Monday, March 31, 2008
Types Of Skin Cancer
The three types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
The first two are relatively inert in that they do not spread. Melanoma however has the potential to spread throughout the body and thus is the most dangerous of these three types of skin cancer. It can spread to the lymph nodes and other organs of the body. When this occurs then treatment becomes difficult. This article will describe each type of skin cancer in more detail.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of the three types of skin cancer. It generally does not spread throughout the body so is easy to treat. Treatment involves freezing, burning or even cutting out the carcinoma. This can be done using a local anesthesia and be completed in 3 minutes. A typical basal cell carcinoma will be a waxy bump or a brownish scar on any part of the body. However it is more common on the face and neck or even the upper body and chest.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This type of skin cancer is also relatively common. Again it rarely spreads to other parts of the body from the infected area but is more likely to spread than basal cell carcinoma. A typical squamous cell carcinoma will be a red nodule that will be firm to the touch. As it develops the area around the nodule will harden and become scaly. It is also commonly found on the face, neck and other areas that are exposed to the sun regularly. This type of skin cancer can also be treated by freezing or cutting out. Like the basal type it can be completed in the doctors surgery in around 30 minutes.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer. It is also the most serious because it is the most likely to spread to other parts of the body. Once this occurs the disease can infect internal organs or the lymph nodes and it becomes very hard to treat. Melanomas are typically characterized by dark blemishes or moles. They change color or shape over time. It is often difficult to detect the early signs of melanoma so screening is important. This is best done by a professional skin specialist or your own doctor. You can do this yourself but the chances are that you will miss a blemish or will not recognize it for what it is.
If you spend a lot of time in the sun or your skin type makes you susceptible to skin cancer then it is a good idea to make regular screening a part of your lifestyle.
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