Understanding Skin
Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide from Shamrock Clinic
Today, we’re focusing on an essential topic that affects many
individuals: skin cancer. Our mission is to inform you about common health
conditions and how to manage them effectively. This post will provide detailed
information on basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as how to identify melanoma using the ABCDE screening tool.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of non-melanoma
skin cancer. BCC typically occurs on sun-exposed areas such as the head, face,
neck, and ears. It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
However, if left untreated, BCC can cause significant local damage and
disfigurement.
Signs and Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma:
·
Persistent, Non-Healing Sore:
This is a very common sign of early BCC. Look out for an open
sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts. It can remain open for a few weeks, heal,
and then open up again.
·
Pearly, Shiny Bump or Nodule:
This can be clear, pink, red, or white. The bump can also be
tan, black, or brown, especially in darker skin types, and might be mistaken
for a normal mole.
·
Pink Growth with a Rolled Border:
A slightly elevated border with an indentation in the center.
Tiny blood vessels may develop on the surface as the growth enlarges.
·
Patch of Reddish Irritated Skin:
Often occurring on the face, chest, shoulders, arms, or legs.
The patch may crust and could itch or persist without discomfort.
·
White, Yellow, or Waxy Scar-Like Area:
This area often has poorly defined borders and the skin
appears taut. This could indicate an invasive BCC that might be larger than it
appears on the surface.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of
non-melanoma skin cancer. SCC typically appears on sun-exposed areas like the
face, neck, ears, lips, and forearms. They can vary in size and shape, grow at
different rates, and can become disfiguring or life-threatening if left
untreated.
Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
·
Persistent, Thick, Rough, Scaly Patches:These can bleed if
bumped, scratched, or scraped. They often look like warts and may have a raised
border and crusted surface.
·
Small, Hard, White or Skin-Colored Lumps: These lumps can
appear on the skin.
·
Persistent, Scaly Red Patch with Irregular Borders: These
patches can sometimes crust or bleed.
·
Elevated Growth with a Central Depression: This type can
occasionally bleed and may rapidly increase in size.
·
Open Sore that Bleeds and Crusts: These sores can persist for
weeks.
·
Wart-Like Growth: This growth may crust and occasionally
bleed.
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The ABCDE of Melanoma Screening
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can spread to
other parts of the body. Early detection is crucial, and the ABCDE screening
tool is a helpful guide for identifying suspicious moles or skin lesions.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma:
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B = Border: The borders of the mole are
uneven, irregular, ragged, or have blurred, undefined edges.
C = Colour: The colour changes or varies
throughout. Red, blue, and black colourations are particularly serious signs.
D = Diameter: The diameter is greater than
6mm (but can be smaller).
E = Evolving: Changes in a new or existing
mole over time are a significant indicator of melanoma.
Conclusion
Understanding the signs and symptoms of different types of
skin cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment. If you notice any
suspicious changes in your skin, please consult with a healthcare professional
promptly. At Shamrock Clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care
and education to help you maintain healthy skin.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit our
website or call Shamrock Clinic today. Stay safe, stay healthy, and protect
your skin!
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