{"id":31836,"date":"2024-05-23T13:34:21","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T17:34:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/?p=31836"},"modified":"2025-01-15T09:34:59","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T14:34:59","slug":"skin-cancer-symptoms-causes-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/blog\/skin-cancer-symptoms-causes-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Skin Cancer Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Skin cancer is a prevalent yet often overlooked health issue that touches the lives of many Canadians, manifesting in various forms from harmless-looking blemishes to more serious moles that may be precursors to melanoma. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>According to the <\/span>Canadian Skin Cancer Society<\/span><\/a>, 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. However, most cases of skin cancer are preventable, and it\u2019s important to know the signs of skin cancer and how to protect yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This article will explain the causes of skin cancer, symptoms to look out for, and the common types of skin cancer including melanoma, which tends to be the most aggressive form.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/b>What causes skin cancer?<\/b><\/h4>\n

Sunshine can be helpful for our mental health and conditions like psoriasis and eczema, but it also comes with risks. Prolonged sun exposure at any stage of life puts you at risk for <\/span>skin cancer<\/span><\/a>. This is especially true of childhood sunburns which <\/span>increase the risk<\/span><\/a> of developing melanoma as you age.<\/span><\/p>\n

During this time, it\u2019s important to keep an eye on moles and spots on your body. Many skin cancers are preventable, and being aware of the signs of skin cancer, and <\/span>getting a mole mapping scan<\/span><\/a>, can be helpful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of skin cancer<\/b><\/h4>\n

Basal cell carcinoma <\/strong>is the most common form of skin cancer in Canada and usually affects areas of your body exposed to the sun. Its appearance can vary, from a white or waxy bump to a flat, flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesion to a bleeding or scabbing sore that heals but ultimately returns. Basal cell carcinomas can also cause red, itchy patches, which may leave you unsure if you have<\/span> a rash or skin cancer<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite being the least dangerous form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinomas do require treatment because if they are left untreated can become invasive and destructive to nearby structures including bone, which can lead to disfigurement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Squamous cell carcinoma <\/strong>also occurs in areas of your body exposed to the sun. This type of carcinoma can appear as firm, red nodules, or flat lesions with a crusted surface. The larger these tumours grow, the more destructive they become, increasing their potential to metastasize or spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common and highly treatable types of skin cancers, especially when addressed early. However, the third most common type of skin cancer, melanoma, is much more dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\n

Melanoma <\/strong>is a type of skin cancer that begins in your melanocytes \u2014 the cells responsible for making pigment. It occurs when your melanocytes grow out of control, which is why melanoma tumours resemble moles; it\u2019s not uncommon for this to cause worry <\/span>about a new mole<\/span><\/a> or changes to an existing one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Melanoma tends to be a more aggressive form of cancer than other skin cancers; however, there are different <\/span>types of melanoma<\/span>, each with their own prognosis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of melanoma<\/b><\/h4>\n

Superficial spreading melanoma <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Superficial spreading melanoma begins in the top layer of the skin, and, although it can grow into its deeper layers, it usually spreads outward. The most common form of melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, can begin as a new spot or grow from a pre-existing mole. It\u2019s a highly curable form of melanoma when it’s caught early.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodular melanoma<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A fast-growing version of the disease and more dangerous because it quickly grows deeper into the skin, nodular melanoma is usually found in areas with less sun exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/span> of nodular <\/span>melanoma<\/span> include a symmetrical papule, or growth, that sticks out of the skin. Because of this, it may resemble a pimple or blood blister, leading to some initial confusion about what it is. Nodular melanoma is also highly curable when caught early. However, <\/span>because it can grow <\/span>0.5mm a month<\/span><\/a>, nodular melanoma may spread rapidly<\/span> and is often discovered at a later stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lentigo maligna melanoma<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A slow-growing cancer, lentigo maligna melanomas begin life as dark patches of precancerous skin called lentigo maligna. Found in areas subject to regular sun exposure, these dark patches may remain precancerous for years and even decades in some cases. A change in colour or texture, or the appearance of a raised portion may be a sign that it\u2019s become malignant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Acral lentiginous melanoma<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A rare form of cancer, but most common among individuals with darker pigmented skin, acral lentiginous melanoma isn\u2019t related to sun exposure. Instead, it appears on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands \u2014 areas unlikely to receive much sunlight. Acral lentiginous melanoma can also develop under the nails. It initially presents as a flat patch of skin with a different, usually darker pigment. While more research is needed, the development of acral lentiginous melanoma <\/span>may be tied to trauma or physical stress<\/span><\/a> at the site of the cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to spot melanoma<\/b><\/h4>\n

Melanoma has certain characteristics distinguishing it from a normal mole. While you\u2019ll need to see a dermatologist or have the mole removed for biopsy to diagnose you with melanoma, there are <\/span>certain signs<\/span><\/a> to look for, including the \u201cABCDEs\u201d of moles:<\/span><\/p>\n