Learn how to identify the signs before your skin condition turns into something more serious.But other types of skin cancer, like basal and squamous cell carcinoma, may go undetected. And while they’re not as deadly, they’re more common — and it’s important to treat them seriously.
The lack of public awareness about non-melanoma skin cancers and persistent myths that those with darker skin can’t get skin cancer can cause many patients to not be as lucky. Here’s what you need to know.“Basal cell carcinomas are often shiny, translucent bumps with ill-defined borders that may bleed easily without trauma. Squamous cell carcinomas are like a tender, rough rhinoceros-like horn growing above a pink scaly patch,” Kung said.
“Who doesn’t have a pimple here or there? But typically, these things go away within a couple of months,” Hsu said. “If you have a persistent scaly or rough spot that just refused to go away after three months, that’s probably time to receive a professional evaluation.”