Early Detection Of Common Types Of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is an increasingly common condition, and is partly credited to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Increased exposure is primarily due to the recent popularity of sun tanning or sun bathing. Lighter-skinned people are the most vulnerable to the disease. As with any type of cancer, early detection is critical so ask your doctor to see an anatomical model or chart that will help show you what to look for.

There are many types of skin cancer, but the most common types are:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

This is the most common type of skin cancer; it can cause disfiguring and is very destructive. There is a greater risk for individuals who have a family history of the disease and those with cumulative exposure to UV light through sunlight, or exposure to chemicals like arsenic. Most basal cell carcinoma are removed surgically by trained dermasurgeons. A common method of surgery is electrodessication and curretage (ED&C) where the tumor is scraped out with a curette and then the area is cauterized, leaving the wound heal by itself. The success rate and cosmetic result for this treatment is very good especially with concave areas. Other treatment for these types of skin cancers includes topical chemotherapy, x-ray, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, or topical immune enhancement drugs like imiquimod. This type of cancer is rarely life-threatening but if left untreated can cause disfiguring, bleeding, and produce local destruction in some parts such as the eye, ear, nose and lip.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

This type of skin cancer results in a malignant tumor of the epithelium that shows squamous cell differentiation. It is a form of cancer of the carcinoma type that may occur in many organs including the skin, the mouth, esophagus, lungs and cervix. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually developed in the epithelial layer of the skin and sometimes various mucous membranes of the human body. These types of cancer can be seen in the skin, lips, inside of the mouth, throat and esophagus, and are characterized by red scaly skin that will become an open sore. Smoking is a significant risk factor of this type of cancer. Additional contributing factors include sun exposure, radiation therapy, exposure to carcinogens, chronic skin irritation or inflammation, genetics diseases, and presence of premalignant lesions. To diagnose this disease, a biopsy is done where a sample is taken and examined, and if cancerous, surgery is done to remove it.

Melanoma

These types of skin cancer are the most lethal form of skin cancer. Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes. Melanocytes predominantly occur in the skin but are also found in the eye among other areas of the body. The large majority of melanomas begin in the skin. As with most forms of cancer, early detection gives a patient a much better chance of survival. Studies have found that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the major contributors to the development of melanoma. Additional factors are mutations in or complete loss of tumor suppressor genes. Use of sunbeds (with deeply penetrating UVA rays) has been linked to the development of skin cancers, such as melanoma. A family history of melanoma greatly increases a person’s level of risk. A mole that is irregular in color or shape should be examined by a doctor to determine if it is melanoma, the most life-threatening form of skin cancer. Ask your doctor to see a skin cancer model which will help graphically show you what to look for. Diagnosing melanoma requires experience, as early stages may look identical to harmless moles or not have any color at all. Treatment of this type of skin cancer includes surgery, medication or chemotherapy, radiation and other therapies.

When there is doubt of having the signs or symptoms of cancer, seeing the doctor is advised and ask to see a skin cancer model or skin chart. Early detection along with proper treatment will give the patient greater chance of survival every time.