Skin signs that warn of cancer

An increase in mole size, uneven color, or the appearance of spots, bumps, or sores that don't heal for more than two weeks are warning signs of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is a condition where skin cells grow abnormally. If left untreated, skin cancer cells can spread to surrounding tissue and invade lymph nodes.

According to Dr. Doan Minh Trong, Head and Neck Unit, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, there are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Each type of skin cancer has different symptoms.

Basal cell carcinoma appears on areas of skin frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, hands, and back. The lesions are commonly raised, pale pink or red, and may contain visible blood vessels. In some cases, the lesions are flat, thickened, and scaly.

Squamous cell carcinoma manifests as flat, red, pink, or brown lesions with a scaly, keratinized surface.

Squamous cell carcinoma can develop into a ulcer. In its early stages, this type of cancer is treatable through minor surgery. However, if detected late or treatment is delayed, squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of the body, affecting the patient's health, making treatment more difficult and costly.

Unusual moles or spots, or raised bumps on the skin, can be a sign of cancer. Photo: Freepik — Unusual moles or spots, or raised bumps on the skin, can be a sign of cancer. Photo: *Freepik*

Melanoma is less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but it is much more dangerous.

Melanoma lesions vary in color; even within the same lesion, there may be areas of darker color, lighter color, or multiple colors such as brown, black, pale pink, tan, or white. The lesion's edges are jagged, and its structure is not round or symmetrical. Melanoma lesions grow rapidly in size and spread to surrounding skin areas.

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, most commonly on the chest, back (men) and legs (women). Less common locations include the face and wrists.

Dr. Minh Trong advises patients to visit a hospital with a Head and Neck Unit for examination if they notice unusual moles, spots, bumps, or sores that do not heal for more than two weeks. Some moles that have been present since birth or formed during life suddenly increase in size rapidly, have uneven color, scab over, or become swollen also need to be checked.

Nguyen Tram

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