TV presenter Adrian Chiles spotted the growth on his shoulder
Television presenter Adrian Chiles has opened up about his recent skin cancer diagnosis – prompting experts to highlight the warning signs everyone should watch for. In his column for The Guardian, the broadcaster described how a growth on the back of his shoulder was identified as squamous cell carcinoma.
This represents a relatively common form of non-melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma variants are generally more straightforward to treat than melanoma as they typically don’t metastasise to other areas of the body. Nevertheless, quick treatment remains crucial as the condition can prove fatal if left unchecked.
In his piece, Adrian detailed how he underwent surgery to remove the cancerous growth, confirming it “won’t spread”. The 58-year-old remarked: “So not nothing, but not serious. Needs keeping an eye on.”
Symptoms
As with any illness, early detection of skin cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes. The NHS website provides comprehensive guidance on the warning signs to monitor.
The health service identifies the “main” indicator of non-melanoma skin cancer as an abnormal growth or unusual patch on the skin. Whilst any area can be affected, sun-exposed regions are most vulnerable, including the:
- Head, face and ears
- Neck and shoulders
- Back
- Hands
- Lower legs
“The growths or patches can vary in colour, size and texture,” the guidance states. 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 service advises seeking medical attention 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 stressed: “Finding non-melanoma skin cancer early can mean it’s easier to treat.”
Melanoma skin cancer
A rarer yet more serious variant of skin cancer is melanoma, which carries the risk of spreading throughout the body. The primary symptom of melanoma skin cancer is a new mole or a change in an existing mole, explains the Express.
The NHS recommends being vigilant 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 advises that you must consult 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 additional information, visit the NHS website here.
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