Sadly, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer to affect humans. In fact, more than one million people are diagnosed with the disease each and every year and the number of new cases occurring every year continues to grow. As a result, most experts estimate that approximately half of Americans who reach the age of 65 will have experienced some form of this disease at least once during their lifetime. The most common symptoms are the appearances of new growths or sores that will not heal, but there are other symptoms you should be aware of.

There are two major groups of skin cancer: melanoma and non melanoma. None melanoma is the most common of the two but, thankfully, is less dangerous than melanoma. Basal cell skin cancer is a type of non melonama and is also the most common form.

For those with the basal cell type, symptoms include developing small lumps that are shiny red or pink. In some cases, they will contain melanin pigment, which will make them look dark in appearance rather than shiny. These lumps tend to be slow growing and will take months or even years to become sizable. If they are left untreated, however, they usually become crusty. The lumps may also ulcerate or bleed and can cause damage to the nose, ear, or eye if they grown in that area. The lumps are most commonly found on the ears, scalp, shoulders, hands, back, and face.

Squamous cell skin cancers account for approximately 20% of cases and are often attributed to sun exposure. These symptoms include the development of pink lumps that may have a scaly or hard surface. As with the lumps that develop from basal skin cancer, these lumps may ulcerate or bleed. Squamous cells skin cancer symptoms most commonly appear on the hands, ears, neck, face, lips, arms, shoulders, and legs.

Regardless of the type, any type of strange growth on the skin is a sign of concern. Other general symptoms to watch for include:

A spot or mole that is waxy, shiny, smooth, or pale in color

A spot or sore that becomes crusty or that bleeds

A spot or mole that becomes firm

Scaly or rough patches on the skin

Scaly and flat areas on the skin that are brown or red in color

Although some of these symptoms are actually associated with less serious diseases, there is no reason to play Russian roulette with your life. Skin cancer is a disease that does not have to be fatal if it is caught early before it has the opportunity to spread to other parts of the body, which is when it becomes nearly impossible to cure. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor in order to be certain you are healthy and safe.