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Skin Cancer Warning Signs

Skin cancer warning signs for our Jacksonville area residents are listed under each of the three common types of the disease. There are many skin conditions that can look similar to skin cancer but are benign. However, because of the extremely high cure rate of skin cancer that is detected early, it is always best to have a dermatologist examine any suspicious looking skin problem as soon as possible.

Common Types of Skin Cancer

• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Melanoma

These three types of skin cancer account for over 99% of the occurrences of the disease and each is named after the skin cell that is damaged by the disease.

Warning Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma

1. Open Sore - Bleeds, Oozes or Crusts
2. Reddish Patch - Persists on Face, Neck, Shoulders, Arms or Legs
3. Shiny Bump or Nodule - Pearly or Translucent
4. Pink Growth - Elevated Border with Crusty Indented Center
5. Scar-Like Area - White, Yellow or Waxy

Pre-Cancerous Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Actinic Keratoses - Rough, Scaly Growths on Exposed Areas of the Body
• Actinic Cheilitis - Dry, Cracked Growths on the Lower Lip
• Leukoplakia - White Patches Inside the Mouth
• Bowen's Disease - Red/Brown Scaly Patch in the Nose, Mouth or Skin

There are precancerous growths that are often associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma. Most are directly linked to sun damage resulting from over exposure.

Warning Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

1. Persistent Scaly Red Patch that Crusts or Bleeds
2. Elevated Growth with Central Depression that Bleeds
3. Open Sore or Ulcers that Bleeds and Persists for Weeks
4. Wart-Like Growth that Crusts or Bleeds

Squamous cell carcinomas develop in the upper level of the skin almost anywhere. Lesions or sores that don't heal or bleed when bumped are common signs of this type of skin cancer as well as sudden sores with rapid growth.

Warning Signs of Melanoma

1. Changes in the Surface of a Mole
2. Scaliness, Oozing, Bleeding of a Mole
3. New Mole that Looks Different from Others
4. Spread of Pigment from the Border of a Mole
5. Change in Sensation (Itchiness, Tenderness or Pain)

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. But, when detected early, the cure rate is about 95%. Remembering the ABCDEs of this form of the disease can help with your early detection through routine self-examinations.

ABCDEs of Melanoma

• A = Asymmetry. If you could fold the lesion in half, the two sides would not match.
• B = Border. The border of the melanoma is typically blurred or uneven.
• C = Color. Melanomas usually have more than one color (brown, black, tan or red) with mixed shades.
• D = Diameter. The diameter of most diagnosed melanomas is around 6 mm. That's why early detection is so important. Always have your doctor examine any problematic mole.
• E = Evolving. Moles changing in size, shape or color should be examined by your doctor.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with about 1 million new cases diagnosed each year. If the increasing rate continues to follow recent trends, it is estimated that nearly 1/2 of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. For additional information about skin cancer warning signs in Jacksonville, call Park Avenue Dermatology at 1-877-541-0315.