Skin cancer can be divided into several subtypes: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is an especially aggressive type that originates from skin pigment cells and tends to spread if not diagnosed early. Skin cancer can often appear as a new mole, spot or bump on the skin. Therefore, regular skin examinations and monitoring of changes emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. Diagnosing skin cancer in its early stages can significantly increase treatment success. Raising skin cancer awareness in society and promoting sun protection habits play a critical role in combating this health problem. Educational campaigns and public health efforts can encourage individuals to take greater care of their skin health and prevent the spread of skin cancer.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a condition in which cells in the skin grow abnormally and uncontrollably and become cancerous. This condition usually occurs in the upper layers of the skin and is usually caused by exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause changes in the DNA structure of skin cells, leading to cancer. Skin cancer can occur in different types. The most common are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Skin cancer usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages, but symptoms such as changing moles, wound non-healing, skin crusting or bleeding may be observed. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in the treatment of skin cancer. Sun protection habits, regular skin checks and protective measures are important in reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Examine your skin regularly. Watch for changes in moles, blemishes, or any abnormalities on the skin. Use the ABCDE rule when evaluating your moles. Consider signs such as Asymmetry, Edge (Irregularity), Color (Multiple colors), Diameter (Larger than normal), Evolution (Change over time). For the question “How do I know if I have skin cancer?”, skin cancer symptoms may include:
- Changes in shape, color or size of existing moles.
- Moles that are asymmetrical, have irregular edges, have different colors or contain more than one color.
- A wound may take longer than usual to heal, or a healed wound may reopen.
- Changes in the skin such as crusting, flaking or thickening.
- Persistent or significant redness, swelling or tenderness of the skin.
- Bleeding, blistering or itching in moles or skin.
- When skin cancer spreads, swelling may occur in the neck or collarbone area.
These symptoms may vary depending on the different types and stages of skin cancer. They usually do not cause symptoms in the early stages. However, when a suspicious or abnormal skin lesion or any of these symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult a dermatologist or specialist. There may be no symptoms of cancer, but early detection can be life-saving.
Which skin cancer is dangerous?
The most dangerous type of skin cancer is cancer arising from melanocytes, known as melanoma. Melanoma can spread faster than other skin cancers and metastasize to other organs. This may affect treatment options and health outcomes. Melanoma usually originates from moles and develops from skin cells called melanocytes. Symptoms such as asymmetric shapes, irregular edges, different color tones, large diameter and evolution over time (ABCDE rule) may indicate melanoma.
When diagnosed in the early stages, melanoma can usually be treated successfully. However, in advanced cases or metastasized cases, treatment may become difficult and the results may be more dangerous. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma is extremely important. It is important to consult a dermatologist or skin specialist when abnormal moles or lesions on the skin are noticed.
Will skin cancer go away completely?
When skin cancer is caught in the early stages, there is a high chance of a full recovery with treatment. However, not all skin cancer may be completely cured. Treatment success may vary depending on the type of cancer, its stage, its spread, and how early treatment is started. Some types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, usually remain locally confined and can heal completely with treatment. More aggressive types, such as melanoma, may sometimes spread or metastasize, even if diagnosed early, and in this case, treatment may be more difficult.
Treatment methods may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapies. Treatment is usually determined by the type of cancer, the extent of spread, and the patient’s general health condition.
Is skin cancer fatal?
Skin cancer can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment, usually without being fatal. But in some cases, especially aggressive types such as melanoma, it can be fatal if not diagnosed or treated in the early stages. Types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma that are detected and treated in the early stages can often be completely cured with treatment. These types of cancers remain confined to the upper layers of the skin and do not usually spread.
What are the symptoms of facial skin cancer?
It is important to pay attention to moles on the face and observe the changes for signs of skin cancer only for the face. Moles that are asymmetrical, have irregular edges, have different colors or are large in diameter should attract attention. Persistent or significant redness, crusting, or flaking on the face should be examined and followed up. If you have spots on your face, you should pay attention to new and abnormal skin spots or lesions, especially long-lasting ones.
Under normal conditions, if moles are not touched, they do not cause any itching or pain. However, in cancerous or irregularly developing moles, bleeding, itching, pain or sensitivity may occur. In addition, another symptom you can pay attention to is the speed and progress of wound healing. Wounds on the face may take longer than usual to heal, or a healed wound may reopen, which may be a sign of skin cancer.
What are the symptoms of skin cancer on the leg?
Symptoms of skin cancer on the legs start by paying attention to moles, just like skin cancer symptoms on the face. Watch for moles on the legs that have changes in shape, color or size. Examine moles that are asymmetrical, have irregular edges, have different colors, or are large in diameter. Wounds that do not heal or have a long healing process on the legs, as well as on the face, may be a sign of this cancer.
Be careful if there is itching, pain and sensitivity in moles, lesions or skin on the legs without any underlying cause. Symptoms such as persistent or significant redness, crusting, or flaking of the skin on the legs may also be a sign of this cancer. Bleeding, blistering or surface elevation of lesions in moles on the legs may also be among the symptoms of skin cancer on the legs.
Does skin cancer cause itching?
Skin cancer may rarely cause itching, but it should not always be associated with this symptom. Usually skin cancer does not cause itching in the early stages. However, in some cases, cancer-related itching may occur. Itching is not a typical symptom of skin cancer. Skin cancer usually manifests itself with symptoms such as changing moles, non-healing wounds, lesions, skin crusting or bleeding. Itching is more often associated with conditions such as other skin problems or allergic reactions. If you notice significant changes in skin itching, redness, blisters, or moles, it is important to consult a dermatologist or skin specialist. However, in general, itching is not considered a sign of skin cancer. It is important to see a specialist if you have any suspicious symptoms or lesions.