Are there any other signs of skin cancer besides a mole changing appearance?
Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at
6:36 pm
Kirsty L asked:
I have a mole on my stomach which has changed in appearance, it used to be raised and is now flat, it also has uneven edges and has a red/pink ring around it. It has been like this for a while as I kept forgetting about it. It doesnt itch and is not sore or irritating. I have a appointment with the doctor on Friday but after looking into it on the internet am getting really worried, are there any other signs of skin cancer I should be looking out for?
I have a mole on my stomach which has changed in appearance, it used to be raised and is now flat, it also has uneven edges and has a red/pink ring around it. It has been like this for a while as I kept forgetting about it. It doesnt itch and is not sore or irritating. I have a appointment with the doctor on Friday but after looking into it on the internet am getting really worried, are there any other signs of skin cancer I should be looking out for?
Tagged with: Appointment • Skin Cancer • Uneven Edges
Filed under: Skin Cancer
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no thats really the only one. skin cancer isnt a bad one. dont be so worried. it runs in my family. all the way down the line, i already have signs of it too.
just got to the doctor. they will probably do a biopsy. if it is they will remove it and look for anything else. if not then they will just keep an eye on it. breathe either way you will be fine.
i just did a paper on melanoma but not so much on the symptoms..more on the molecular pathways… but hope i can help a little.
it’s good that you made an appointment to see the doctor, and hope it hasnt been too long since it changed, since it continues to grow downwards into your body. so you might not notice any further changes on the surface, but if it is malignant, it is currently growing and can be already spreading to other parts of the body. uneven edges is a very good sign of transformed melanocytes, and you do not need to possess ALL symptoms to be diagnosed with melanoma.
also if you have more than 2 close relatives that has been diagnosed with skin cancer, you are at an increased risk. same if you have been sunburned as a child.
so basically what I am saying is, even ONE symptom of skin cancer may mean that you developed it.
but your doctor will be able to tell you, and feel free to seek a 2nd opinion to make sure. in the mean time, try not to think about it as it really makes no difference in what you will hear on friday.
good luck
There are many things to look out for but the main three are:
1. Change in edges (irregular border)
2. Change in size
3. Change in color
Its appearance can vary, but the first sign can be a small, smooth, shiny, pale or waxy lump; a firm red lump; a lump that bleeds or develops a crust; or a red spot that is rough, dry or scaly.
What should you do? Call your doctor if you’re at all concerned, or if you notice an asymetrical mole, a mole with an irregular border, a mole that has changed color, or a mole that has a diameter greater than five millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser).
Not all mole changes signal melanoma, but it’s important to have any changes checked out early. Many doctors like to examine any skin discoloration or growth. The worst that can happen is that your doctor takes a little time to reassure you that all is well, and the best is that this exam may save your life.
Here’s what to expect: Your doctor will examine the area of concern, as well as other areas of your skin and decide whether the skin growth can be watched for awhile, or whether a skin biopsy is in order (that means taking a piece of the tissue, or removing the whole area). The tissue is then sent to the lab.
If the results are positive for skin cancer, treatment will depend upon whether the cancer is a nonmelanoma (basal cell or squamous cell), or a melanoma. Other types of skin cancer may be identified, but once skin cancer is diagnosed, more tests will be done to see if it has spread.