Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma Vs. Melanomas

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that forms from the basal cell layer of the epidermis. Basal cell carcinoma is related to the frequent contact to certain chemicals, over exposure to sun or artificial sunlight (tanning beds), and radiation treatments. While often found on the face and upper chest basal cell carcinoma's can be located on various body parts. Fair skinned people are at more risk for basal cell carcinomas then darker skinned people. Metastases are rare, but can progress to vital structures of the body. A basal cell carcinoma is known by its appearance of being scaly and pearly white.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that forms from the epidermis and dermis, second to basal cell carcinoma squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common skin forming cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma are commonly caused by UV rays, commonly from sunlight and tanning beds, known by their appearance of firm nodular lesions with a crusty or central ulceration center. To help prevent Basal and squamous cell carcinoma's it is best to wear at least an SPF of 20 or higher when anticipating being outside under UV lights.

Melanomas are a type of skin cancers that can invade the epidermis, dermis and sometimes even the subcutaneous. Melanomas arise from melanocytes, melanocytes are pigment producing cells, and their major activity is to determine the color of skin and hair. Melanomas are highly metastasizing cancer and may appear in preexisting moles, this is why it is very important to report any changes in color, shapes or sizes in moles to your family physician. Melanomas are usually slightly elevated, irregularly shaped and vary in color from black, grey, pink, blue, brown and tan.

Signs and symptoms of skin carcinomas are usually a family history, changes in skin, warts, moles, or looking for lesions on the body.

Medical management: surgical removal of infected area, possible skin grafts depending on coverage area, if the area is malignant one may require chemotherapy or radiation and need to have monthly assessment of their skin to make sure there is no outbreaks or reoccurrences of the carcinomas.

If you feel there is a change in your skin's appearance it is not in your best interest to wait to see if the situation improves you should have your family physician check any changes in your skin to rule out possibilities of cancer before they can metastasis into the lymph system, most skin cancer's when caught in early stages can be cured easily and effectively.