Cancer

We all know the basics about skin cancer, about the fact that it's not safe to stay in the sun for too long and that it's better to wear a hat or some head cover in summer, that the skin can deteriorate and burn or even get skin cancer because of UV overexposure. But unfortunately we know all these only in theory because in reality we have no idea how to distinguish between a normal mole and a sign of skin cancer. That is why many internet users ask this question on the medical forums:" What does skin cancer look like?". It looks like a legitimate question to ask because you must know the signs and the skin cancer appearance before starting worrying for any nevus or mole  you might have and freak out until getting to the doctor.

Any way, the most important thing you should know about how to make the difference between a non-malignant mole and skin cancer is the change of the skin. When you have skin cancer, no matter what kind and no matter what stage it is, you will notice a change in the texture, colour, size and even look of any part of your skin, including the freckles, moles, nevi and so on. Moles are innofensive as long as they do not grow or change colour. Moles usually appear in childhood and teenage years, so if you are an adult and notice a fresh mole on your body, go to a specialist consult immediately.



I think the ABCDE of skin cancer explains best when you should worry. First the A stands for asymmetry. If you divide the spot or mole or whatever cell formation you have on your skin in two and the two sides are asymmetrical, there's a problem. Skin cancer usually has this distinctive mark. Then B is for borders - if they are irregular it can't be good. C is for colour - no skin formation should change colour in time or have different shades of colour in the same location. D stands for diametre and the maximum tolerated diametre for a non-cancerigenic nevus or mole is 6 mm. Finally E is for evolution - it is better to examine your body at least once a month and even get some help to see the most remote spots on your body to look for some unusual signs, for some moles or nevi that started evolving, that is either growing or shrinking.



Any way, even if there are no apparent signs of cancer, if you feel that something is not right, it surely isn't. So go to the doctor and better have a consult to tell you everything is fine instead of waiting and let things get worse.

If you still wonder ask yourself or others : What does skin cancer look like? then you should take a look of these photos of skin cancer and you will see the images of real cancer taken from real cases. You could not possibly imagine that except if you have a relative or friend suffering from this type of cancer. So after you watch these images you will have an idea of what to look for next time you look in the mirror for any eventual signs of skin cancer .