Over 100,000 new skin cancer cases are diagnosed each year. Keep reading to learn more about skin cancer warning signs, symptoms, and treatment.

Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in the US. It occurs when skin cells grow uncontrollably and become malignant. Some forms of skin cancer are more concerning than others, so if you notice any signs of skin cancer, it's essential to have it assessed by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more about the early warning signs of cancer. 

Early Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of skin cancer it is. Three of the most common forms of skin cancer are:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma tends to occur on skin that gets a lot of sun exposure, such as your face, neck, arms, back, and hands. Although people over 50 tend to be more commonly diagnosed, younger people can also develop this type of skin cancer — especially if they're often exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation. People who are fair with light hair and eyes tend to be more susceptible to basal cell carcinoma. In addition, you are at a higher risk of developing this cancer if there is a history of skin cancer in your family or if you had severe sunburns as a child. 

Basal cell carcinoma can appear differently in different people. For some people, it develops as a pearly, flesh-colored bump; on others, it can look like a pimple that won't heal. In some cases, basal cell carcinoma appears as a sore that heals up and reappears.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma also often develops on skin regularly exposed to the sun, including the ears and scalp. Squamous cell carcinoma can also occur in people with a darker skin tone and in areas that don't receive sun exposure often. If you are fair-skinned, have a history of sunburns, or have a weakened immune system, you have a higher chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma often appears as a hard, scaly, red bump. In some instances, this cancer can bleed and heal, only to return again. You should also look for changes in existing moles or warts, as this can indicate squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer can spread quickly if you don't get prompt treatment, so it's essential to have any suspicious patches assessed by a doctor. 

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer, and it can develop anywhere on your body — this includes areas of the body that never receive sun. However, it most commonly occurs on the torso, legs, face, and neck. Melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of your body if not treated, so prompt evaluation is necessary. People with darker skin tones typically develop melanoma on their palms and soles of the feet.

Melanoma often looks like a mole, so it's essential to check any existing moles you have regularly. Alternatively, it can look like a dark spot with irregular borders or a bruise that won't heal. Because melanomas grow quickly, early evaluation and diagnosis are crucial.

Skin Cancer Treatments

Skin cancer treatment options vary depending on the depth and size of the lesion and the cancer type. For example, small skin cancer growths limited to the skin's surface may only require an initial skin biopsy to remove the entire growth. 

Other treatments include: 

Cryosurgery: Some early skin cancer growths can be treated by freezing them with liquid nitrogen.

Excisional surgery: This treatment involves cutting out the cancerous cells and a small margin of healthy skin. 

Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery is typically used for larger or difficult-to-treat skin cancers. It can also be used to treat cancer in areas where it's important to conserve skin, such as on the face. 

Radiation therapy: Radiation uses high-powered energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used when a doctor can't completely remove cancer cells during surgery.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be either applied directly to the skin or injected. 

Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy utilizes a combination of laser light and drugs that destroys cancer cells to make them sensitive to light. 

Biological therapy

Biologic drugs help the body's immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It can affect people of all skin tones and ethnicities; however, yearly screenings can help you to catch skin cancer early and increase your chances of survival.