Signs of Skin Cancer

As with most types of cancer, skin cancer develops from skin lesions. While these lesions are not cancerous by itself, they may develop into cancer over a period of time. Pre cancerous lesions are skin changes that are harmless at first. Some skin cancers may start as a raised and smooth lesion that may bleed and develop a crusty layer that never heals. Located in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, these lesions may form on the head, arms and shoulders. Check for uneven moles that are not symmetrical in form. They may even change in appearance or color, and any new mole which may develop in adulthood should be checked, especially if accompanied with itching, pain or bleeding.

Some carcinomas look like pearly smooth moles with depressed centers on exposed areas of the body. Blood vessels within the tumor may bleed periodically and may never seem to heal. It may not look rounded and may be irregularly shaped with notched sides and vary in color from black, brown, blue, red and white. They are also expressly larger than most usual moles and often change in size and appearance. People with extensive exposure to the sun should make it a habit to frequently check their bodies of any new moles or growths of any unusual looking moles.