Detecting skin cancer symptoms can go a long way toward prevention of bigger problems. Watch for:

A visibly growing skin spot or lesion
Irregular lesion
A raised lesion (versus a flat lesion)
Easy bleeding

The three main categories of skin cancer in order of frequency are:

Basal cell cancer: This type of cancer is primarily found on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as on the face or hands. It does not metastasize (spread) very much, if at all; instead, it will continue to grow and worsen in the localized region until it is treated.

Squamous cell cancer: This is most common in people with light complexions. The cancer is brought on by repeated sun exposure over a long period of time; alternatively, it could develop as a result of severe childhood sunburns. Squamous cell cancer tends to remain in the same area, but it can spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant melanoma: By far the least common of the three types, malignant melanoma is also the most dangerous. Unlike the other two, it can develop in non-sun-exposed areas and then very quickly (within months) spread to other parts of the body.

One more thing: If you know that in the past you have been subject to a high level of exposure to the sun and you are fair, or have a light complexion, make an annual visit to your doctor or a dermatologist for cautionary measures.

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