Common Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a very common form of cancer in the United States and Europe. Skin cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of skin cells in skin that has had too much sun exposure. Malignant cells form in the tissues of the skin. Skin is a human's largest organ. Almost half of all the cancers diagnosed in the United States are some form of skin cancer.

Early diagnosis can reduce the damage caused by skin cancer. It is not a rare disease and affects a number of younger individuals every year. Staying in the sun for a small amount of time unprotected will not cause skin cancer, but repeated unprotected sun exposure for those who work outside or sun bath are at much greater risk than the general population. It is a highly curable cancer when it is detected early and many doctors suggest people exam their own skin monthly for abnormal growths and see a dermatologist once a year for a full skin exam.

Skin cancer is a rapidly growing form of cancer doubling the number of victims every 10 -15 years. The cause is the UV radiation from the sun. There are three kinds of common skin cancer. They are basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma.

Basal cell cancer accounts for the majority of skin cancer. Basal cell is responsible for 90 percent of all skin cancers diagnosed in the United States. Basel cell cancers are slow-growing and seldom spread to other organ tissues. Basal cells are just normal skin cells that can develop into cancerous cells. Basal cell skin cancer occurs on areas of the body regularly exposed to the sun. Basal cell can is often there found on the scalp, face, and neck of patients.

Squamous cell cancer in often appears on areas such as the ear or lower lip. Squamous cell cancer has a higher rate of spreading to other organs. Still Squamous cell cancer is about 96% curable in early stages but the survival rate drops significantly when the cancer has developed past the second stage of spread.

Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. It tends to metastasize throughout the body. It is a cancer that develops in the pigment cells in the skin called melanocytes. Melanoma accounts for only about 5% of all diagnosed skin cancers, but causes over 75% of all skin cancer related deaths. It is a much rarer type of skin cancer, but it is a much less easily cured than other types of skin cancer.

Treatment of skin cancer depends on the cancer, location of the skin cancer, age and general health of the person suffering from the skin can. Surgical removal of the cancerous cells or tumors is standard treatment for most types of skin cancer. Other treatments are aimed at preventing the growth and spread of the cancer or the reoccurrence of the skin cancer. Radiation therapy and chryo- therapy may also be available if the cancer is low risk and treated early.

Estimates are that 90% of melanomas if they are all treated early are curable. It is important that those who are exposed to sun due to work or a life time of tanning see their dermatologist yearly to be screened for skin cancer. Prevention goes a long way to keep you from ever getting skin cancer. We should all wear sunscreen or other sun protection even if we have dark complexions. Women and teenagers should avoid using tanning booths or sunlamps. People who work outside all day should wear protective clothing; including hats and white clothing that reflects the sun away from your skin.

http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_cancer/article.htm

http://www.healthhype.com/types-of-skin-
cancer-pictures-and-treatment.html

http://theskincancers.com/