Skin cancer warning signs to look for after Adrian Chiles' diagnosis
The 58-year-old was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma after spotting something on his shoulder.
TV presenter Adrian Chiles has revealed a recent diagnosis of skin cancer - and these are symptoms to look out for. Writing in his column for The Guardian, he detailed how a “thing” on the back of his shoulder was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma.
This is a fairly common type of non-melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma is typically easier to treat that melanoma because it does not usually spread to other parts of the body.
However, it is still vital that it is treated as it can become deadly.
In his piece, Adrian explained that he had the cancer removed and it “won’t spread”.
The 58 year old said: “So not nothing, but not serious. Needs keeping an eye on.”
Symptoms
As with any disease, the sooner you spot the signs of skin cancer, the greater chance there is of successful treatment. On its website, the NHS has outlined the key signs of skin cancer to look out for.
It noted that the “main” symptom of non-melanoma skin cancer is a growth or unusual patch on the skin. Any part of your skin can be affected, but it's most common in areas exposed to the sun, such as the:
- Head, face and ears
- Neck and shoulders
- Back
- Hands
- Lower legs
“The growths or patches can vary in colour, size and texture,” it said. This means:
- Some cancerous growths are raised and smooth with clear edges
- Some growths may be bumpier, rough or crusty
- Sometimes skin cancer may start as a flat discoloured patch
- Cancerous patches can be a range of colours, including purple, brown and red
- The patches may be darker on brown or black skin
- Sometimes the patches may look crusty and feel rough or itchy
The health body said you should see a GP if:
- You have a growth on your skin that's getting bigger or has changed colour or texture
- You have a growth or area of skin that hurts, itches, bleeds, crusts or scabs for more than four weeks
The NHS added: “Finding non-melanoma skin cancer early can mean it's easier to treat.”
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Melanoma skin cancer
A less common but more dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma. This can spread to other areas of the body.
The main symptom of melanoma skin cancer is a new mole or a change in an existing mole. The NHS advises being wary of:
- Moles with an uneven shape or edges
- Moles with a mix of colours
- Large moles - often more than 6mm wide
- Moles that changes over time
- Moles that are swollen and sore, bleeding, itchy, or crusty
The NHS says you must see a GP if:
- You have a mole that's changed size, shape or colour
- You have a mole that's painful or itchy
- You have a mole that's inflamed, bleeding or crusty
- You have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks
- You have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury
For more information, visit the NHS website here.
