Skin Cancer or Melanoma

One of the most serious types of cancer is skin cancer or Melanoma. Perhaps you have noticed that Breast and Lung cancer often receive the most attention, however it's important to stress that, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime.

A little less than half of all new cancers are skin cancer. There are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung or colon cancer combined, therefore just as with any type of cancer, early detection and frequent self examinations could save the life of many victims.

Melanoma begins when the skin's pigment cells gradually become more abnormal and divide without control or order. Melanoma can begin either in an existing mole or as a new growth on the skin. Risk factors relating to Melanoma are:

• Family history of melanoma
• Having a history of melanoma
• Weakened immune system
• Many ordinary moles (more than 50)
• Exposure to the un or Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Severe, blistering sunburns
• Freckles
• Fair skin

Detecting the Signs of Melanoma

It's become extremely important to avoid the sun as much as possible and examine your skin on a regular basis so as to detect skin cancer early, as with most cancer, early detection is the best way to cure it.    

So, how do you know when you're looking at a mark that could be cancer? Here's a few tips and pictures of melanoma that will help you detect the signs of skin cancer and the development of skin Melanoma. These skin cancer photos should be used as a guide to help detect a skin mark that looks suspicious. If you develop something that looks similar, it is recommended that you immediately check with your physician.

Most skin cancers look ragged around the edges  Non cancerous spots generally have smooth edges. Also if the mole itches or is tender, this may be a sign of melanoma and should be checked out immediately.

Most skin cancers are asymmetrical, meaning they are ill-proportioned.  So, if you draw a line down the middle of the mole or mark on your skin, one side of the mole would not match the other side. 

Look for uneven color across the mole.  Pigmentation may very between brown, black or tan. this may mean cancer  In more advanced stages of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, shades of white, red or blue or gray may appear.

Most non-cancerous moles are small.  If the mole is more than 1/4 inch in diameter (about the size of a pea or a pencil eraser), then there is a greater chance that it is malignant.

How to Do a Skin Self-Examination

Check your body from front to back in the mirror.  Look at the undersides of your arms as well. Don't forget the palms of your hands.  Look between your fingers and on the back of your legs and feet. Look between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror.  Check the tops of your ears. Also check your back and buttocks in the mirror.  Don't leave any section of your body unchecked.