What to Look For When Identifying Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancers, affecting more than one million Americans every year. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. However, with early detection your skin cancer is likely very treatable. Only your physician can properly diagnose skin cancer, however when doing regular self-examinations of your skin, look for the following:

  • Large brown spots with darker speckles located anywhere on the body.

  • Dark lesions on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, fingertips toes, mouth, nose or genitalia.

  • Translucent pearly and dome-shaped growths.

  • Existing moles that begin to grow, itch or bleed.

  • Brown or black streaks under the nails.

  • A sore that repeatedly heals and re-opens.

  • Clusters of slow-growing scaly lesions that are pink or red.

Once you identify these skin abnormalities look for any asymmetry, irregular borders or colors, or changes in size. These traits are very often indications that your mole may be cancerous and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Contact the Gold Skin Care Center today to learn more about your risk for skin cancer as well as ways to prevent its development in the future.

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