Skin cancer is a form of cancer which happens when skin cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled, unorderly way. As it grows, it can spread throughout the other parts of the body which causes serious health problems and can even cause death. 

Skin cancer is often caused by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from the sun. Fortunately, if skin cancer is identified and treated early, most are cured. This is why it is important to take a few precautions and to talk with your healthcare provider if you think you have any signs of skin cancer.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

  • Basal cell carcinoma 

Basal cell cancer is most commonly seen on sun-exposed areas of skin including your hands, face, arms, legs, ears, mouths, and even bald spots on the top of your head. In most people, it’s slow growing, usually doesn’t spread to other parts of the body and is not life-threatening.

Signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma include:

  • A small, smooth, pearly or waxy bump on the face, ears, and neck.

  • A flat, pink/red- or brown-colored lesion on the trunk or arms and legs.

  • Areas on the skin that look like scars.

  • Sores that look crusty, have a depression in the middle or bleed often

  • Squamous cell carcinoma

It is most commonly seen on sun-exposed areas of skin including your hands, face, arms, legs, ears, mouths, and even bald spots on the top of your head. This skin cancer can also form in areas such as mucus membranes and genitals.

Signs and symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include:

  • A firm pink or red nodule.

  • A rough, scaly lesion that might itch, bleed and become crusty.

  • Melanoma.

It is often a mole that changes size, shape or color. Melanoma can develop in any area of your body. The upper back is a common area in men while areas on legs are common in women. This is the most serious type of skin cancer because it can spread to other areas of your body.

Signs and symptoms of melanoma include:

  • A brown-pigmented patch or bump.

  • A mole that changes in color, size or that bleeds.

Thinking of the ABCDE rule tells you what signs to watch for:

  • Asymmetry: irregular shape.

  • Border: blurry or irregularly shaped edges.

  • Color: mole with more than one color.

  • Diameter: larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm).

  • Evolution: enlarging, changing in shape, color, or size. (This is the most important sign.)

Hope this helps you and have a great time.