Skin Cancer warning signs
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world affecting millions of people every year.
It often begins with small changes on the skin that may look harmless causing many people to ignore them. However spotting these early signs and getting medical advice quickly can help save lives.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) around 330,000 new cases of melanoma the deadliest type of skin cancer were reported worldwide in 2022.
About 60,000 people died from the disease that year.
Harvard trained dermatologist Dr. Daniel Sugai says people should pay close attention to any unusual skin changes. if a pimple bump or sore on your face does not heal within a month it should be checked by a dermatologist.
A spot that keeps bleeding or does not heal can also be a warning sign of skin cancer.
Dr. Sugai says these symptoms may point to basal cell carcinoma the most common type of skin cancer.
In the United States alone about 3.6 million cases are diagnosed each year. This cancer may appear as a shiny or clear bump a rough or scaly patch or a dark brown black or bluish spot on the skin.
He also explained that basal cell carcinoma grows from cells that create new skin cells. These cancer cells often develop tiny tree like blood vessels which can make the affected area bleed more easily.
In people with darker skin tones the cancer may appear as a pigmented or darker colored spot.
Experts say any new mole spot sore or skin change that does not heal should never be ignored.
Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the chances of successful treatment and can help prevent the cancer from becoming more serious.