Skin cancer takes the top spot in the list of the most common types of cancer in the United States. Nonetheless, even with its prevalence, not many people know how to identify the early signs of this deadly disease.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the early signs of the common types of skin cancer, so that you know what to look out for and when to see a skin cancer specialist.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Non-melanoma skin cancers often first manifest as a discolored patch or a lump that persists for weeks and gradually progresses over months or even years.
- Basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common among the three, grows slow and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. In the early stages, basal cell carcinoma looks like flesh-colored bumps that may be slightly transparent. In some cases, they may look red or pinkish.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. In its early stages, it typically appears as a scaly patch on the skin that may be red or brown. This type of skin cancer can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Melanoma Skin Cancer
Melanoma skin cancer, on the other hand, first appears as a mole whose pigment is spread to the outside of its border and is uneven in color. It can also appear as a dark spot on the skin that may be black, brown, or tan and that has asymmetrical borders.
Melanoma is the most dangerous among the common types of skin cancer. Melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body and can be fatal if not treated early. In fact, it accounts for roughly 75 percent of skin cancer-related deaths.
Skin Cancer Doctor in Miami, Florida
If you are concerned that you may be at risk for skin cancer, or you have noticed unusual changes on your skin that may be indicative of cancer, consult a dermatologist, specifically a skin cancer specialist – as not all dermatologists treat skin cancer.
If you live in Miami, your go-to expert is Dr. Theodore John “T.J.” Giuffrida here at the Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. A decorated board-certified and fellowship-trained skin cancer surgeon, Dr. Giuffrida is renowned for the exceptional cosmetic and treatment outcomes he delivers for all types of skin cancer.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Giuffrida today. Contact our office at (305) 461-2000 or use our online request form.
