The 3 Main Types of Skin Cancer and Prevention

When one hears the term skin cancer they often think there is only one form of skin cancer. The truth to skin cancer thought is that there are various forms of skin cancer. These different types of skin cancer carry with them different characteristics, risk factors, and some similarities.

There are three main types of skin cancer which are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer; it is also the lesser of the serious forms for skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is known by its appearance of being a small raised bump that has a fleshy feel. These bumps or nodules commonly appear where sun is mostly likely to harm the skin with its UV rays, the neck, face, head or hands. On the trunk of the body basal cell carcinoma is usually more of a flat growth then a raised bump.

Basal cell carcinoma is easily treated once detected. Mostly commonly found in Caucasians, with light complexions, eyes or hair, and Caucasians who do not tan easily or burn. Basal cell carcinoma rarely occurs in dark-skinned individuals.

Although basal cell carcinomas are a non melanoma skin cancer that rarely spreads it can expand from below the skin to the bone causing damage to the area. According to the American Academy of Dermatology when detected early and properly treated the cure rate is 95 percent.

Squamous cell carcinoma is also referred to as non-melanoma carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is known by its appearance of being nodules that are red or scaly patches of skin.

Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma also affects Caucasians with the same light traits. The best defense against squamous cell carcinoma is to apply sunscreens regularly while being subjected to the suns UV rays.

Squamous cell carcinoma is considering more serious then basal cell carcinoma due to its ability to spread through vital organs of the body. The cure rate for squamous cell carcinoma when properly treated is 95 percent, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Malignant melanoma is by far the most serious form of skin cancer due to being found in the cells that produce the color of skin, melanin. These cells are called melanocytes. While malignant melanoma is the rarest of the skin cancers it is responsible for around 75 percent of the death rates due to skin cancer.

Malignant melanoma is known by changing the appearance of moles or birthmarks. A mole or birthmark that changes size or the asymmetry of the mole or birthmark has changed, the edges of the mole or birthmark change, the birthmark or mole is larger than an eraser tip of a pencil, or the color varies are all common signs that will need to be address with your family care provider.

Risk factors for malignant melanoma include, fair skin, light eyes or hair, family history, a mole or birthmark that has changed appearance, having more than 50 moles, freckles, lack of ability to tan, and constant sun exposure with lack of sunscreen.

Skin cancer can be avoided or drastically reduced by applying sunscreens or sun blocks while being exposed to UV rays. Wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants and hats also lesson one's chance of skin cancer.

Source:

University of Maryland Medicine

eHealthMD

American Academy of Dermatology