Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay recently revealed he underwent surgery for skin cancer. His experience is a reminder that early signs of the disease can be easy to miss – unless you know exactly what to look for.
When it comes to skin cancer, the symptoms often start small. A tiny bump, a scab that won’t heal, or a slightly irritated patch of skin might not seem like a big deal – until it turns out to be something far more serious.
A sore that won’t heal
One of the most common signs of skin cancer is a spot or wound that doesn’t heal within four weeks. If it bleeds, scabs over, or reopens repeatedly, it's worth getting checked.
Shiny or pearly bumps
Basal cell carcinomas often appear as small, shiny or pearly bumps. These may be pink, white, or slightly translucent and are sometimes mistaken for harmless pimples.
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Rough, red patches
If you notice scaly or irritated red areas on your face, hands, ears or neck – especially if they itch or feel sore – they could indicate early skin cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma.
Raised edges around a sore
A skin lesion with raised or crusty edges that gradually grows or doesn't improve may suggest cancerous changes in the skin’s structure.
Slow-growing lumps
A firm, slow-growing lump on the skin that doesn't go away should be assessed. It might feel like a waxy bump and is especially concerning on sun-exposed areas.
Changing moles or freckles
Moles that change in shape, color, or size over time can be signs of melanoma. Be extra cautious with asymmetrical moles, uneven borders, or multiple colors.
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Ulcers that don’t close
Persistent ulcer-like areas, especially if they're slightly sunken or have an open center, are another red flag – particularly when they appear without injury.
Itching or pain without rash
Unexplained irritation, itching, or pain in a specific skin spot – even without a visible rash – can signal abnormal changes beneath the surface.
New marks in sun-exposed areas
Skin cancers are most likely to develop in areas that get frequent sun exposure, such as the face, ears, arms, scalp, and hands. Any new marks here should be monitored closely.
Spots on ears, lips, or scalp
Don’t overlook spots on the lips, tops of the ears, or scalp. These are high-risk areas that often get overlooked when applying sunscreen but are common sites for skin cancer to develop.
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While Gordon Ramsay was fortunate to catch his skin cancer early and have it removed quickly, not everyone is so lucky. Skin cancer may not be as visibly aggressive as other cancers, but that doesn’t make it less dangerous.
This article is based on information from LadBible
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