How to Recognize if You Have a Skin Cancer?

Since skin cancers are slow in growing, they are often lacking glaring warning signs & symptoms which make early detection a tricky proposition. However, there are a few signs of skin cancer on which people can keep an eye. These signs of skin cancer are indicators which should prompt a person to see a dermatologist. It is always good to check it out on suspicion, but these in no way mean having skin cancer until diagnosed by a skin specialist.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are two basic types of skin cancer, melanoma & non-melanoma skin cancers.

Melanoma Skin Cancer

This type of skin cancer is a rare type but is quite aggressive in nature.  It is considered very dangerous. They usually begin in melanocyte cells which form the deepest layer of skin also known as subcutaneous or hypodermic tissue. Moreover, melanoma skin cancers typically spread to other parts of the body including various organs. These usually appear on skin as new growths or spots or as change within an existing mole. Normal moles are quite small & even in color & arrive & stay the same. Melanoma skin cancer will make them change shape & color as well. Melanoma skin cancers also are likely to happen inside the mouth.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

There are two types of non-melanoma skin cancers; squamous cell carcinoma & basal cell carcinoma. Non-Melanoma skin cancers are usually found within the middle & upper layers of skin known as the dermis & epidermis.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Most often these occur on sun-exposed skin like the ears, scalp, lips or the back of hand. However, they can also occur elsewhere including genitals, anus or inside of mouth. Signs & symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include a firm red nodule, flat sore with scaly crust, raised area on old scar or ulcer, rough scaly patch on lip evolving as open sore, red sore or rough patch inside mouth, or a wart like sore or red raised patch on genitals or on anus. 

Basal Cell Carcinoma

These often present in several forms but rarely spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinoma can cause disfigurement in case they are left untreated. Signs of skin cancer involving basal cells include hard waxy or pearly looking lump with blood cells that are visible, red & scaly irritate patch which grows quite large on back or chest, open sores which bleed or become crusty, white scar like lesions or pinkish growths having slight indentation at the center.

Conclusion

Over the last couple of decades India has emerged as a globally favorite medical tourism destination for international patients seeking decent quality of affordable medical procedures including cancer treatments. Skin cancer treatment cost in India is not just a fraction of what similar treatments would have cost in developed western countries like the United Kingdom, Canada or United States, but the quality of treatment in fact is at par with the best in the world. Oncologists in India are some of the best globally renowned specialists. This is amplified by the growing number of healthcare tourists visiting India every year.