Signs That You May Have Skin Cancer

Skin cancer develops primarily in areas where the skin is exposed to the sun, which includes the scalp, face, ears, legs, neck, hands, arms, chest, and lips. However, it can likewise develop on areas that don’t receive sun exposure, including the palms, genital area, toenails, and fingernails. This is why regular skin cancer screening is vital. Here at Jordan Valley Dermatology in South Jordan, UT, Dr. Douglass Forsha administers skin cancer screenings for early detection and treatment of the disease.

Symptoms of Common Skin Cancer Types

Skin cancer impacts individuals regardless of their skin tones, meaning that you can still have skin cancer even if you have very dark skin. When melanoma develops in individuals with darker skin coloring, it usually forms in areas that don’t receive sun exposure, including the palms and soles.

With this in mind, no matter your skin coloring, make sure to consult with your doctor in South Jordan, UT, once you see any skin changes that might indicate skin cancer. 

Skin cancer comes in three major types; melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Here are the symptoms for each type.

Symptoms of Melanoma

Melanoma could form anywhere on the body, both in normal skin or in a mole that becomes malignant or cancerous. It typically develops on the trunk or face but can form on non-sun-exposed skin. Symptoms usually include:

• A mole that has changed in size, texture, or color
• A mole that bleeds
• A large brownish spot that has darker speckles
• A painful, burning, and/or itching lesion
• A tiny lesion that has irregular edges or areas that are blue-black, white, red, pink, or blue
• Darker lesions on the palms, fingertips, toes, or soles, and/or mucous membranes that line the vagina, anus, mouth, or nose

Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

In most cases, this type of skin cancer develops on areas of the body that get lots of sun exposure including the face, hands, neck, and ears. Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma commonly include a flat lesion that has a crusty and scaly surface or a firm, reddish nodule.

Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Like squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma often develops in sun-exposed body areas like the face, neck, hands, and ears. Symptoms normally include a waxy or pearly bump, a scabbing or bleeding sore that heals and then recurs, and a flat brown or flesh-colored lesion that looks like a scar.

Concerned About Skin Cancer Symptoms?

Give us a call at (801) 569-1456 to schedule your skin cancer screening with Dr. Douglass Forsha of Jordan Valley Dermatology here in South Jordan, UT, now.