Skin cancer signs and symptoms

  1. My skin has gradually got more noticeable issues
  2. Wounds and even light scratches not healing, still appear the same months later
  3. Sudden pigmentation on my face, creases and chest
  4. Dry scaly skin
  5. Flaky skin even though I moisturiser several times a day
  6. Dark patches of skin
  7. When I apply foundation bumpy, discoloured areas on my face especially on the nose, cheekbones, eyelids and area between the nose and upper lip become extremely noticeable
  8. Makes sits on the little bumps but does not adhere around the edges of small bumps
  9. Skin can be very tender to touch in certain areas
  10. Extreme thinning of hair, breaks off so close to the scalp it leaves stumps 
  11. Ingrown hairs over entire body and face 
  12. Red swollen fingers, especially knuckles
  13. Clubbed fingernails
  14. Hair and nails not growing
  15. Extreme tiredness, exhaustion 
  • I', no expert, far from it, but that doesn't sound like skin cancer at all. More like something systematic, if there is something going on, playing havoc with your skin, hair etc.

    Assuming you've had basic blood tests etc? If they've been fine, you're maybe needing testing for some autoimmune conditions. Again, not saying it is even that, but they're the usual culprits if someone is having widespread issues.

  • Have you been to a dermatologist? They diagnose different skin conditions. I’ve had multiple skin cancers and they normally happen one at a time. In the last six months I’ve had basil cell and squamous cell removed. Good Luck!

  • I agree with ProfBaw, this doesn't sound like skin cancer (which doesn't cause the symptoms you are experiencing). I'm assuming due to 1983 being in your CRUK name that you are 41/42? I think a blood test is necessary as some or all of these symptoms may be due to hormones (or lack of) as we women age or, a more serious autoimmune condition.

    Pigmentation on the face, chest etc happens to some women as they reach their 40's (my daughter actually started with it at 32 when she was pregnant with my granddaughter because of a change in hormonal activity and exposure to the sun). Also, as Elizabeth says, skin cancers don't usually happen at the same time. I have family members who have had several BCC between them but all happened 2 or 3 years later & were totally unconnected other than that UV damage caused them all. Melanoma & non melanoma skin cancers don't cause any symptoms other than the appearance of the mole or lesion. 

    Please see your GP and I'm sure a blood test will reveal the problem.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)