Symptoms and Signs:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This tumour usually begins as a small, firm, shiny, raised growth on the skin, occasionally with a pearly-white border. Sometimes this tumour grows more flat and resembles a scar. The growth enlarges very slowly. It sometimes ulcerates and forms a scab at the centre. It can alternately bleed and heal, which is a significant sign of this type of cancer (as well as SCC).
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The tumour forms as a red area with a scaly, crusted surface that does not seem to heal. As the tumour progresses, it may become raised and firm or wart-like in appearance. Over time it becomes an open sore and invades underlying tissue. Bowen's disease is a form of SCC that is limited only to the epidermis and appears as a reddish-brown, scaly, crusted, flat area.
Melanoma
This can start as a small, new, pigmented growth on normal skin, but can also develop from pre-existing moles. They are often black or a deep blue. An existing mole may change in shape or colour, especially with the spread of red, white, and blue pigmentation in the surrounding area. The mole and surrounding area may also be inflamed.
Kaposi's Sarcoma
The first type involves purple or dark brown spots on the toes and legs. The tumour can cover a significant area on the skin and can be flat or slightly raised. It tends to bleed and ulcerate.
The second type initially appears as a red, pink, or purple spot. It is round or oval shaped, and can occur anywhere on the body. Within a few months the tumour can appear on several areas of the body and mouth. This type of tumour can also occur on internal organs and lymph nodes and can cause internal bleeding when they ulcerate.
Paget's Disease
This form of cancer appears as an inflamed, red area of skin. It is usually located around the nipple, but can also occur in the groin area and around the anus. It may also appear as an oozing, crusting rash.
