Seeing a spot on the skin after a shower. Was it already there or is it new? Often a difficult question. That is why it is good to check your skin regularly, because such a spot could be skin cancer. These are the ways to spot these “wrong” spots.
Different types of skin cancer
The most common are 3 types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Dermatologist Thomas Maselis chairs the Euromelanoma task force and tells al A.D on the species. “Usually these are cells of the epidermis, the top layer 1 to 3 millimeters. It is renewed every three weeks through cell division, in order to obtain a new epidermis. If some of these cells degenerate, skin cancer develops ”.
Read also: 1 in 5 have skin cancer, but the Dutch love the sun and apply (too) little of it
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Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. The lower layer of the epidermis consists of basal cells. “Because the basal cells are very well attached to each other, such a cancer will rarely, if ever, metastasize,” says Maselis. According to the KWF, every year 60,000 people get such a place for the first time, and almost all of them recover.
This form usually develops on the areas of the skin most exposed to the sun. This type of skin cancer is more common in people between the ages of 60 and 70. On the head and neck it looks like a shiny ball with blood vessels, which bleeds rapidly. Elsewhere on the body it becomes a red spot with a mother-of-pearl border.
Dermatologist Thomas Maselis: “It doesn’t hurt – you don’t feel tumors – and it doesn’t usually itch, so it might not sound alarming. However, it is important to take him to the doctor. He will refer you to a dermatologist if necessary ”.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma often develops even in places where there is a lot of sunlight. Cancer originates in the epidermis and sometimes spreads to lymph nodes and other organs. With early diagnosis and treatment, survival rates are also high. It may look like a rough, pale pink lump at first. It spreads slowly and sometimes hurts. It can also look like a small wound that is slowly widening or like a rough or keratinized spot. In 2021, 14,884 people developed this type of skin cancer.
Melanoma
The best known is perhaps melanoma, it is also the most dangerous. Although only 8 percent of all skin cancers are of this type. Melanomas spread rapidly. It arises from an existing mole or as a new blemish on the skin. Especially people with many moles will have to check them often, because there is a possibility that a mole will become cancerous. Recognizing a melanoma can be done with the ABCDE rule.
Asymmetry: one half of the stain or birthmark has a different color or shape than the other half.
B.order / edge: the stain or birthmark has an irregular and whimsical edge.
C.olor / color: the stain or birthmark changes color or has different colors.
D.diameter: the spot or birthmark is larger than 5 millimeters.
Andvolving / evolution: the spot or birthmark itches, bleeds or changes.
According to dermatologist Thomas Maselis, there is another sixth rule, “the ugly duckling”. “Usually all of your moles look the same. Is there a completely different one? Then it is good to keep an eye on it more “.
Check yourself for skin cancer
So it’s good to keep an eye on your skin from time to time. But checking too often can also make you anxious or restless. Scientists do not recommend that people who have never had a skin abnormality have regular skin self-exams. Additional reasons to check your skin are if you have spent many years directly in the sun or have been under the sunbed a lot. It is also good to check yourself regularly if you have been burned frequently in the past, if you have fair skin, or if you are taking medicines that lower your immune system.
Read also: Did he accidentally scratch a mole? This is not immediately a cause for concern
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So beware of change
So pay special attention to places where the skin suddenly becomes rougher or slightly discolored. Especially in places where the sun often hits, such as the head, hands or forearms. Also watch out for spots that start to itch, bleed or open and then heal poorly or not. And check with moles if they start to itch or if they look different. If you are unfamiliar with something, consult your doctor. He will evaluate the situation.
(Source: AD.nl, KWF, cancer.nl, Thuisarts.nl, UMC Utrecht. Photo: Shutterstock)
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