Skin cancer is an increasingly common condition, which is partly credited to increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Increased exposure is mainly due to the recent popularity of sun tanning or sun bathing. Light-skinned individuals are more vulnerable to this disease. As with any type of cancer, early detection is critical so ask your doctor to see an anatomical model or chart that will help show you what to look for.

 

There are many types of skin cancer, but the most common types are:

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

This is the most common type of skin cancer; it can cause disfiguring and is very destructive. There is a greater risk for individuals who have a family history of the disease and those with cumulative exposure to UV light through sunlight, or exposure to chemicals like arsenic. Most basal cell carcinoma are removed surgically by dermasurgeons. A common method of surgery is electrodessication and curretage (ED&C) where the tumor is scraped out with a curette and then the area is cauterized, leaving the wound heal by itself. The success rate and cosmetic result for this treatment is excellent especially with concave areas. Other treatment for these types of skin cancers includes topical chemotherapy, x-ray, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, or topical immune enhancement drugs like imiquimod. This type of skin cancer is usually not life-threatening but if left untreated can cause disfiguring, bleeding, and produce local destruction in some parts such as the eye, ear, nose and lip.

 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

This type of skin cancer results in a malignant tumor of the epithelium that shows squamous cell differentiation. It is a type of cancer of the carcinoma from that may occur in many different organs including the skin, the mouth, esophagus, lungs and cervix. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually developed in the epithelial layer of the skin and can also being in various mucous membranes of the body. These cancers can be seen in the skin, lips, inside of the mouth, throat and esophagus, and is characterized by red scaly skin that becomes an open sore. Smoking is a significant risk factor for this disease. Other risk factors include sun exposure, radiation therapy, exposure to carcinogens, chronic skin irritation or inflammation, genetics diseases, and presence of premalignant lesions. To diagnose this disease, a biopsy is done where a sample is taken and examined under a microscope, and if found to be cancerous, surgery is done to remove it.

 

Melanoma

These types of skin cancer are the most lethal form of skin cancer. Melanoma is just a malignant tumor of melanocytes. Melanocytes usually occur in the skin but can also be found elsewhere, especially in the eye. The vast majority of melanomas originate in the skin. As with most forms of cancer, early detection of the disease gives a patient a much better chance of survival. Studies have shown that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the major contributing factors to the development of melanoma. Additional factors are mutations in or complete loss of tumor suppressor genes. Use of sunbeds (with deeply penetrating UVA rays) is linked to the development of skin cancers, including melanoma. A genetic history of melanoma vastly increases a person’s level of risk. Any mole that is irregular in color or shape should be examined by a doctor immediately to determine if it is a malignant melanoma, the most serious and life-threatening form of skin cancer. Ask your doctor to see a skin cancer model which will help graphically show you what to look for. The diagnosis of melanoma requires experience, because early stages may look identical to harmless moles or not have any color at all. Treatments for this type of skin cancer include surgery, medication or chemotherapy, radiation and other therapies.

 

When there is doubt of having the signs or symptoms of cancer, seeing the doctor is advised and ask to see a skin cancer model or skin chart. Early detection along with proper treatment will give the patient greater chance of survival every time.

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