Images and information about initial-stage skin cancer
In the realm of skin health, it's crucial for everyone, regardless of skin tone, to be aware of the early signs of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) provides an online directory to help people find a dermatologist for thorough examinations.
Early stage skin cancer, often referred to as stage 0 or stage 1, is a small cancer that has not yet spread to deeper layers of the skin. One common feature of early stage skin cancer is a sore that does not heal. However, on darker skin tones, recognizing these signs can be more challenging due to their subtlety and potential location in less sun-exposed areas.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), the most common skin cancer type in people with dark skin, often appears on non-sun-exposed areas such as the legs and feet. SCC may manifest as flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesions, firm, red nodules, crusted, flat lesions, large brown spots with darker speckles, or shiny, firm bumps.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) can show up as itchy, red patches that resemble dry skin or inflammation, open sores or scabs that bleed or do not heal, or pearly, translucent, or waxy bumps that can have blue, black, or brown areas and may show visible blood vessels.
Melanoma, a more dangerous form of skin cancer, can be harder to spot in darker skin because it may not always follow the typical "ABCDE" mole characteristics. It can develop anywhere on the body, including non-sun-exposed areas like the palms, soles, and under nails. Early melanoma signs include new or changing dark spots, moles that itch, bleed, or change in shape, size, or color, as well as asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, diameter larger than 6mm, or evolving characteristics.
Additional considerations for darker skin include lesions that appear as large dark brown or black spots rather than the classic red or pink bumps more common in lighter skins. Some skin cancers might look like scar-like or crusty areas rather than obvious moles or bumps. Because increased melanin provides some protection against sun damage, skin cancers in darker skin are less often linked to UV exposure and more commonly found in areas not typically exposed to sunlight.
To ensure early detection, people are encouraged to self-examine their skin for any unusual spots and seek help from a dermatologist if they have concerns about skin changes. Vigilance for new or changing lesions regardless of location and unusual symptoms such as itchiness or bleeding is essential for timely diagnosis. Early stage skin cancer is highly curable with appropriate treatment.
- In darker skin tones, it can be more challenging to recognize the signs of early stage melanoma because it may not always follow the typical ABCDE mole characteristics.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), a common skin cancer type in people with dark skin, can manifest as large dark brown or black spots.
- Some skin cancers might look like scar-like or crusty areas rather than obvious moles or bumps in darker skin.
- Despite increased melanin protection against sun damage, skin cancers in darker skin are less often linked to UV exposure and more commonly found in areas not typically exposed to sunlight.
- Self-examination of the skin for any unusual spots and seeking help from a dermatologist if concerned about skin changes is essential for timely diagnosis and early stage skin cancer treatment.
