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Warning Signs For Skin Cancer

Skin cancers start as small bumps on the skin that slowly, or sometimes rapidly, enlarge. These bumps are usually pain-free and commonly have been present for a year or so. Skin cancers frequently undergo periods of ulceration and bleeding followed by healing and then repeat this cycle. A physician should examine any skin lesion that has a history of bleeding.

Skin cancers may have a variety of appearances. They may be flesh-colored, waxy or pearly, red scaly patches, large tumor masses or sores that do not heal. They may also undergo color changes such as red, white, blue, black or brown. Your doctor should examine any skin lesion that has an unexplained change in color.

Pre-malignant keratoses (actinic keratoses, solar keratoses, or sun spots) are red, scaly lesions that occasionally give rise to skin cancers. These lesions are due to sun damage and are commonly found on the face, scalp, ears, neck, and hands. The presence of these skin lesions is a warning sign that you have an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

If your doctor thinks that a skin growth is a cancer, a biopsy is performed to obtain a diagnosis. The piece of removed skin is examined under the microscope by a pathologist or dermatologist to determine if the lesion is a skin cancer. If cancer is present in the biopsy sample, the type of skin cancer is determined so that proper treatment can be delivered