3 Types of Skin Cancer – Most Common – What Do You Know About Them?

The three types of skin cancer, most common, are Basal Cell Cancer, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma, in that order.

Basal Cell Skin Cancer is the worlds most common and affects more than one million people in the US each year. It rarely spreads; it grows slowly and is highly curable in the early stages. Nevertheless, no one should take basal cell cancer lightly as it can be quite disfiguring if not properly treated promptly. Almost all of this type of cancer occurs on body parts most exposed to the sun and is a result of sun damage.

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer is the second most common. It also grows slowly but as it does grow, it can suddenly change to a faster rate. Such was the case with me. When this happens, it can grow inward and can reach vital organs. The growth is usually local and it can affect close organs. Again it is usually caused by sun damage due to overexposure. The sun damaged skin can be unnoticeable; however a person would feel a rough scaly patch on their skin. This is precancerous and can go a long time (years) without much change or noticeable growth. This condition is known as actinic keratosis. It can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. In this precancerous stage it can be removed by a dermatologist spraying liquid nitrogen and freezing the affected area. It is highly curable in the early stages. Mine spread to a stage 3 and it was successfully removed, although more difficult and more damaging in side effects, both short and long term.

Melanoma is the third most common of the types of skin cancer. About 50,000 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed in the US every year and the number is increasing. It is estimated that 1 in 70 people will develop melanoma in their lifetime. About 8,000 per year lose their lives to malignant melanoma. It usually develops as a pigmented mole or dark spot on the skin, but can also be pale in color, making it appear innocent. Although it is the most deadly, it is also highly curable in the earliest stages.

The prognosis for malignant melanoma is greater if it has not spread beyond the outer layer of the skin into the lymph nodes or other places in the body.

The best protection would be to avoid over exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds and live a healthy life style for a strong immune system.

Learn to do regular self skin exams to be watching for changes in moles, freckles, or any new occurrence on your skin. It’s you who has the first chance to spot it.

To learn more about these 3 common types and other rare types of skin cancer visit the website given below.

Always seek the advice of your doctor, dermatologist or qualified health professional when you see something suspicious happening on your skin.

The Second Most Common Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. Over 2 million cases of this disease are diagnosed each year and if not detected early it can lead to surgery and even death. Every year between 40 and 50% of all cancer cases are diagnosed as skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer; malignant melanoma and non-melanoma. The most common types of non-melanoma cancer are Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma, and approximately 79% of Malignant Melanoma cases relate to deaths. These cancers account for only 4% of all skin cancer cases but are by far the most dangerous. Melanoma is more likely than non-melanoma to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. It is estimated that over 12 thousand people with some type of skin cancer will die this year.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, measuring approximately twenty square feet for the average adult. It can be considered as the most resilient organ in the human body. The skin is divided into layers; the Epidermis (upper most), the Basement Membrane, the Dermis, and the Hypodermis/Subcutis. It covers the internal organs and bones and protects them from injury and germs, and prevents the loss of too much fluid. The skin is vital in the control of body temperature and it gets rid of some wastes through perspiration. Certain cells in the skin communicate with the brain to allow temperature, touch, and pain sensations.

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells that when left unchecked, spread from the skin to other tissues and organs of the body. More cases of skin cancer are being diagnosed as time goes on. Studies have shown that heavy exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UVR) lead to skin cancer and other skin problems. These studies have shown that 65 to 90% of melanomas are caused by over exposure to ultraviolet light (sunshine, tanning beds and tanning lights), but it has also been shown to run in families and may also be genetic.

The second most common form of skin cancer is Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and approximately 700,000 cases are diagnosed each year with approximately 2,500 deaths. It is one of the less aggressive skin cancers in that when detected early it may be easily controlled or removed through minor surgery. This cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the Squamous cells, which compose most of the skin’s epidermis (upper layers).

This type of cancer is mainly caused by cumulative UVR exposure over the course of a lifetime and may not occur until many years after receiving the original damage to the skin, which makes it necessary to see a dermatologist at its first signs. The most common areas for this cancer are those that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the rim of the ear, lower lip, face, bald scalp, neck, hands, arms and legs. Skin damage can appear as wrinkling, changes in pigmentation, and loss of elasticity in the skin.

Exposure to UVR s the cause for most cases of Squamous cell cancer. The condition develops due to the fact that UV radiation damages the DNA in an individual’s skin cells. The more damage to the DNA, the more likely the skin cells will grow out of control and develop a Squamous cell carcinoma. Most cases of Squamous cell cancer may be prevented, and there are several ways to do this; by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding midday sun, limiting your time in direct sunshine, don’t use tanning beds or lamps, and checking your skin regularly.

Squamous cell cancer is a easily treatable and preventable type of skin cancer. However, it can still be deadly and needs to be detected and treated early. Squamous cell cancer very rarely causes further problems when identified and treated early. Untreated, it can grow large or spread to other parts of your body, causing serious complications. Call for an appointment with your health care professional if you observe a sore or spot on your skin that changes in: appearance, color, size, texture, or if an existing spot becomes painful or swollen, or if it starts to bleed or itch.