Routine skin checks are vital if you really want to detect any skin conditions early, particularly skin cancer. The traces of abnormal skin can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. For sure, you must be aware of what to look for and which signs require medical attention. For instance, melanoma is one of the most hazardous skin conditions that needs the immediate attention of a skin specialist.
So here, you are going to explore some common changes in your skin to monitor.
Self-Skin-Screening: Significance
Routine skin checks can be a breakthrough to detect severe skin conditions, specifically skin cancer. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has researched and found that people between 2 and 3 million suffer from non-melanoma skin cancers, and 132,000 become the victims of melanoma across the globe every year. These statistics are indeed alarming, which creates the need for regular skin checks. This screening helps in preventing any skin condition from elevating. Also, the early detection leads to timely treatment, which eventually reduces the mortality rate associated with it.
Let’s consider the case of Australia where the highest rates of skin cancer patients are found. Every year, over 11,500 cases of melanoma are screened. If it is detected early, the survival rate can be 99% for the patient, according to studies. But unfortunately, this figure dramatically dips when the cancer advances to the second, third stage, or further. This is why monitoring the skin changes is crucial.
Common Skin Changes to Monitor
Now that you know the importance of self-screening of the skin, let’s understand how its changes can be monitored.
New Growths or Moles
The Skin Cancer Foundation researched and discovered that one in five Americans is going to develop skin cancer nearly or after 70 years of age. It all starts with ignoring the growths on the skin like new moles.
New moles on the skin, which suddenly appear and grow quickly, subtly indicate that the skin might be suffering from cancer. So, people must not overlook any such growths after reaching 30 or 30+ years of age.
Changes in Existing Moles
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) observed that nearly 20–30% of melanomas start from existing moles. They change over time, which needs special attention.
Discovering this fact, you need to be attentive towards any changes in size, shape, or colour of your existing mole. If it turns asymmetrical in shape with irregular borders and its colour resembles brown, black, or red, it can be a symptom of prospective skin cancer. You may consult a doctor and understand the ABCDE rule (which is Asymmetrical, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving).
Sores That Don’t Heal
If you see any sore that is too stubborn to heal within a few weeks or if it returns to the same place, it could be skin cancer. In simple words, these sores can appear like open sores, scabs, or ulcers that bleed for no reason and do not heal easily.
Redness or Swelling Around a Mole
Sometimes, people seem that they are suffering from other conditions like eczema or dermatitis, but actually, it’s skin cancer. JAMA Dermatology published research that emphasises the screening of persistent redness and swelling near moles. It can be melanoma or other types of skin cancers.
Here is how to check. If a mole or growth has redness or swelling around, it can be considered inflammation or the response of your immune system to skin cancer. You must not underestimate this change.
Itching, tenderness, or pain
Skin checks can help in discovering sensations such as itching, tenderness, or even pain. However, these symptoms may not be essentially indicating cancer. But the persistent irritation in or around a mole or lesion could be a matter of discussion with your skin specialist.
Changes in Skin Texture
The screening of skin can help in discovering textual changes, such as roughness, scaly skin, or the appearance of bumps. It is essential to understand that conditions like melanomas can be a raised bump that may feel firmer than surrounding tissue.
That’s why even a little growth or change in your skin must be monitored regularly.
Spontaneous Bleeding or Oozing
When screening skin, if you see moles or lesions bleeding, oozing, or crusting over without any injury, it can be alarming. These symptoms indicate an advanced stage of cancer. That’s why you cannot ignore regular self-examination of your skin.
A study published in The Lancet reported that the ulcerated melanomas lead to a lower survival rate as compared to non-ulcerated melanomas. So, you need to be extra alert while detecting any suspicious sign on your skin surface.
These are some of the most common symptoms of severe skin conditions, which can help in curing them timely before they escalate.
Understanding Melanoma
This is a serious skin disease, which is cancer. Initially, it shoots from the pigment-producing melanocytes in the skin. And later, it exaggerates itself. However, this skin condition infects lesser than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. But its cases mostly lead to deaths.
Who Is at Risk of Melanoma?
People with these conditions can be at a high risk of melanoma.
- Fair complexion
- Excessive sun exposure
- A history of sunburns
- A family history of skin cancer
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that melanoma cases have been at their peak for the past 30 years. It observed nearly 100,000 new cases detected every year in the USA. And the lucky ones who got it detected in its early state have a five-year survival rate in 99% cases. But unfortunately, this percentage drops to 27% if it spreads to other organs.
How to Detect Melanoma?
Certainly, you must understand the signs indicating this serious skin condition and the screening of melanomas is crucial. It actually starts with the development of an irregular-shaped mole. There is no specific body part where it can appear. So, you must self-assess your exposed and unexposed body parts.
Besides, the ABCDE rule can also be helpful in discovering it easily.
The ABCDE Rule for Melanoma Detection
- Asymmetry: You can check asymmetry by discovering one half of the mole appearing different from the other half.
- Border: If you see its edges are not regular in shape and they are blurred or notched, it may be melanoma.
- Colour: If you see the mole appearing in multiple colours like black, brown, tan, red, or white, it can be suspicious.
- Diameter: If the mole looks larger than 6 mm, get it checked from the skin specialist.
- Evolving: Sometimes, the skin shows moles changing in size, shape, colour, and also bleed. It may have itching or crusting.
These signs complete the aforementioned rule of melanoma detection, which you can follow every day.
When to See a Doctor
If you see the aforementioned signs are positively there on your skin, immediately consult a skin specialist. The need for a biopsy may be there, especially if a mole or lesion seems to be cancerous. Apart from it, those who have the history of sunburns and cancer-infected people in the family in the past must consult with the doctor from time to time.
Conclusion
Overall, regular skin checks are significant, especially when the cases of melanoma are rising every year. Any new growth or changes in moles, persistent sores, or unusual alternations in the skin may be a sign to worry about. So, the screening of skin on a regular basis is a necessity, especially for those whose family has a history of cancer.
