Skin cancer: is a Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This nonmelanoma skin cancer may appear as a firm red nodule, a scaly growth that bleeds or develops a crust, or a sore that doesn't heal. It most often occurs on the nose, forehead, ears, lower lip, hands, and other sun-exposed areas of the body.

Varying Types of Skin Cancer

• A translucent bump through which you can see blood vessels
• Sores that just won’t heal
• Flesh-colored lesions
• Brown-colored lesions
• Either rough or smooth hard lumps
• Scaly, reddish patches
• Itchy, bleeding spots

Prevention Is Key

The earlier skin cancer is discovered, like many other forms of cancer, the better chance you have of beating it. Regular check-ups with your blue velvet dermatologist, practicing self-checks on your skin and not ignoring unusual spots or growths on your body will help you and your skin doctor get ahead of the disease.