and on the lower legs in women. Melanoma can look like a large brown spot, with darker areas or a dark lesion. If a mole changes colour or shape, has an irregular outline, or bleeds or oozes, it's important to get it checked.
There are also some less common cancers, which include kaposi sarcoma, which develops in the skin's blood vessels (endothelial cells) and mainly affects people with weak immune systems. It generally causes purple or red patches on the skin. There is also merkel cell carcinoma. It is usually found on the head, neck, legs and arms. It tends to cause shiny lumps just beneath the skin and in hair roots.
The treatment of and prognosis for skin cancer has improved dramatically, so while all types of the disease are serious and can cause understandable concern, it is also important to know that early detection can help lead to a full recovery.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and download our free guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
The word ‘cancer’ can be a frightening one to hear and throws up many worries and questions. This is as true of skin cancer as other forms of cancer and being aware of what skin cancer looks is important. Armed with this information you will know what to look out for and, if you find something unusual, you may at least have some idea of what’s going on when you contact your GP.
With that in mind, I thought it might be beneficial to look at the common signs of skin cancer, or rather what some of the various types of skin cancer look like, so that you can quickly identify them with the recommended A,B,C,D,E self-check.
Yes, there are in fact a number of forms of skin cancer. Cancers occur when cells do not behave normally and skin cancers usually develop on sun-exposed areas, such as the scalp, face, lip, neck, ears, arms etc. It is therefore vitally important that you remain sun smart.
However, they can also form on areas that usually stay covered (particularly on people with dark skin tones), in places like the palms, underneath fingernails or toenails, and genital areas. It is also important to understand the causes of skin cancer and whether you are at risk of developing one of the types mentioned below.
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma and the more serious melanoma. Below I have outlined some of the things to look for in each case.
This is a type of skin cancer that occurs in the cells at the base of the outer layer of the skin and develops on areas exposed to the sun. Generally basal cell cancer does not spread. Commonly, it appears on the face, neck and ears. If untreated, it can form what is referred to as a rodent ulcer. This can be a pearly or waxy bump on your face, ears or neck. Rather confusingly, it can also appear as a flat, brown lesion that resembles a scar on the chest or back.
Another common cancer, squamous cell carcinoma tends to also occur on areas exposed to the sun, particularly the face, lip, ears and neck. Like basal cell carcinoma, it generally doesn't spread to other areas. This form of skin cancer appears as a firm, red nodule or lump, however it can also be a flat lesion or lump, with a scaly surface.
Melanoma is a more serious cancer and manifests differently. It may begin in an existing mole you already have on your body, or as a completely new growth. It often appears on the face but can also appear on the trunk in men and on the lower legs in women. Melanoma can look like a large brown spot, with darker areas or a dark lesion. If a mole changes colour or shape, has an irregular outline, or bleeds or oozes, it's important to get it checked.
There are also some less common cancers, which include kaposi sarcoma, which develops in the skin's blood vessels (endothelial cells) and mainly affects people with weak immune systems. It generally causes purple or red patches on the skin. There is also merkel cell carcinoma. It is usually found on the head, neck, legs and arms. It tends to cause shiny lumps just beneath the skin and in hair roots.
The treatment of and prognosis for skin cancer has improved dramatically, so while all types of the disease are serious and can cause understandable concern, it is also important to know that early detection can help lead to a full recovery.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and download our free guide to sun protection:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
