Synonyms in a broader sense
tumor, skin tumor, malignant melanoma, basalioma, spinalioma, spinal cell carcinoma
Introduction
Skin cancer usually causes no symptoms at first. Occasionally itching and bleeding may occur, but it only becomes really noticeable when the skin changes visibly and possibly palpably.
Symptoms
Depending on the type of skin cancer, different symptoms of the skin appear. These are discussed below according to the individual skin cancer types. Often it is not easy to distinguish a harmless birthmark from a malignant melanoma, in many cases this is only possible with the help of microscopic examination.
However, the ABCDE rule helps one to make an initial assessment, in which the skin change is evaluated according to the following points: If some of the points are true, it is not a reliable diagnosis for skin cancer, but in this case a dermatologist (dermatologist) or the family doctor should be consulted for further clarification.
- A- there is an asymmetrical shape
- B- Limitation of skin changes are irregular (blurred, jagged)
- C- Colorit = there is an uneven coloration
- D- diameter greater than 5 millimeters
- E- Raised – the skin bulges
Depending on which form of the light skin cancer it is, different changes of the skin occur. This topic could also be of interest to you: Skin cancer prevention symptoms often appear on the lips, hands or face in the form of: In the course of time they develop into a coarse knot, which causes little to no pain, but can bleed easily from time to time.
- Nodules
- Cornifications
- Encrusted, scaly and reddened stains
The basal cell carcinoma is a slowly growing form of skin cancer and is particularly noticeable in the following forms of skin changes: Their color is predominantly skin-colored or reddish.
- Ulcerous
- Nodular
- Flat
- Scar-like
- Often they show a pearl cord like edge border
A preliminary stage of skin cancer is actinic keratosis, which manifests itself through the following symptoms:
- It usually only emerges at a higher age (> 50 years)
- It is more common in places that are exposed to a lot of sun (face, forehead, bald heads, light hair on the head, forearms)
- First signs are small reddish spots
- These later develop into reddish nodules (5-10mm)
- The skin on the affected areas feels rough
- It can come to Verhornung, as well as small skin horns
Bowen’s disease is another precursor of skin cancer. It involves irregularly shaped eczema-like changes in the skin.
These are mostly reddish and covered with scales, so that they can easily be confused with psoriasis. Itching alone is not a clear sign of skin cancer, but it is important to note that the appearance and texture of the skin can change. If moles are located in places where they are exposed to greater friction, e.g. on the bra or trouser waistband, they can become inflamed, which also causes severe itching.
However, this is nothing bad or malignant. However, if itching is severe and there are also noticeable changes in the appearance of the birthmark, possibly bleeding, a specialist should be consulted for further clarification. If redness, scaling and itching are noticeable on the skin, a specialist should also be consulted, especially if these are located on parts of the body that are exposed to a lot of sunlight. Even small wounds that wet, do not want to heal and itch repeatedly should be clarified.