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Latest statistics show that around 11,500 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year in Australia. If detected early, melanoma is almost 100% treatable. If left untreated, it can rapidly spread and become life threatening. Here are 12 symptoms you should never ignore for possible skin cancers:
Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas appear as:
- Shiny, pearly or waxy bumps
- Flat, firm, pale areas
- Flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesions
- Firm, red nodules
- Flat, rough, scaly or crusted lesions
Melanoma may appear as:
- A new spot on the skin that changes in size, shape or colour
- An unusual spot that looks different from the other moles or spots on your body
- Large brownish spots with darkened speckles
- Small lesions with irregular borders that may include red, white, blue or blue-black colours
- Dark lesions on the palms, soles of the feet, fingertips, toes or in the mouth
Skin cancer symptoms for lesser-known skin conditions include:
- Firm, shiny or hard nodules that indicate Merkel cell or sebaceous gland carcinomas
- Red or purplish patches that indicate Kaposi sarcoma
If you notice any of the symptoms above or have a high number of moles, a personal and/or family history of skin cancer or outdoors lifestyle, don't put off a skin check until it's too late. Look after yourself today and get your skin checked regularly.
Source: Newsmax.com