Distinguishing between common rashes and skin cancer

Vietnamnet newspaper quoted Dr. Jeffrey Hsu, a dermatologist based in Illinois (USA) on The Sun page, saying that skin cancer includes melanoma and non-melanoma (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma).

Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer because it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body. The tumors look like common moles.

Whereas squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma presents as ulcers, dark patches, itching, scaling, and bleeding, 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

Basal cell carcinoma is caused by exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun, explains Dr. Derrick Phillips, a spokesman for the British Dermatology Foundation. Symptoms include small, red lumps on the skin that can ulcerate and start bleeding over time.

The doctor said this common form of skin cancer can be cured with skin surgery and early detection will often leave smaller scars.

Some basal cell carcinomas can appear as scaly red patches on the skin, the British Dermatology Foundation adds. Most are painless but may itch or start bleeding if the person touches something.

Squamous cell carcinomas can also present differently. Most are scaly, rough, and begin in the outer layer of the skin. There is a potential for a sore that bleeds easily under the scab. The sore may be painful and tender.

How to distinguish skin cancer from a rash.

How to recognize early signs of skin cancer

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

- Rough, bumpy and scaly skin, brown and gradually turning dark pink. If these signs are on the head, face, arms, you should see a doctor soon. This could be a symptom of keratosis, known as one of the precancerous skin lesions.

- You are also at risk of skin cancer if you find a round, slightly soft lump, round like a pearl, translucent, waxy, easily confused with a pimple but concave in the middle and without a core. In addition, the damaged skin area also bleeds easily or small blood vessels can be seen near the skin surface.

- Skin cancer can also be recognized through red, hard, easily dented or ulcerated lesions in the center and tend to spread around. In particular, the ulcerated area can also develop another ring of tissue within the original area, developing into a solid, brittle and differently colored patch that does not heal over time.

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

- It can be said that any of us have a few moles on our body. However, you need to be careful if the moles change size or color, can sting or bleed when touched.

- If you notice any unusual dark spots suddenly appearing on your skin, or if you feel pain when touching them, you should see a doctor for an accurate examination. Areas of skin that should be regularly observed include the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, fingertips, toes, around the vagina and anus.