Stay on top of your spots with this easy guide
In the United States, more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. And every hour, two people die from the disease.
The two most common types of skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These and other non-melanomic skin cancers kill more than 5,000 people every month. Melanoma is rare in comparison but kills nearly 10,000 Americans each year.
But all three are immensely treatable… if spotted early and brought to the attention of a doctor.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Signs & Symptoms
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, with 3.6 million cases diagnosed each year in the US alone. If left untreated, it can burrow painfully into bone and tissue. If found early, nearly all can be removed simply and safely.
- An open sore that does not heal. It may bleed or ooze—or it may not. It may seem to disappear, only to reappear shortly after.
- A reddish patch or irritated area. It won’t necessarily be itching or hurting, but it will be new and it will persist.
- A shiny bump or nodule. For people of color, it may be tan, black or brown, and can be mistaken for a mole. On fair skin, it is usually pearly, pink, red or white.
- A small pink growth. It will have a slightly raised, rounded edge and crust in the middle.
- A scar-like area. Typically flat, yellow or waxy in color, it will make the skin appear shiny and taut.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Signs & Symptoms
Squamous cell carcinoma kills more than 15,000 Americans each year. And it’s becoming more common, with a 200% increase in recorded cases. If ignored, these cancers can quickly grow, becoming disfiguring and deadly. But the majority can be successfully treated, if found early.
- A persistent scaly red patch. It will have irregular borders and sometimes crust or bleed.
- An elevated growth with a central depression. It will occasionally bleed and may rapidly increase in size.
- An open sore that bleeds or crusts and persists for weeks.
- A wart-like growth that crusts and occasionally bleeds.
Melanoma Signs & Symptoms
Melanoma accounts for roughly 1% of skin cancers in the United States yet still causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. It is highly aggressive and grows rapidly.
A symmetry: Common moles are symmetrical, melanoma often is not. B order: Melanoma will often have uneven borders and rough edges. C olor: Look for moles with multiple colors, particularly shades of brown, black and tan. D iameter: Any mole the size of a pencil eraser or bigger is suspect. E volving: Any change in size, shape or color should be investigated.
Recognize the warning signs by learning your ABCDEs:
Asymmetry: Common moles are symmetrical, melanoma often is not.
Border: Melanoma will often have uneven borders and rough edges.
Color: Look for moles with multiple colors, particularly shades of brown, black and tan.
Diameter: Any mole the size of a pencil eraser or bigger is suspect.
Evolving: Any change in size, shape or color should be investigated.
Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer
There are many common risk factors for developing skin cancer, such as having fair skin or having prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. On top of that, being over 50 increases your risk, as does being male.
Here are some basic rules to help stay safe:
- Examine your entire body once a month. Skin cancer can develop even in places that do not have prolonged exposure to the sun. For people of color, it can be particularly important to check under fingernails and toenails, as well as palms and soles of the feet.
- See your dermatologist yearly. Even if you don’t think you’ve found anything suspicious, it’s a good idea to get a professional skin exam every year.
- When in doubt, check it out. If you think you’ve found a suspicious spot, trust your gut and get a professional opinion.
- Protect. Your. Skin. The Florida sun is brutal and you should be practicing sun safety every day. Slather on the sunscreen, wear a hat, hang in the shade and avoid tanning beds.
More Resources
To learn more about skin cancer treatment at Sarasota Memorial’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, click here, or call at (941) 917-1981.
To learn about upcoming cancer screenings, education events, the latest cancer care research and other services and resources, click here.
Looking for a doctor or provider? Click here or call the SMH-Sarasota HealthLine at (941) 917-7777 or the SMH-Venice HealthLine at (941) 261-7777.
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Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH’s in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, Ky, but lost his life savings investing in a Bon Jovi-themed gymnasium.