Sun worshipers are being warned of a lesser known skin cancer symptom that could become serious if left untreated.
With summer on the horizon, Scots will be excited to jet off to sunnier pastures, but anyone planning to sunbathe must take proper precautions to lower their risk of developing skin cancer.
It is one of the most common cancers in the world and comes with many variants and symptoms. But one warning sign can easily be mistaken for less serious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.
Appearing on the skin as red, scaly patches, Bowen's disease is a very early form of skin cancer and it affects the squamous cells, which are in the outer layer of skin.
Patches can appear anywhere on the skin, but are especially common on exposed areas like the lower legs, neck and head and are slow growing, usually taking years to develop.
While it is very treatable, there's a small chance it could turn into a more serious type of skin cancer known as squamous skin cell cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most prevalent skin cancer and is distinguished by abnormal growth of squamous cells, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. It is this type of cancer that results in the dark, raised bumps that are more widely recognised.
The NHS estimates that up to 1 in 20 to 1 in 30 people with untreated Bowen's disease develop SCC. Squamous cell skin cancer is often treatable, but it can spread deeper into the body and is sometimes very serious.
Lesions caused by SCC can become deadly and spread to other parts of the body, causing serious complications. Here's what you should know about Bowen's disease - and when you should see a doctor.
Symptoms of Bowen's disease
According to the NHS, Bowen's disease usually appears as a patch on the skin that has clear edges and does not heal.
More than one patch can occur and they may be:
- scaly or crusty
- flat or raised
- up to a few centimetres across
- itchy (but not all the time)
- red or pink on white skin, but this may be harder to see on brown and black skin
If the patch bleeds, starts to turn into an open sore (ulcer) or develops a lump, it could be a sign it's turned into squamous cell skin cancer.
Anyone with patches of red, scaly skin that won't heal should seek medical advice. As Bowen's disease can be mistaken for other conditions, it's important to get an official diagnosis.
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