How to spot the signs of skin cancer?

​The month of May marks Skin Cancer Awareness month. To help raise awareness, this newsletter will provide you with the signs and symptoms to look out for and precautions you can take to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer this summer as your skin becomes exposed to a lot more sun.

There are 3 significant types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The vast majority of skin cancer diagnosis is the first two types; while malignant, they are unlikely to spread to other body parts. A smaller number of skin cancer cases are malignant melanomas. This is a highly aggressive cancer and is likely to spread to other body parts.

The warning signs of skin cancer include:

● Any change in size, colour, shape, or shape of a mole
● An open skin wound that won’t heal

Melanoma can appear as:

● A change in an existing mole
● A dark, multicoloured spot with irregular borders – either elevated or flat
● A mole more prominent than a pencil eraser

Tips to help protect your skin

As the summer months approach, you will probably spend a lot more time outdoors at BBQs, the beach or other events like festivals; it will leave your skin exposed to the sun. Here are some things you can do to protect your skin:

● Use sunscreen with an SPF factor 30 or more
● If you are sunbathing, make sure to spend time in the shade
● Wear a hat that covers your ears, face, head and neck
● Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs
● Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays

When checking your skin for symptoms or signs of cancer, here are a few tips you can look out for in sun-exposed skin:

Basal cell carcinoma appears on sun-exposed skin as:

● A pearly or flesh-coloured oval bump with a rolled border may develop into a bleeding ulcer
● A smooth red spot indented in the centre
● A reddish, brown, or bluish-black patch of skin on the back or chest

Squamous cell carcinoma may appear on sun-exposed skin as:

● A reddish firm, a wart that grows gradually
● A flat-like spot that starts bleeding and won’t heal

This summer, take these precautions to look after your skin and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. If you notice any symptoms or changes in a mole on your skin. Make an appointment with one of our dermatologists to get it checked out.

COVID-19 at Clinica London

To ensure your safety and the safety of the staff, all staff are tested for COVID-19 regularly, are fully vaccinated and wear masks.

We continue to offer video consultations.