On average, roughly 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. By age 70, about 20% of Americans will have developed some type of skin cancer. Skin cancers are the most common cancer worldwide.
The good news is that skin cancer is highly treatable, but early diagnosis is key. In this post, our team at Desert West Surgery reviews three lesser-known skin cancer signs that indicate you should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Most sores tend to heal within a week or two, thanks to your body’s immune system. When sores linger longer, continually bleed or leak fluid, or scab over and then recur, that’s definitely not normal. In fact, lingering sores are a relatively common sign of skin cancer that’s often overlooked.
Initially, small sores may not seem like a big deal. You may attribute them to simple things, like a minor cut or an area of irritation. But when these sores linger, it’s a sign of more serious tissue damage that could be associated with skin cancer.
Some sores, such as persistent or slow-to-heal sores on your feet or legs, can be signs of other issues, like circulation problems or unmanaged diabetes. Bottom line: These sores aren’t normal and should be checked by a health care professional to identify the cause and reduce the risk of secondary infection.
Most of us associate skin cancer with abnormal growths or dark patches, but early skin cancer may not be that obvious. Some cancers cause skin-related changes that are far more subtle.
For example, your skin may look irritated, red, shiny, translucent, or waxy. You might develop an area that feels or looks firm or indented, similar to scar tissue, even though there’s been no injury. Often, these abnormal areas are camouflaged, impossible to spot unless the light hits your skin in a certain way.
These changes are easy to overlook because they're subtle and often painless. Over time, however, the area may gradually expand or change in texture. Scheduling an evaluation is essential to determine if the area needs further evaluation or surgical removal.
Many skin cancers don’t cause discomfort in their early stages, but some do, and discomfort can become more evident as the cancer progresses. Ongoing itching, burning, sensitivity, or pain in a specific, confined area of your skin could signal cancer activity rather than simple irritation or allergic reaction.
These symptoms may occur without any visible changes in your skin, making it even more challenging to recognize a potential cancer risk. The takeaway here is simple: If discomfort continues despite topical treatments, it’s time to schedule an evaluation.
If you notice skin changes that don’t improve, worsen over time, or simply don’t seem right, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and schedule an evaluation. Early diagnosis is the key to optimal outcomes for all types of cancer, including the deadliest form, melanoma.
To learn more about skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, call Desert West Surgery to schedule a consultation at our Las Vegas, Nevada, location nearest you.
