Skin cancer is very concerning. In some cases, the cancer will just be on a small part of the body and can be easily removed with surgery, while in other cases, the cancer will originate in the skin and then become compromising to the entire body. This is why it is so important to get screened for cancer often as a general precaution, as well as when you notice signs that there may be a problem. Here are some things you should be looking for to know if you have cancer.
1. Changes In Your Mole
Many people have moles all over their body. Moles are not always dangerous. In some cases, you can have a mole for your entire life and never have a problem with cancer, while in other cases, you might have multiple moles that are dangerous and need to be removed. The key is knowing how to detect problems with your moles. Here are some things you should be looking for.
One of the first things is to look for any changes in color in the mole. If the mole was previously dark black and over time has lightened in color, or if the color is different on one side from the other, then you may have a problem. Another thing you should look for is symmetry. A mole should look the same on both sides. If one side of the mole is perfectly rounded and the other side looks oval, this could be a sign that it is cancerous.
You should also be paying attention to the mole to see if it has a border around it. All moles should have a definite border. If the color is leaking from the border of the mole then you could have a problem.
If you notice any of these problems in your mole, you should get medical attention right away. The key to cancer is catching it early.
2. Blemishes On The Skin That Do Not Go Away
It is normal to have some small blemishes on your skin from time to time. However, the blemishes should go away after a short period of time. If you have blemish on your skin that stays for weeks even months, or seems to be a new part of your skin that you can't get rid of, this could be a problem. It could be the early signs of skin cancer, especially if you notice that the blemish is beginning to spread.
If you notice any of these problems, you should go in for cancer screenings right away. Contact a clinic like Vail Dermatology for more information.
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