While telehealth is not a new feature of medicine, more doctors have needed to extend this offering to their patients. In some cases, seeing patients virtually can have a few challenges. Diagnosing skin cancer lesions is one of those cases but recent technological developments may be able to help.
Typical Symptoms of Skin Cancer
There are three common types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The symptoms of each can differ. For basal cell carcinoma, these are what you may see:
- Waxy or pearly bumps
- Flat, flesh-colored, or brown lesions that look like scars
- Bleeding sores that heal but then recur
The symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma can include:
- Firm, red nodules
- Flat lesions with scaly, crusty surfaces
The symptoms of melanoma can include:
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- Small discolored lesions with irregular borders
- Moles that change in color, size, or texture
- Painful lesions that itch or burn
- Large brown spots that contain darker specks
- Dark lesions on the palms, soles, fingertips, toes, or the mouth
It’s important to note that persons with darker complexions may only have skin cancer skin lesions in areas that are not often exposed to the sun. That means African Americans should check for lesions in spots like their palms, the soles of their feet, and under their fingernails.
