That’s why Dermatologists have jobs!
Even people who have had many skin cancers often can’t tell that they have another skin cancer. Some lesions are so small that they go unnoticed. More commonly, you find something that bleeds repeatedly and never completely heals, or something that is rough and raised and tender. Once in a while, someone might find a spot that is very dark, or has multiple different colors and looks irregular. These are signs of different types of skin cancers. The first type described above is a Basal Cell Carcinoma, the second is a Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and the last is a Malignant Melanoma. They are all cancers, or malignancies, even though the first two are not named as malignant, like Melanoma. All three have the ability to cause death if ignored, although the most dangerous one and the one in the news headlines is Melanoma.
Occasionally, someone will come to the office and know they have a skin cancer, but most of the time the lesions we see are benign. We wouldn’t need to see many patients if everyone had multiple skin cancers on their bodies each time they came to visit the Dermatologist. It takes years of training and studying to become proficient in diagnosing skin cancer and other conditions. It is important that you see a Dermatologist regularly once you have been diagnosed with a skin cancer, and it is a good idea to schedule a visit for a baseline exam so that changes can be identified early.
With few exceptions, the development of skin cancers is related to both acute sunburns and long-term chronic sun exposure. The more you have of these, the higher the likelihood you will develop skin cancer in your life. So beginning today, start wearing your sunscreen every day, wear a hat and sunglasses, and if you can, wear clothing that can protect you as well.
And see your Dermatologist!