SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CANCER
The most common symptoms are:
1. A new growth on the skin.
2. A change in an existing skin growth.
3. A sore that does not heal.
Not all changes in the skin are symptoms of skin cancer. Most molesand other growths are harmless and do not need to be removed. Moles that are unattractive, or in areas where they are constantly irritated by clothing, can be removed by a doctor.
The average person has dozens of moles and other skin growths that arebenign or noncancerous. They include:
- * Birthmarks, or "congenital nevi," are moles that are present at birth.
- * Acquired moles begin to develop early in adolescence, growing and darkening throughout the teenage years. Many adults have 40-60 acquired moles.
- * Liver spots, or "solar lentigines," are flat tan-to-brown spots that occur mainly on the face, neck, hands, and forearms. They have nothing to do with the liver. Rather, they develop as a result of aging and sun exposure.
- * Seborrheic keratoses are raised, wart-like, tan-to-brown growths that occur as people age.
- * Acquired cherry angiomas are smooth, dome-shaped red spots that usually develop on the chest and back. Most are bright red, and appear as people age.
- * Skin tags are small, soft flaps of skin that grow on the neck, in the armpits, and groin area are caused by repeated friction.
- * Actinic keratoses are slightly scaly, reddish patches that form on people with sun-damaged skin. They are precancerous growths that may changes into a squamous cell carcinoma. That's why doctors recommend removal of actinic keratoses.
