Spotting the Symptoms and Diagnosing Skin Cancer with RWJBarnabas Health

When it comes to properly treating conditions like melanoma or skin cancer, it’s imperative that patients receive an accurate diagnosis. At RWJBarnabas Health, our physicians and cancer treatment professionals are some of the leading experts in New Jersey when it comes to spotting the symptoms and then finding the proper course of treatment.

Since skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, it is important to know the signs of skin cancer and melanoma symptoms. Detecting cancer at its earliest stage gives the best chance of successful treatment.

Often, skin cancers do not cause bothersome symptoms until they have grown quite large. However, it may be possible to see or feel skin cancers in their early stages. Most general physicians include a skin exam during yearly wellness visits; if you think you need a screening, be sure to ask for one.

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Signs of Skin Cancer

When it comes to finding early signs of skin cancer, which is when it is most treatable, it is important to examine your skin on a regular basis. Regular skin self-examination allows you to become familiar with moles and other skin conditions, so you can better identify any changes or potential early skin cancer symptoms.

Signs of skin cancer can vary. Non-melanoma skin cancer symptoms can include:

• A bump or lump that can be pearly, waxy, or red
• A scar-like growth that is not from a scar
• Crusty skin that may be sensitive to touch

Melanoma symptoms can include:

• A brownish spot that has darker specks
• A mole that bleeds
• A mole that changes in size, color or feel
• A lesion with irregular borders and uneven coloring

Skin Self-Exams

Skin self-exams are the key to early detection and a quick and easy way to manage your health.

To perform a skin self-exam, you’ll need a:

• bright light
• full-length mirror
• hand mirror
• hair dryer

You’ll want to look for and keep track of freckles, moles, birthmarks, bumps, sores, scabs and scaly patches. An easy way to keep track is to take a photo of any suspicious areas using a prop (such as a quarter) to help track size and shape over time.

The steps for a skin self-exam:

1. Study your face in front of the mirror, paying special attention to your nose, mouth, lips and ears (do not forget to check the back of your ears).
2. Check your scalp with a hard mirror. You can use the hair dryer to lift sections of your hair to see your scalp.
3. Look at your fingernails, fingers, palms (both front and back).
4. Check your forearms, upper arms, including your underarms.
5. Examine your neck, chest and torso. Women should check under their breasts, as well.
6. Turn your back to the full-length mirror and use the hand mirror to look at the reflection of the back of your neck, shoulders and upper back. Then, look at your lower back, buttocks and the back of your legs. Ask someone to be your second set of eyes.
7. Sit down and use the hand mirror to examine your genitals.
8. Check your legs, particularly the ankles.
9. Examine the tops and soles of your feet (including the toenails) and between your toes.

Skin Cancer Diagnosis

There are many different types of skin cancer that can be diagnosed. Some of the most common are:

• Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, with more than 4 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. These cancers are most often found in areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck and arms, but they may also occur elsewhere. Treatment options for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma include surgery, other forms of local therapy, radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The type of skin cancer treatment recommended will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as other factors.
• Melanoma skin cancer. This type of cancer is less common, accounting for only 1 percent of all skin cancers, but it is more likely to grow and spread. As a result, melanoma is responsible for a large majority of skin cancer deaths. Treatment for melanoma skin cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer and other factors, but may include surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Merkel cell skin cancer. This type of cancer arises from Merkel cells, a type of neuroendocrine cell that is found at the base of the epidermis, which help give skin its sense of touch and may metastasize.
• Lymphoma of the skin. Also known as cutaneous lymphoma, this type of skin cancer starts in immune cells, known as lymphocytes, in the skin.
• Kaposi sarcoma. This cancer develops from cells that line lymph or blood vessels, and it causes purple, red or brown blotches or tumors. It usually manifests as tumors on the skin or on mucosal surfaces such as the inside of the mouth, but tumors can also develop in other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, lungs or digestive tract.

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The American Cancer Society recommends performing a skin self-exam once a month. If you notice any spots on your skin that are new or changing in size, shape and color, tell your health care provider or schedule an appointment at an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

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Learn more about How Common is Skin Cancer? And More Questions You’re Afraid to Ask

To contact one of New Jersey’s best skin cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.