When it comes to skin cancer, prevention is always better than cure. And: being there on time can be your salvation. But how do you recognize skin cancer? That’s what we ask Roel Genders, dermatologist at LUMC.
Recognizing skin cancer early is important because it can usually be treated well. If a spot grows, changes, hurts and does not heal, it is always wise to have a doctor look at it.
How do you recognize skin cancer?
There are different types of skin cancers that all have their own characteristics. The most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. But you also have squamous cell carcinoma and the most famous: melanoma.
1. Basal cell carcinoma
Dr. Roel E. Genders, LUMC dermatologist: “This is the most common skin cancer. It can manifest itself as a change on the skin, such as a shiny bump or a somewhat paler shiny skin thickening. You may also suffer from a wound that does not heal. On the torso, arms and legs it more often appears as a red, sometimes somewhat scaly spot, often with a shiny edge. It can look like eczema.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
“This is a skin cancer that often grows as a skin-colored or red nodule with a horny plug in the center. Sometimes they are more flat tumors, which bleed easily and are often scabbed. Pain is also an important symptom in this skin cancer.”
3. Melanoma
Melanoma is the most well-known skin cancer. This arises from pigment cells (melanocytes). The ABCDE method is used to recognize a melanoma. Asymmetry; one half looks different from the other half. boundary; it is blurred with the surrounding skin, you can’t draw well with a pen where the spot ends. A jagged edge is also a feature. Color/color; a normal birthmark has one color or sometimes two even shades of brown. With this form of skin cancer you often see colors such as red, black, brown, white, blue, gray mixed up. Diameter; a mole larger than 5 millimeters may be suspicious. Evolution; change of the birthmark. In addition, it is important that characteristics such as stabbing, pain, spontaneous bleeding can indicate a change. A melanoma can arise from an existing mole, but also as a new spot. If a new mole appears after the age of 35-40, you should be prepared for melanoma.”
There are few things you can worry about more than your health. Fortunately, there is Gezondnu’s medical team. In the Consultation hours section, we ask experts for tips on a wide variety of health topics. You can read more in the summer issue of Gezondnu.
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2023-07-03 22:10:07
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