Understanding the Difference Between Precancerous Skin Growths and Skin Cancer

If you are visiting fr regular checkups and skin examinations, you are more likely to get skin cancer detection at an early stage, and survival rates will be higher.

Experts say skin cancer is the most common form of cancer globally, accounting for at least 40% of all cancer cases. The common types of skin cancer, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, which are highly curable when detected early.

Precancerous skin growths, also known as precancers, should be examined and treated to prevent them from developing into skin cancer. These growths, like actinic keratosis, can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Learn the difference between precancerous skin growths and skin cancer. Because when it comes to health, you cannot afford to compromise with knowledge.

Precancerous Skin Growths

Precancerous skin growths, also known as precancerous lesions, are abnormal skin changes that have the potential to develop into skin cancer if left untreated. These growths are not yet cancerous but should be monitored and potentially treated to prevent them from becoming cancerous. There are different types of precancerous growths, and you must immediately contact and consult with specialists and discuss the procedure.

Types of Precancerous Skin Growths:

Actinic Keratosis (AK): A common precancerous condition caused by sun exposure, characterised by rough, scaly patches or bumps on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, and hands.

Bowen’s Disease: A type of squamous cell carcinoma in situ, it is confined to the outer layer of the skin.

Cutaneous Horns: Horn-like growths that can develop on sun-exposed areas, most common in older individuals.

Leukoplakia: White or greyish patches that can develop on the mucous membranes of the mouth, potentially progressing to cancerous lesions.

Erythroplakia: Red, velvety patches that can occur on mucous membranes and have a higher risk of malignancy than leukoplakia.

The appearance of this growth might vary, but often present as Rough, scaly, or crusty patches. Flat or raised lesions also need to be examined. Reddish, brown, or skin-colored spots. It may feel different from the surrounding skin. It may be itchy or bleed. It can appear as a scar with a flat, firm, yellowish area. May have a shiny, pearl-colored bump tinged with pink, red, brown, or blue.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a disease where malignant cells form in the skin’s tissues, and it’s the most common type of cancer. It’s primarily caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. So, if you are someone who loves the sun, be careful and smart while stepping out. Do not forget your skin needs sun protection, so always carry and apply sunscreen. Do get regular skin examinations to avoid many complications.

The most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is considered the most serious type. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better outcome and fewer complications.

If you want the survival rate to be in your favour, visit for checkups or Skin lesion removal today! Early detection is the most crucial factor when it comes to skin cancer.

Do Precancerous Skin Growth Indicate Skin Cancer?

Yes, precancerous skin growths can indicate an increased risk of skin cancer, but they do not automatically mean you have cancer. Growths like actinic keratoses (AKs) are abnormal cells that have the potential to develop into skin cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma, if left untreated.

While not all precancerous growths become cancerous, their presence signifies a risk and the need for monitoring and potentially treatment. Here are some things to consider when you detect precancerous growths on your skin:

• We all love the sun, right? But you need to set the limit because overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a primary cause of precancerous growths and skin cancer.
• Examine your skin regularly, pay attention to areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, as well as those less exposed. Stand in front of a full mirror and examine yourself. Take the help of someone to examine the back and scalp and the areas not visible to you.
• Consult a dermatologist for regular skin exams, especially if you have a history of sun damage or precancerous growths.

So, be smart and speed up the consultation process because the only way to get higher survival rates in skin cancer is early detection and expert intervention.