What Does Skin Cancer Look Like: Photos and Detailed Descriptions of Different Types
Skin cancer is a group of malignant neoplasms that develop from skin cells. Early detection of skin cancer (picture 1) significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, it is very important to know what does skin cancer look like photo in its various stages and forms. This article will provide detailed descriptions of different types of skin cancer and their visual characteristics.
Main Types of Skin Cancer and How They Look (with Photos)
There are several main types of skin cancer (picture 2), each with its own distinct appearance. In skin cancer photos, you can see the following characteristic features:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually develops slowly and rarely metastasizes. In basal cell carcinoma photos, it may appear as:
- A small, shiny, pearly bump with raised edges.
- A flat, firm, waxy patch, sometimes with an ulcer in the center.
- A red or brown patch that is scaly.
- A scar-like area with poorly defined borders.
- Small blood vessels (telangiectasias) may be visible on the surface of the tumor.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type of skin cancer. It can develop from precancerous conditions (actinic keratosis) and has a higher risk of metastasis compared to basal cell carcinoma. In squamous cell carcinoma photos, it may appear as:
- A firm, rough nodule with an irregular surface.
- A red, scaly patch with well-defined borders.
- An ulcer that doesn’t heal and may bleed.
- A wart-like growth.
- Melanoma: The most aggressive and dangerous type of skin cancer, developing from melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin). Early detection of melanoma is critical for successful treatment. In melanoma photos, it may appear as:
- A new mole or a change in an existing mole.
- A mole with an asymmetrical shape.
- A mole with irregular borders.
- A mole with uneven color (various shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue).
- A mole larger than 6 millimeters in diameter.
- Any mole that is rapidly growing, changing color, shape, or size, bleeding, itching, or becoming painful.
The ABCDE rule is used to evaluate suspicious moles:
- Asymmetry.
- Border irregularity.
- Color variegation.
- Diameter (> 6 mm).
- Evolving.
- Rare Types of Skin Cancer: There are other, less common forms of skin cancer, such as Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and cutaneous lymphoma, each with its own specific visual manifestations. In photos of rare skin cancers, you can see various growths, including firm nodules, patches, plaques, and tumors.
To better understand what skin cancer looks like, it is recommended to consult relevant photographs in medical atlases and on specialized dermatological resources. However, remember that only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis based on examination and additional tests.
Risk Factors for Developing Skin Cancer
Knowing the risk factors can help in preventing skin cancer (photo 3) and seeking timely medical attention if suspicious growths appear:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: The main risk factor for all types of skin cancer. Sources of UV radiation include sunlight and tanning beds.
- Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes: People with less melanin are more susceptible to the damaging effects of UV radiation.
- History of sunburns: Especially severe sunburns during childhood and adolescence.
- A large number of moles (nevi) or atypical moles: Individuals with many moles or dysplastic nevi have an increased risk of melanoma.
- Family history of skin cancer: Having close relatives with skin cancer increases your risk.
- Weakened immune system: People with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressants have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
- Precancerous skin conditions: Actinic keratosis can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
- Exposure to certain chemical substances (e.g., arsenic).
- Chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
- Scars and burns in the past.
- Older age: The risk of skin cancer increases with age.
How to Self-Examine Your Skin for Signs of Skin Cancer
Regular self-examination of your skin can help in the early detection of suspicious growths. Pay attention to the following changes:
- The appearance of new moles, spots, or bumps.
- Changes in the size, shape, color, or thickness of existing moles.
- Irregular borders or an asymmetrical shape of a mole.
- The development of itching, bleeding, pain, or crusting on the skin.
- Sores or ulcers that do not heal.
- Any unusual changes on your skin that concern you.
If you notice any suspicious changes, it is essential to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
Diagnosis of skin cancer (image 5) involves several steps:
- Visual skin examination: The doctor will carefully examine your skin, paying attention to all suspicious growths.
- Dermoscopy: Using a special magnifying instrument (dermatoscope) to examine the skin and pigmented lesions in detail.
- Skin biopsy: The primary method for confirming a diagnosis of skin cancer. During a biopsy, a small sample of suspicious tissue is removed and sent for histological examination under a microscope to identify cancerous cells. There are different types of biopsies (shave, punch, excisional, incisional).
- Additional tests: Depending on the type and stage of skin cancer, additional tests may be ordered, such as blood tests, lymph node examination, X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to check for possible metastasis.
Treatment of Skin Cancer
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, stage, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Main treatment methods include:
- Surgical removal: The most common treatment for most types of skin cancer, especially in the early stages. The tumor is surgically removed along with a margin of healthy tissue.
- Cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen): Used to treat small basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
- Radiation therapy: May be used to treat tumors in hard-to-reach areas or in cases where surgery is not an option.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Used to treat some superficial basal cell carcinomas and actinic keratosis.
- Topical medications (creams, ointments): Can be effective for treating certain superficial forms of skin cancer and precancerous conditions.
- Systemic therapy (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy): Used for metastatic skin cancer or aggressive forms of the disease.
Early detection and timely treatment significantly increase the chances of a full recovery from skin cancer.
Knowing what skin cancer looks like in photos is an important step in the early diagnosis of this dangerous disease. Regular self-examination of your skin and paying close attention to any changes can save your life. If you notice any suspicious growths, it is crucial to see a dermatologist immediately for diagnosis and timely treatment.