Skin cancer doesn't always present itself in the same way for everyone. For some, it's a small mole that became irregular, and for others, it's a more widespread issue that started as a tiny nodule on the skin. Skin cancer may not always look the same, but there are a few telltale signs that you should watch out for. Read on for a few of the signs of skin cancer and how it may be treated.

Irregular Mole

Any mole that is irregular in shape or has jagged edges, rather than being rounded on the edges, should be closely monitored by your dermatologist. You should report any types of changes at all to your existing moles to your dermatologist and also keep watch on moles that are new. Other changes or irregularities, such as the size and color are telltale signs as well. Moles are usually brown in color, but if they appear black or they have some other color to them, such as red or even a purple hue, you should report this to your dermatologist. Moles that are increasing in size need to also be reported. Any moles that you are questioning, your dermatologist will keep an eye on. Measurements and photos are usually taken in order to monitor the changes.

Non-Healing Scabs

If you have sores on the body that have scabbed over, but they just do not heal, it could be a sign of skin cancer. These areas of the skin or dry patches may be a sign of something else, but if you have non-healing scabs or sores, you should report them to your dermatologist. These can appear anywhere on the body but are usually in areas that are most seen from the sun, such as the ears, shoulders, and face.

Nodules

If you have any nodules on your skin, such as raised bumps that look to be something below the surface of the skin, it could be a sign of skin cancer. It is something that should be examined by your dermatologist. Some nodules may go away on their own, but if yours is not going away, a biopsy may need to be done in order to rule out skin cancer.

If you have any of these signs, they need to be reported to your dermatologist and monitored. Skin cancer can be treated in a few different ways, and they all depend on the severity of your skin cancer. Some skin cancer can be removed by scraping the skin cells, while other treatments may require more extensive treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. Surgery may also be required in your treatment depending on your skin cancer. 

If you suspect you have any of the signs of skin cancer, or you are questioning anything on your skin, talk to a dermatologist about them and options for skin cancer treatment.

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