First Signs of Skin Cancer
Early and Warning Symptoms of Derma Cancers

Presence of new moles are the first five signs of skin cancer. Early symptoms include abnormal and unusual skin changes and growths. Signs and symptoms are regardless of the the types of skin cancer. However, changes in your moles are usually Melanoma symptoms.

Related Article: The 3 Specific Types of Skin Cancer - Melanoma, Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Why should you be aware of the warning signs and symptoms? Because prevention is easier when you know what early signs to check out and look for.

Bear in mind that early and warning signs or symptoms for both melanoma and non-melanoma don't look the same. General first signs depend on the type of tumor.

What are the first five signs of skin cancer?

1. Changes in your moles

If you notice any unusual changes in your moles, have them checked because they are specific first warning signs of melanoma.

See Changes in Moles for more info.

2. Sores that take long to heal

Sores are important symptoms. Be concerned when you have sores that. . .

• don't heal within a month, or

• continue to hurt, itch, bleed, scab or crust for more than 4 weeks, or

• skin surrounding the sore starts to get deeper or erodes, resulting to blisters.

3. Lumps

The Non-Melanomas exhibit lumps as their first or early symptoms. Lumps as symptoms differ depending on the type of tumor - either basal cell or squamous cell.

Related Article: Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

4. Appearance of new moles

New moles are important symptoms of melanoma. Have a dermatologist check new moles that appear on your skin asap because melanoma is deadly.

5. Abnormal skin growths

Don't disregard weird-looking growths. See a dermatologist for these symptoms.

How do lumps look like in basal cell carcinoma?

Lumps are first warning signs of basal cell carcinoma. A lump is either. . .

• small
• shiny
• waxy
• slow growing and
• are either pink or red in color.

How do lumps look like in squamous cell tumor?

Lumps as symptoms in squamous cell carcinoma are. . .

• pink or red in color
• are hard
• have firm scaly texture
• easily bleed and erode.

These are important early and first signs of skin cancer you must see your doctor about.

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