Patients who do not take precautions upon sum exposure are more likely to develop skin cancer. However, skin cancer is a condition that can also develop in areas that do not receive direct sunlight. Physicians recommend that the most effective way of preventing skin cancer is to avoid direct exposure to Ultraviolet rays. It is important to receive early medical intervention for skin cancer Kingwood to improve treatment outcomes.
Where does skin cancer develop?
Women are most susceptible to developing skin cancer in areas exposed to UV rays, such as the face, scalp, ears, chest, and extremities. However, skin cancer can also develop in private parts or fingernails, toenails, and palms, free from direct sunlight.
Skin cancer usually affects patients of all skin types. Patients with darker skin tones are more likely to develop melanoma, a type of skin cancer that occurs in areas not exposed to the sun, like the palms of the hands.
What are the signs and symptoms of the different types of skin cancer?
The following are the most common types of skin cancers and their symptoms:
1. Basal cell carcinoma
You should expect this skin cancer to develop in sun-exposed areas like the neck and face. The signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma may vary in patients depending on disease severity. The following are the most common symptoms of basal cell carcinoma:
- A lesion that resembles a scar and is flesh-colored
- A chronic sore that returns after healing
- A waxy bump
2. Melanoma
Patients with existing moles need to attend regular visits to detect their development into cancerous skin cells. Men usually get melanoma in their faces while women in their legs. All skin tones are equally susceptible to developing melanoma, with most patients getting symptoms in their soles and under their fingernails and toenails. The most common signs of melanoma include:
- Bleeding sores that change color
- A large brown spot
- A lesion with irregular borders that itches or burns
3. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
Patients with darker skin are more vulnerable to squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, which occurs in sun-exposed areas. A red nodule that is firm upon touch and a flat scaly lesion are indications of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
What are the signs and symptoms of less common types of skin cancers?
Kaposi sarcoma: This type of skin cancer affects the skin’s blood vessels, resulting in red latches on the skin. Kaposi sarcoma mainly affects patients with a weak immune system due to underlying illness, taking immune-suppressing medications, or patients who have undergone organ transplants.
- Merkel cell carcinoma: This type of skin cancer forms in the head, neck, and trunk areas and appears as firm, shiny nodules beneath the skin.
- Sebaceous gland carcinoma: The skin’s oil glands, especially on the eyelids, are the most common location for this type of cancer.
When to see a doctor
Patients should seek medical assistance if they notice worrisome skin issues to receive a comprehensive evaluation of their symptoms and thus an accurate diagnosis. Contact Elite Dermatology if you suspect skin cancer symptoms to receive early treatment to enhance your chances of recovery.
