Jeune Skin Care: Ask the Experts
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Q. I've had a small bump on my face that looks like a pimple but never goes away… could it be skin cancer?
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Jeune Skin Care aestheticians Dawn and Angie |
What is skin cancer, and what is important to pay attention to?
Skin cancer is a disease in which cells become abnormal and continue to form more cells in an uncontrolled way. Healthy skin sheds skin cells it doesn't need anymore, producing new, healthy cells.
However, with skin cancer, new cells form when the skin does not need them, and old cells don't die when they should. These extra cells form a mass of tissue that can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Sometimes these masses can spread to other parts of the body, becoming very dangerous.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common skin cancer. It's also the most easily treated and the least likely to spread. It usually appears as a pearly or waxy bump on sun exposed skin. It also can be pink, or pigmented lesions can appear on various areas of the body. View images
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is also easily treated if detected early, but maybe more likely to spread. It may appear as a firm, reddish nodule, or be flat and scaly on sun exposed areas as well. View images
- Melanoma: This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, responsible for most skin cancer deaths. It can develop anywhere on your body and can vary in appearance. It can appear as a large, brownish spot with darker speckles. It can also start as a simple mole changing in color (red, blue-black or even white), bleeds, changes in size, and may even itch. View images
Consider the A B C Ds:- A. Asymmetry – If the area was split in half, the sides wouldn't match (color, shape or thickness)
- B. Border is ragged, notched or poorly defined
- C. Color may change or become very black
- D. Diameter is 6mm in size (size of a pencil eraser)
The most important thing to keep in mind is that not all skin changes or bumps on the skin are cancerous. Most of the time, it may just be an unattractive mole. The only way to be sure is to be proactive and have your skin examined by your doctor or dermatologist.