Basal cell carcinoma occurs mostly in the areas of the body that are exposed to the sun , such as your head and neck . It appears as a change in the skin , such as a growth or sore that won ’ t heal . It can look like this :
● a shiny , translucent , skincoloured bump that may bleed and scab over but never completely heals
● a brown , black , or blue lesion , or a lesion with dark spots , with a slightly raised , translucent border
● a flat , scaly , patch with a raised edge that can grow quite large over time
● a white , waxy , scar-like lesion without a clearly defined border .
Squamous cell carcinoma can develop in many areas of the body , not just where skin is exposed to the sun . It responds very well to treatment ; however , it can spread aggressively if not detected early . Some signs and symptoms to watch for include :
● firm red nodules on the skin
● flat sores with a scaly crust
● new sores or raised areas on an old scar or ulcer
● rough scaly patches on your lip that may evolve to an open sore
● red sores around the mouth
● any wart-like sores on , in , or around the genitals and anus .
Melanoma is the least common type , but it often has the bleakest outcome , as it is much more likely to spread to other parts of the body . Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body . The first symptoms often appear as follows :
● a change to an existing mole
● a new pigmentation or unusual growth anywhere on the body .
Check your skin for these symptoms regularly , and don ’ t be embarrassed to ask a friend or partner to help . If you notice any changes or new areas , contact your health-care provider without delay . If caught early , skin cancer is highly treatable . So , check often ; it ’ s never too late to start new habits .
ARTACares is included at no additional cost with all ARTA Extended Health Care Benefit Plans and is provided by HumanaCare , an Alberta-based health and wellness provider with more than thirty-five years of Canadian health-care experience . For more information , visit wellness . mylifeexpert . com / login / artacares . news & views SUMMER 2023 | 45