When recognizing what are the symptoms of skin cancer, it is always advantageous to do so in the early stages than in the late stages. Early recognition can be a life-saver.

There are many symptoms associated with skin cancer. This is one of the most common, yet most dangerous types of cancers that an individual may experience. It has been established that each year in the United States there are over one million diagnoses that are directly related to skin cancer. If you were to combine all the individuals who are diagnosed with breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and even lung cancer, and compare that number to the individuals that are diagnosed with skin cancer, you would find that the skin cancer patients out number the patients of the other types of conditions. For this reason, it is important that you learn to identify the symptoms associated with skin cancer.

Early Stages of Skin Cancer

In the early stages of skin cancer, there are many distinct symptoms that may make themselves known. You should pay special attention to the following:

• You should pay special attention to the moles that you have on the body. It is essential to make a note of any changes that may occur on this skin marks. This includes changes that affect the overall size, changes that relate to the color, as well as changes that have to do with the shape.

• There are guidelines that you can use to determine if there is a cause for concern when it comes to moles. It is the "ABCD" model. This stands for "asymmetry", "borders", "color", and "diameter". If you notice any changes relating to moles and other skin markings that are affected in such a way that any of the areas that are part of the "ABCD" model are affected, it is essential to seek medical care.

• You should always pay special attention to the height or the overall elevation of a mole. This is especially true if that same mark on the skin had been flat in previous incidents.

• There are changes that may possibly occur on the actual surface of a mole that could indicate the onset of skin cancer. If you notice that the mole has a crust like substance, has breakage, bleeds, or releases a clear substance, you should be concerned.

• Many individuals may begin to notice that the area in and around a skin mole starts to experience a burning sensation. Many may also notice tingling and may even be tempted to scratch due to itching. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may need to consider setting up an appointment with your doctor for an examination.

• It is important to pay special attention to moles and other markings of the skin when it comes to skin cancer, but it is also important to ensure that you consider the areas around the marks as well. Be sure to watch for redness and tenderness. You will also want to be careful when it comes to changes as far as coloring is concerned.

Late Stages of Skin Cancer

In the late stages of skin cancer, there are many symptoms that one should pay special attention to. This is true even if you have never been diagnosed with skin cancer. It could just be that the early symptoms were not quite noticeable. The following represents the symptoms that you may discover:

• Many may notice that they experience pain in the location of where a mole is located on the skin. This pain may or may not be accompanied by skin breakage, bleeding, and even the oozing of a clear substance.

• The lymph nodes located in the area of the neck, groin, and even in the armpit may become swollen.

• Many may discover that they develop a persistent cough that may or may not be accompanied with mild to severe weight loss.

• Headaches are often an indication of a serious underlying issue if any other symptoms of skin cancer are present. This is especially true if they are accompanied by seizures.




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