Learn how to identify the signs of basal cell carcinoma skin cancer with expert tips from a doctor on skin health in this free video clip.
Duration : 0:1:39
What are the symptoms of skin cancer? Ive got this mole-like spot near my wrist area, i first noticed it three years ago. I have scratched/picked it off countless times (I have a habit of scratching off scabs, etc.) Its kind of a mishaped oval, and the same color as my skin. My mother doesnt think anything about it, but im getting a little scared because skin cancer runs in the family.
Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells — most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. But it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day — your palms, beneath your fingernails, the spaces between your toes or under your toenails, and your genital area. Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. When melanoma occurs in those with dark skin tones, it’s more likely to occur in areas not normally considered to be sun-exposed. A cancerous skin lesion can appear suddenly or develop slowly. Its appearance depends on the type of cancer. Basal cell carcinoma This is the most common skin cancer. It’s also the most easily treated and the least likely to spread. Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as one of the following: * A pearly or waxy bump on your face, ears or neck * A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion on your chest or back Squamous cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma is easily treated if detected early, but it’s slightly more apt to spread than is basal cell carcinoma. Most often, squamous cell carcinoma appears as one of the following: * A firm, red nodule on your face, lips, ears, neck, hands or arms * A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on your face, ears, neck, hands or arms Melanoma This is the most serious form of skin cancer and the one responsible for most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that turns malignant. Melanoma most often appears on the trunk, head or neck of affected men. In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the arms or legs. Warning signs of melanoma include: * A large brownish spot with darker speckles located anywhere on your body * A simple mole located anywhere on your body that changes in color, size or feel or that bleeds * A small lesion with an irregular border and red, white, blue or blue-black spots on your trunk or limbs * Shiny, firm, dome-shaped bumps located anywhere on your body * Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips and toes, or on mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina and anus Less common skin cancers Other, less common types of skin cancer include: * Kaposi sarcoma. This rare form of skin cancer develops in the skin’s blood vessels and causes red or purple patches on the skin or mucous membranes. Like melanoma, it’s a serious form of skin cancer. It’s mainly seen in people with weakened immune systems, such as people with AIDS, and in people taking medications that suppress their natural immunity, such as people who’ve undergone organ transplants. * Merkel cell carcinoma. In this rare cancer, firm, shiny nodules occur on or just beneath the skin and in hair follicles. The nodules may be red, pink or blue and can vary in size from a quarter of an inch (about 6 millimeters) to more than 2 inches (about 50 millimeters). Merkel cell carcinoma is usually found on sun-exposed areas on the head, neck, arms and legs. Unlike basal and squamous cell carcinomas, Merkel cell carcinoma grows rapidly and often spreads to other parts of the body. * Sebaceous gland carcinoma. This uncommon and aggressive cancer originates in the oil glands in the skin. Sebaceous gland carcinomas — which usually appear as hard, painless nodules — can develop anywhere, but most occur on the eyelid, where they’re frequently mistaken for benign conditions. Precancerous skin lesions, such as an actinic keratosis, also can develop into squamous cell skin cancer. Actinic keratoses appear as rough, scaly, brown or dark-pink patches. They’re most commonly found on the face, ears, lower arms and hands of fair-skinned people whose skin has been damaged by the sun. Not all skin changes are cancerous. The only way to know for sure is to have your skin examined by your doctor or dermatologist. -
Learn the symptoms of melanoma type skin cancer with expert skin care tips in this free beauty and sun protection video clip.
Duration : 0:1:42
I have this symptoms on me that keeps bothering me for about two years now. The skin on my left elbow begins to change characteristics just recently. Its evolving and Im really worried. The spread comes in from the center and goes in a roundlike manner. The first signs include an increased growth of hair in one pore (2 to three hair per follicle) then, the hair lengthens also. Secondly, the hair becomes easily plucked (no pain) and the color of the hair follicle becomes black so I assume its dead. Lastly, it becomes rough and it forms a flat elevation (i dunno how to describe it) on the area. I am really worried ryt now…because it started to spread. I have these since birth I guess ( a chicken looking skin) but it has not spread. Im broke ryt now and I dont know what to do? Do u know what type of skin cancer is this? I searched the net and it seems that my symptoms are not consistent with skin cancer symptoms…I am even think its an autoimmune disorder. Just give me an idea what is i
You might want to check out psoriasis on the web. Many people get it on their elbows.
