Monday, March 10, 2008

Symptoms of skin cancer - How do you know if you are vulnerable?

Sun exposure has been linked for several years with skin cancer. More people are diagnosed with this cancer than any other. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of skin cancer, in order to protect yourself and those you love.

Skin cancer often appears as a growth on the surface of the skin. Moles or trademarks that have been present since birth are rarely cancerous. Changes in the appearance of moles or marks, however, may be a sign of malignancy, and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Sometimes skin cancer looks like a pimple or sore that does not heal. These areas may bleed, or infiltrate clear liquid. They may develop scabs, appearing as if they are beginning to heal, but then begin to bleed or infiltrate again.

Different skin cancers develop in different parts of the body. Basal cell carcinoma usually appear on surfaces of skin frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck or upper back, and sometimes the hands or arms. They often seep fluid yellowish scab over and over again to ooze. When the skin is pulled tight, basal cell cancers are often grey in color. Sometimes tiny blood vessels can be seen in tumors.

In comparison, squamous cell carcinomas are more likely than basal cell cancers to appear on the backs of the arms or hands, but often found on the face, neck or upper back. They also appear painful reddish, scaly growths. They also infiltrate or bleed, scab over, and drain again.

Malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type, usually appears on the trunk or legs. These may appear as changes in moles or freckles, or may begin to grow spontaneously from a part of the skin that appears perfectly normal. These are often multi-colored, and can be brown, black, white, red or blue.

Rarely, people can develop other types of skin cancers. Kaposi sarcoma is found among people with weakened immune systems, such as people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or those who have had organ transplants. These are painful spots that appear on the skin and can spread to the lungs or the digestive organs.

People with a high risk of skin cancer, such as those who are frequently exposed to sunlight or individuals with a family member who had the cancer should consider reviewing their skin often. Skin cancer is usually very curable if it is found and treated early. Being aware of the symptoms of skin cancer and examination of your skin often will allow you to get medical treatment early, and can save your life.

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