Early Symptoms of Skin Cancer

By Sally Booth

IntroductionDr. Sally A. Booth has owned her Indianapolis, Indiana-

based practice, Booth Dermatology Group, PC, since 1994. In addition to treating patients, Dr. Sally Booth provides community services in the form of free American Academy of Dermatology skin cancer screenings at the Gennesaret Free Clinic.

Like many forms of cancer, skin cancer is most treatable when detected in its earliest stages. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is found in 2 million men and women every year in the United States and ranks as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the nation. Early warning signs of BCC include the appearance of a shiny, waxy bump or a pink or brown mark resembling a scar.

Early Symptoms of Skin Cancer Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is another common skin

cancer in the United States. Symptoms of SCC are usually found throughout areas of the body most frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, hands, and arms. Physical signs of SCC include hard, red growths or dry lesions.

Finally, individuals must remain vigilant for symptoms of melanoma. Early signs of melanoma range from large skin tags marked with darker colorations to the presence of a mole that changes in appearance and size. A mole that bleeds may also signal melanoma. Individuals should contact a medical professional regarding concerns over melanoma if they notice blue or black lesions, particularly around the fingers and hands.