Its the dreaded word but preventing a skin cancer is a matter of alertnes and knowledge. The following are tell tale signs of the impending danger.

Watch out for these and consult your dermatologis immediately.

• Precancerous lesions: are changes in skin that are not cancer but could become cancer over time. An estimated 40% to 50% of fair-skinned people who live to be 65 will develop at least one skin cancer.

• Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis):

  The small, scaly patches caused by too much sun exposure commonly occur on the head, neck, or hands, but can be found elsewhere. They’re the early beginnings of skin cancer. Actinic keratosis usually appears on people after age 40, but they can show up in much younger people.

• Actinic Cheilitis (Farmer’s Lip)

  Related to actinic keratosis, actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition that usually appears on the lower lips. Scaly patches or persistent dryness and cracking of the lips may be present.

• Cutaneous Horns

  The cutaneous horn appears as a funnel-shaped growth that extends from a red base on the skin. It is composed of compacted keratin (the same protein in nails).

• Adult Moles: A mole (nevus) is a benign growth on the skin. While very few moles become cancer, abnormal or atypical moles can develop into melanoma over time. “Normal” moles can appear flat or raised or may begin flat and become raised over time. The surface is typically smooth. Normal moles are round or oval and no larger than a pencil eraser. Most moles develop in youth or young adulthood. It’s unusual to acquire a mole in the adult years.

• Dysplastic Nevi (Atypical Moles)

  Atypical moles are not cancer, but they can become cancer. They can be found in sun-exposed or sun-protected areas of the body. Atypical moles are larger (one-quarter inch across or larger) and more irregular in shape, with notched or fading borders. They may be flat or raised or the surface smooth or rough. They are typically of mixed color, including pink, red, tan, and brown.

Do expect another post on the types of skin cancer & the preventive measures.

Healthy living!

For more information on skin related issues, visit the skin specialists!