With early detection and treatment, almost all basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) can be successfully removed without complications. Look out for any new, changing or unusual skin growths, so you can spot skin cancers like BCC when they are easiest to treat and cure.
Check for BCCs where your skin is most exposed to the sun frequently, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, shoulders and back, but remember that they can occur anywhere on the body.
A few warning signs to look out for are:
1. An open sore that does not heal. May bleed, ooze or crust. The sore may persist for weeks, or appear to heal and then come back.
2. A reddish patch or irritated area. On the face, chest, back, shoulder, arm or leg that may crust, itch, hurt or cause discomfort.
3. A shiny bump or nodule. This can appear pearly or clear, pink, red or even white. The bump can also be tan, black or brown, especially in people with a darker skin tone and can be mistaken for a regular mole.
4. A small pink growth. The growth can be slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the centre, that may develop tiny blood vessels over time.
5. A scar-like area. It can be flat white, yellow or waxy in colour. The skin appears shiny, often with poorly defined borders. This warning sign may indicate an invasive BCC.
If you’ve already had a BCC, you have an increased chance of developing another, especially in the same sun-damaged area or nearby. A BCC can recur even when it has been carefully removed the first time, because some cancer cells may remain undetectable after surgery and other can form root that extend beyond what’s visible. BCCs on the nose, ears and lips are more likely to recur, usually within the first two years after surgery.
Here’s what you can do to detect a recurrence and protect yourself against further skin damage that can lead to skin cancer.
· Be on the lookout: Pay particular attention to any previously treated areas and note any changes and advise with your doctor. If the BCC does return, your doctor may recommend a different type of treatment that prevents and treats recurrences.
· Check yourself head to toe: Look for new or changing lesions that grow, bleed or do not heal. If you cannot monitor all areas of you skin, get a skin check regularly.
· See your skin specialist annually: Which ever category you fall under you should be getting skin check every so many months, if you not sure how often you should be getting a skin check, do our risk assessment https://www.skin-scan.com.au/risk-assessment. Self-exams do not take the place of a specialist who has knowledge identifying and treating abnormal skin growths.
· Follow up: If you have already had either a BCC or Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), or a precancer like Actinic Keratosis, be sure to see your doctor at recommended intervals.
· Be sun-safe every day: Use protection against UV exposure such as using a sunscreen. Mainly a physical barrier over a chemical, if you and unsure about the difference check out our blog https://www.skin-scan.com.au/post/best-sunscreen-for-skin-cancer-prevention. Wearing sun protected clothing a seeking shade were possible. Safeguarding yourself every day is the single most effective way to reduce risk of developing skin cancer.
If you have an concerns regarding your skin and you are unsure, visit our clinic at shop 41 Whitfords City Shopping Centre and get a skin check now!
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