Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, Signs, Prevention & Pictures

Skin cancer is the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. You must be wondering what does skin cancer look like. See below the pictures of skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is responsible for most cases of skin cancers, wrinkles and spots. The UV rays are present in sun radiation.

The following information on skin cancer and skin cancer pictures (photos) have been compiled from various resources.

| Skin care | Warning Signs of Cancer |

Skin Cancer Symptoms and Signs

Skin Cancer Picture -1

All types of skin cancer are associated with a change in the appearance of the skin in a localized area on the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, palms, the spaces between toes, and genital area. Common symptoms or signs of skin cancer are :

A change on your skin i.e. a small growth or as a sore that bleeds, heals and then reopens.
A change in an existing mole or the development of a new, irregular mole may be the sign of melanoma.

The signs and symptoms of common types of skin cancer are

Symptoms of Basal Cell Skin Cancer

Examine your face, ears, neck, chest or back for
- A waxy bump.
- A flat brown scar-like lesion.

Symptoms of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
Examine your lips, face, ears, neck, hands or arms for
- A firm, red nodule.
- A flat lesion with a crusted surface.

Symptoms of Melanoma Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Picture -2

Examine your whole body for

- A large brownish spot with darker speckles.
- A simple mole that changes in color or size
- A simple mole that bleeds
- Bumps, firm dome-shaped.
- A small lesion with an irregular border.
- Dark lesions on palms, soles, fingertips and
toes.
- Red, white, blue or dark blue spots on trunk
or limbs.

Examine your skin regularly (see the skin cancer photo). Look for the development of new skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks.

Skin Cancer Picture -3

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends to look for moles or skin growth with asymmetrical or irregular shapes, with irregular or notched borders, larger than about 6 millimeter in diameter, and change in their color. If you observe any of these, you should report to your doctor or dermatologist. Observe the skin cancer mole picture/photo/image.

Curcumin that gives the yellow color to turmeric can inhibit the growth of melanoma cancer cells and cause cancer cells to self-destruct, according to a study in 2005 carried out by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Skin cancer usually appears in mature people, but that may have began in childhood. To prevent skin cancers and to protect your skin do the following:

Minimize your time in direct sun to protect skin from the harmful rays of the sun. A long exposure to sun may cause a sunburn or a suntan damaging your skin. This increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Note that the effect of exposure to sun is accumulative.
Note that snow, water and ice all reflect the sun's harmful UV (ultra violet) rays. As the UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., avoid this time. The sun's rays are stronger at closer to the tropics i.e. higher altitudes and lower latitudes.
The reflection of sun's ultraviolet rays from water, snow, sand or buildings can intensify the effect.
Before going to sun, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen on all exposed skin (including lips) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. The broad spectrum sunscreens contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.

You should apply sunscreen half an hour before going to sun, and reapply it every few hours if you sit in the sun for a longer time such as when you are on a beach. For tanning your skin, use bronzing lotions that produce a tanned look and providing protection against sun exposure.
When your go out in sun, wear clothes that provide a SPF of 15 or more. Cover your hands and legs, wear a cap or hat and sun glasses.