Distinguishing between common rashes and skin cancer

VTC News•21/02/2024

According to Vietnamnet, citing a statement by Dr. Jeffrey Hsu, a dermatologist based in Illinois (USA), published in The Sun, skin cancer includes melanoma and non-melanoma (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma).

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it has a high risk of spreading to other parts of the body. The tumors look like ordinary moles.

In contrast, squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma manifests as ulcers, dark patches, itching, scaling, and bleeding, but sometimes the symptoms appear more benign.

In fact, you might mistake squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma for a rash.

How to distinguish skin cancer from a rash

Dr. Derrick Phillips, spokesperson for the British Dermatological Society, explains that basal cell carcinoma arises from exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun. Symptoms include small, red lumps on the skin. Over time, these will ulcerate and begin to bleed.

The doctor said that this common form of skin cancer can be cured with skin surgery, and early detection usually results in smaller scars.

The British Dermatological Society adds that some cases of basal cell carcinoma may present as red, scaly patches on the skin. Most are painless but may itch or begin to bleed if the patient touches something.

Squamous cell carcinoma can also present with various manifestations. Most are scaly, rough, and begin in the outer layer of the skin. A potentially bleeding ulcer may be hidden beneath the scaly surface. The ulcer may be painful and tender.

How to differentiate skin cancer from a rash.

How to recognize early signs of skin cancer

According to an article on the Thu Cúc International General Hospital website, unlike most other cancers, some symptoms of skin cancer can be seen with the naked eye. Specifically:

- The skin feels rough, bumpy, and scaly, initially brown and gradually turning dark pink. If these signs appear on the head, face, or arms, you should seek medical attention promptly. This could be a symptom of keratosis pilaris, known as a precancerous skin condition.

- You are also at risk of skin cancer if you notice a slightly soft, round, pearly-shaped, translucent, waxy-looking lump that is easily mistaken for a pimple but has a concave center and no core. In addition, the affected skin area may bleed easily or show small blood vessels near the skin's surface.

- Skin cancer can also be identified by red, firm, pitted or ulcerated lesions that tend to spread outwards. In particular, the ulcerated area may develop a ring of tissue within the original area, forming a solid, brittle, and discolored plaque that does not heal over time.

Typically, this phenomenon occurs on the face, ears, and arms. However, in people with darker skin, the lesions may develop in areas not directly exposed to sunlight.

It's safe to say that almost everyone has a few moles on their body. However, you should be cautious if the moles change in size or color, or if they become painful or bleed when touched.

- If you notice any unusual dark spots suddenly appearing on your skin that are painful to the touch, you should see a doctor for a proper check-up. Areas of skin that should be regularly examined include the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, fingertips, toes, and around the vagina and anus.