Skin Cancer Symptoms

The skin is the most extensive organ, covering the entire body and protecting all of the internal organs from damage. The skin is made up of many layers, the epidermis being the top most layer that protects the inner layers of skin. Like the other layers of the skin, the epidermis can be damaged by exposure to sun and other factors. Damaged cells may become cancerous. There are different types of skin cancer depending on the type of cell or layer the cancer develops within. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of cell affected. The symptoms described here are for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC).

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Symptoms

Nearly 80 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas and most of the other cases are squamous cell carcinomas. There is also a group of very rare, non-melanoma skin cancers that account for only about one percent of the diagnoses in the United States. The symptoms may vary, but an unusual skin growth, bump or sore that doesn't go away may be the first indication of a non-melanoma skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinomas

Basal cell carcinomas on the head or neck may first appear as a pale patch of skin or a waxy translucent bump. It may be possible to see blood vessels in the center to the bump or there may be an indentation in the center. If the carcinoma develops on the chest it may look more like a brownish scar or flesh-colored lesion. As the cancer develops, it may bleed if injured or ooze and become crusty in some areas.

Squamous cell carcinomas may also develop as a lump on the skin. However, these firm lumps may be rough on the surface, unlike the smooth and pearly appearance of a basal cell carcinoma. If a nodule doesn't form, the cancer may develop more like a reddish scaly patch. Whereas a skin rash may go away with time, these rough lesion-like patches remain and continue to develop slowly. This type of cancer typically is found on the head, neck, hands, or arms.

• Discolorations - Kaposi sarcomas begin as a small discolored area that may resemble a bruise.
• Sores and rashes - Mycosis fungoides is a type of lymphoma that starts in the skin. This type of cancer usually looks similar to some type of skin allergy or rash at the onset. The rash-like symptoms usually are found on the buttocks, hips or lower abdomen. Pinkish or purple-colored nodules or ulcers on or around the face may be Merkel cell tumors.
• Bumps - Little bumps on the skin may be a sign of adnexal tumors. Larger masses underneath the surface of the skin may be a symptom of skin sarcomas.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a less common type of skin cancer, accounting for only about five percent of skin cancers in the United States. This type of cancer originates in the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. The change in melanin production may cause observable changes in the size or shape of moles or other skin markings. Changes in a mole, or the development of new moles in adulthood, may be signs of melanoma. The symptoms of melanoma are summarized by the ABCD rule. A potentially cancerous mole may become Asymmetrical in shape, such that the two halves don't match. Or the Border of the mole may become rough or irregular. Changes in the Color or shading of the mole may also be a sign of cancer. And lastly, the Diameter of a mole is an indicator of cancerous conditions. A mole bigger than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch) may be suspicious.

But not all symptoms of melanomas produce observable changes in moles. Some melanomas affect the look or feel of the skin. Patches of skin that become itchy or scaly could be in indication of melanoma.

Checking for Symptoms

Any changes in the color, texture or feel of a patch of skin may be signs of precancerous conditions and should be examined by a dermatologist (skin doctor). Skin cancer may occur anywhere on the body, but certain types of skin cancer may develop in specific spots. For example, squamous cell carcinomas more commonly appear on the head, face or arms, whereas melanomas may develop on moles anywhere on the body. In men, melanomas develop more frequently on the back and shoulders. In women, melanomas more often occur on the legs. Different types of skin cancer may also develop on finger nails or places that receive little sun exposure, like the bottom of the feet.

Most dermatologists will check for changes in skin or abnormal moles during a routine check-up. You can also examine your own skin for abnormal moles or markings.

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