Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans. A skin cancer would first appear as a form of growth or an abnormal accumulation of cells. A skin cancer usually takes the form of a pimple or a sore which does not heal. These sores or pimples might ooze fluids or bled or might scab or crust over and then again ooze or bleed. This cancer can occur on any part of the body but it is most commonly seen on areas that are most frequently exposed to direct sun. A skin cancer mostly does not cause pain.

Signs of skin cancer

   The most common signs of a skin cancer are a new growth over the skin, or there would be a change in the existing growth of skin or a sore or pimple which does not heal. However, all the changes in the skin are not the signs of a skin cancer as most of the moles and other new growths don’t harm and they do not need to be removed. But, moles that are unappealing or are in areas that are continually irritated by the clothing can be easily removed by a doctor.

Although most of the skin growth is not a sign of cancer, it is advisable to check with a cancer doctor about the changes in the old growths or new growths. When a growth becomes cancerous they would mostly change in color and size or would become sores that do not heal. Carrying out a regular skin examination is the best way to check the skin for early signs of cancer. A self skin examination is very important for people who have dark skin.

Area where skin cancer develops

   The parts of the body that are usually exposed to direct sunlight might often be the place for Basal Cell skin cancer. This would be the neck, face, upper areas of the chest and back. They are rarely found on the arms and on hands. These areas of the body might sometimes develop sores or pimples which might ooze a yellowish fluid or might sometimes bleed. When the surrounding part of the basal cell carcinoma is stretched it would look like a pearly gray tumor with small blood vessels that would appear inside the tumor. A basal cell skin cancer might look like a slowly growing shiny red or pink lump. If they are just left untouched they tend to become big, ulcerate, crusty or bleed. They are most commonly found in the scalp, face, hands, ears, back and shoulders.

A squamous cell skin cancer is also found to be similar to the pink lump. These might have a scaly skin over the surface and these might very often ulcerate and bleed. This can be mostly found on the neck, face, lips, hands, ears, arms, shoulders and legs. The Bowen’s disease is also a very early sign of skin cancer. This would usually appear to be a red patch which is usually itchy. This can be found anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on the legs of women. They can also develop on the moist membranes of the body like in the mouth. This sign can also infrequently develop in the genital area.