Watching Out for Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a very serious disease that can be fatal if left untreated. Fortunately, it is possible to achieve a 100% recovery from skin cancer if the disease is caught before it has had a chance to spread to other areas of the body. Here are a few signs and symptoms to watch out for.

A Wound that Will Not Heal

A wound that just refuses to heal is a skin cancer warning sign. The wound may look like a sore or even like a pimple, but may not cause any pain at all. Generally, the wound will ooze fluid or bleed for a little while. Then, it will become scabbed over for a period of time only to return to bleeding and oozing once more. This cycle may continue for a long period of time.

A New Growth

Sudden growths or changes to the skin are also signs of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to perform routine checks of the skin. In this way, you will be more likely to notice when new blemishes appear.

Changes in Moles

Everyone has moles on his or her skin. Therefore, a mole is not a sign of skin cancer. Certain changes in moles, however, can be a sign of problems. Some signs that are cause for concern include:

· Asymmetry. Moles should be symmetrical, which means both sides of the mole would look the same if you were to cut it in half in any direction. If your mile is asymmetrical, which means one side has a different shape than the other, than you should have the mole looked at by a specialist.
· Border irregular. The edges of moles should be smooth. If your mole has uneven edges or they are scalloped in appearance, you should have it looked at.
· Color varied. Your mole should be of just one color. You may have different moles that are of slightly different shades, but each individual mole should be all one color. Moles that are a sign of skin cancer, which are referred to as melanomas, may have varying shades of brown or tan. Or, they might even be black or have specks of white, blue, or red in them.
· Diameter. A mole that is larger in diameter than a pencil eraser is cause for concern. This does not mean that raised moles are cancerous. Whether a mole is flat or protrudes has nothing to do with cancer, simply look at the size. If you have a mole that is larger than the size of a pencil eraser, have a doctor examine it for you.

These simple warnings signs are appropriately known as the ABCDs of malignant melanoma. The best way to monitor your moles is to take photographs of them once every six months and to compare them each time you perform a self-examination. In this way, you be better able to recognize any changes that may have taken place.