Millions of Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer by their seventies. While more older persons are identified with this condition, more and more young people are developing skin cancer as well. Luckily, Asheville skin cancer does not have to be as dangerous as you may fear if it is treated. With early identification, melanoma has a high survival rate. To maximize your chances of preventing the worst effects, you should frequently inspect your skin for red flags and early symptoms. Although there are additional symptoms that prompt people to seek medical attention, these five are the most prevalent.
Skin Growths on Your Body
When it comes to detecting melanoma, moles are frequently crucial. By employing the ABCDE technique to inspect your moles once every month, you have a decent chance of detecting them.
Asymmetry: The mole is not even
Border: The mole has irregular or ill-defined borders
Color: The mole has uneven hues
Diameter: Melanomas are typically larger than a pencil eraser
Evolving: The mole is changing in shape, color, or size
Reddish, Itchy Patches
Occasionally, everybody gets rashes. A rash is not always a cancer symptom, whether it results from contact dermatitis, poison oak, poison ivy, or merely sensitive skin. Nevertheless, if you get persistent, raised, ruddy spots, this may be a symptom of basal cell carcinoma.
With skin cancer, you could also have yellow, flat patches and pink growths with elevated edges. Other symptoms include open, non-healing wounds and pearly, shiny skin bumps that might present as multi-colored mixtures of blue, pink, black, and/or brown.
Bumps and Lumps
If you identify hard red, purple, or pink bumps or lumps on your skin, you may have Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). MCC could arise anywhere on your body and are often painless, but they grow rapidly and can occasionally become sores or ulcers. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is one of the most severe forms of skin cancer, so it is best to have your situation evaluated as soon as possible.
Lesions
Lesions on the face or legs that are red, brown, or purple in color, whether they are slightly elevated, flat, or large enough to be termed bumps, may signify Kaposi Sarcoma (KS). These lesions, which initially manifest as skin patches, are not unpleasant or itchy. As a result, individuals sometimes delay having them examined. However, given that it is best to treat skin cancer early, you should not overlook it but instead see a doctor as soon as possible.
Any Surprising Skin Changes
Change is the one constant in this world. However, changes must always be looked at with skepticism when it pertains to the skin. Some typical concerns that might indicate skin cancer include discoloration, inflammation, changes in skin texture, and new growths.
Do not delay seeking a skin cancer screening if you identify one or more of these early warning signs of skin cancer. While these conditions do not necessarily point to skin cancer, they heighten your risk of developing skin malignancies. If you are yet to develop skin cancer, your physician can suggest numerous techniques to mitigate your risk factors, such as minimizing sunlight exposure, tanning bed use, and more. Likewise, your doctor may suggest the most appropriate care plan if you have skin cancer.