Q. What are the 7 warning signs of skin cancer?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Here are the 7 warning signs of skin cancer:
1. Changes in size, shape, or color: Keep an eye on any moles or spots on your skin that start to grow larger, change shape, or develop uneven coloring. This could be a sign of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
2. Irregular borders: Healthy moles usually have smooth, even borders. If you notice that the edges of a mole or spot on your skin are jagged or notched, it's important to get it checked out by a dermatologist.
3. Asymmetry: Another warning sign is if one half of a mole or spot doesn't match the other half. In other words, if you were to draw an imaginary line down the middle, the two halves wouldn't look the same.
4. Changes in texture: Pay attention to any spots on your skin that become rough, scaly, or start to itch or bleed without explanation. These could be signs of non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
5. Rapid growth: If a mole or spot on your skin starts to grow quickly over a short period of time, it's a red flag that should prompt you to seek medical attention.
6. Sores that don't heal: Non-healing sores or ulcers on the skin can be a sign of skin cancer, particularly if they persist for more than a few weeks despite standard treatment.
7. New spots: Lastly, be vigilant about any new growths or spots that appear on your skin, especially if they don't go away after a few weeks. It's always better to err on the side of caution and have a dermatologist evaluate any new or suspicious changes in your skin.
Remember, early detection is key when it comes to treating skin cancer successfully, so don't hesitate to see a doctor if you notice any of these warning signs.