How to Detect Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. The rates are increasing every year, and it is a growing concern for the common public. It is also been observed that nearly half of all Americans above the age of sixty five will develop skin cancer at least once. Those types of odds are very frightening, and your best defense against the advancement of skin cancer is prevention and detecting any change in appearance on the skin. This article will discuss the different forms of cancer, as well as how to detect cancers before they advance.

There are three basic types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Most cases of skin cancer in America are either basal or squamous cell carcinomas. These skin cancers tend to develop later in life on areas of skin that have been exposed repeatedly to the sun, areas such as the face, neck, hands, or legs. Again, half of the individuals over the age of 65 will develop some sort of cancer, and most of the time it can be diagnosed as squamous or basal cell carcinoma. These types develop and progress slowly, and they rarely cause death because they do not spread. They are easily removable and the chances of beating it are very high.

Malignant melanomas are a different breed. Though they only account for five percent of all skin cancers, it is by far the most serious form because it tends to metastasize and spread throughout the body. This type is most likely to be fatal, and unlike the other nonmelanoma cancers it occurs earlier in life and progresses rather rapidly. They also may develop on almost any part of the body and require much treatment.

Now that you know the different types of cancer, you need to know how to detect them before they get too serious. Fortunately, skin cancer is easy to detect, unlike other common forms such as lung cancer. The first thing you should do is make an appointment after the summer season each year to get a check up by your dermatologist. The cost is relatively inexpensive, and it only takes just a few minutes for the doctor to review your body and note any moles or bumps that look suspicious. Many times if they see a mole that looks suspicious then they'll go ahead and take it off. The process takes a few minutes and a week or so to fully heal.

There are several things you can do at home periodically to check yourself for abnormalities in your skin. At the end of each season try to schedule a time when you and a loved one can check each other's skin. During the summer season you should do it twice. Each time, spend at least fifteen minutes checking your skin, especially after a severe sunburn or skin cancer. You can also do this by yourself in the bathroom with the use of a few mirrors. Through regular checking, you will get to know your skin well and you will notice any changes that take place. Pay close attention to your arms, face, neck, back, shoulders, and the back of your hands because these are the places that are exposed the most to harmful UV rays.

A skin cancer can take on several different appearances. It can be a spot that looks different from others around, and any discoloration is the first sign you need to get it checked. Most commonly are new and unusual looking moles, freckles, or sores. I had a mole that rapidly grew within a span of months, and when I went to get it checked out my suspicions were confirmed. I had a mole that was in the pre-stages of skin cancer. So be sure that you are on the lookout for a spot, mole, or freckle that has changed in color, shape, and especially size. This also includes any flat spots that appear on your skin.

If you've found a suspicious spot on your body, you can even diagnose the type of skin cancer it could possibly be before you even get to the dermatologist. Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a lump or scaling area, and can be red, pale, or pearly in color. This type of cell grows slowly and can usually be found on the head, neck, or upper torso. It can become ulcerated as it grows in size.

Squamous cell carcinoma cancers grow over a period of weeks or months, and they most often occur on areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, hands, forearms, and legs. Squamous cells appear as thickened, red scaly spots and have a flaky appearance.

Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is usually caused by sunburn during earlier years. It develops over weeks to months, and if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal. These usually come in forms of moles, freckles, or other various discolored spots on your skin.

These are the basic signs when detecting skin cancer. For a more professional opinion, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist for a thorough checkup.