9th February 2022

What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?

Astonishingly, 1 in 2 of us are now predicted to get cancer at some point in our lives. While these statistics are scary, modern medicine is making great strides by the day and survival rates continue to rise. But without a known cure for skin cancer, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the warning signs and the possible causes.

Skin cancer is among the top 5 most common cancers in the UK, but there are ways you can work to prevent it from occurring and also recognise it early on. This increases your chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.

But what does skin cancer look like and how can I protect my skin? Knowing the answers could save your life.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Unlike breast cancers and prostate cancers, which occur mainly or exclusively in only one sex, skin cancer affects more or less an equal number of both men and women. It occurs as a result of irregularities in the natural cell division process, which leads to the overgrowth of abnormal, cancerous cells.

This is more likely to happen if you don’t take daily steps to protect your skin from harmful influences, such as UV radiation from sunlight and artificial tanning beds. Dr Firas continuously stresses the importance of sun protection to his patients here in London, even throughout winter. Regular SPF application to exposed skin is not only a key step in the prevention of skin cancer, but also helps to maintain youthful tone and texture. It’s a no-brainer really.

While there are a number of different types of skin cancers, melanomas are among the most common and are the most aggressive by far. Once the cells start to mutate uncontrollably, this activity can spread to other areas of the body and become fatal. So what does skin cancer look like?

Changes In Your Skin

The most obvious and common signs of skin cancer, in relation to both melanoma and non-melanoma, are changes in your skin. This often manifests in the arrival of unfamiliar lumps, bumps or moles, or changes to existing ones. Should you notice any of your moles shift in shape, size or colour, this might be as much of a cause for concern as the arrival of a new lesion.

In most cases, moles are benign and don’t warrant treatment for your health, although many people do choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Dr Firas offers skin health assessments based on decades of training and experience, which have led him to become a world leader in dermatology.

If you notice changes in your skin and find yourself asking “what does skin cancer look like?,” enlist the services of your favourite Harley Street specialist. Schedule your appointment by calling 07494 764 201 or emailing info@drfirasalniaimi.co.uk today.