A skin specialist emphasizes the importance of recognizing overlooked warning signs that may signal the presence of skin cancer.
Dr. Fatima Awdeh from Riverside Skin and Laser Clinic located in Essex, England, has identified two frequently missed indicators of skin cancer that warrant attention.
Statistics show that one in five Americans will face a skin cancer diagnosis by age 70, with approximately 9,500 individuals receiving this diagnosis daily across the United States. More than two people lose their lives to this disease every hour, as reported by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
The foundation also highlights that annual skin cancer diagnoses in America exceed the combined total of all other cancer types, resulting in treatment costs of approximately $8.1 billion for the US healthcare system.
Through the clinic’s Instagram platform, Awdeh shared: “Skin cancer indicators may manifest as new formations or alterations in pre-existing features like moles or skin patches that appear fresh, evolving, or expanding.
“Such alterations might involve modifications in dimensions, form, pigmentation, or edges.
“Additional warning signs encompass wounds that fail to heal properly, or those that heal but subsequently return, along with irritation or discomfort in specific skin areas.”
The dermatology specialist outlined three skin cancer symptoms, with one being relatively apparent as a concerning sign, while the remaining two present greater diagnostic challenges for self-assessment.
The initial lesser-known cancer indicator involves persistent eczema patches that refuse to heal, which may signal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs).
The American Cancer Society reports that roughly two out of ten skin cancers are SCCs, typically manifesting on body areas with significant sun exposure.
The second overlooked warning sign presents as a persistent pimple that won’t resolve, medically termed basal cell carcinoma (BCCs), representing the most prevalent form of skin cancer.
The third, more recognizable symptom involves the emergence of a new streak beneath fingernails or toenails, which may indicate melanoma.
Melanoma represents a form of skin cancer that, according to the Mayo Clinic, originates within melanocytes.
The medical resource explains: “Melanocytes produce the pigment responsible for skin coloration, known as melanin.
“Melanoma commonly develops on sun-exposed skin areas, including arms, back, face, and legs. This cancer type may also occur in the eyes and, in rare instances, within internal body areas such as nasal or throat passages.”
Individuals affected by these concerns who seek confidential support may contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or through their live chat service, accessible around the clock throughout the year.