What Are The Different Kinds Of Skin Cancer – Regular self-exams will lead you to any suspicious areas on your body and will definitely prompt you to see a dermatologist for an examination.
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is rare, but the number of cases is still alarming. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 87,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year, and about 10,000 die from the disease. Regular self-examination will help you recognize the symptoms of skin cancer early and avoid serious consequences.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Skin Cancer
Arash Akhava, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai, said melanoma is especially deadly because it can quickly spread to other organs, such as the lungs and liver. “However, the disease has a 99% five-year survival rate if caught and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes,” he adds. “Two other potentially serious types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, have cure rates approaching 95 percent if treated early.”
Skin Cancer Dermatologist Boston
Survivors of one melanoma are about nine times more likely than the general population to have a second, and this risk persists for years after the initial melanoma diagnosis. But a simple skin check can provide quick treatment if melanoma recurs, according to researchers writing in the April issue of the journal.
Dr. Akhava agrees. “Skin cancer does not hide deep in the body. we don’t need imaging tests to detect it,” he says. “It’s visible on the skin and can be detected with the naked eye.”
The study analyzed data from 581 people with early-stage melanoma followed for at least one year. Of these, 171 recurred and 40 percent of these new melanomas were seen in patients. Doctors detected 30 percent of recurrent melanomas, 26 percent were detected by imaging methods.
Feb. 23) suggests that if full-body skin cancer screenings were made part of regular annual primary care visits, significantly more skin cancers would be detected at earlier stages. In the study, melanomas found in screened patients were thinner than those found in unscreened patients. “Melanoma thickness is an important predictor of a patient’s risk of death,” notes Dr. Akhava. “The thinner the cancer is, the more likely it is to be completely removed and the less likely it is to spread.”
Wear Sunscreen To Prevent These 5 Skin Cancer Types
Dr. Akhava says it’s a good idea to schedule an annual body checkup with a dermatologist (available every six months if you’re at high risk) and monthly head-to-toe self-exams at home.
Set aside 10 to 15 minutes each month for self-examination in front of a full-length mirror in good light. Check all areas of the skin, including the scalp, chest, fingernails and toenails, the soles of the feet and between the toes. Use a hand mirror to check your back and genitals.
If you spend time in the sun, always use sunscreen to protect exposed skin. Up to 40 percent of Americans skip this basic preventative measure. However, it is important to use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and preferably 30 and use
Dr. Akhava recommends using at least one ounce (enough to fill a glass) to cover exposed skin, including ears, lips, back of neck, and scalp if your hair is thinning. “Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go out in the sun so it has time to activate before you go outside,” she advises. “Seeking shade and wearing protective clothing during the sunniest hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., are other important components of an effective sun regimen.”
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Kate Brophy is an experienced health writer and editor with a long career in the UK and US. Keith was the executive editor of the Icahn School of Medicine… Read moreThere are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. The first two are both known as non-melanoma skin cancers and are the most common types.
Non-melanoma skin cancer refers to a group of cancers that develop slowly in the upper layers of the skin and are the most common forms. They are detected by a raised or colored layer on the skin. Melanoma is less common and can be more serious and aggressive because it can spread to other organs in the body. The most common symptom of melanoma skin cancer is changing moles.
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Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is a cancer of the basal cells in the lower part of the epidermis.
The stratum basale is the innermost layer of the epidermis. It contains small round cells called basal cells. These basal cells are constantly dividing, and new cells are constantly pushing the older ones to the surface of the skin, where they are eventually shed. The basal cell layer is also known as the stratum germinativum because it is constantly germinating (producing) new cells.
The basal cell layer contains cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce the skin color or pigment known as melanin. This helps protect the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. When melanocytes are exposed to the sun, they increase melanin production to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause sunburn. Melanoma develops when melanocytes undergo malignant transformation. Spots of melanin in the skin cause birthmarks, freckles and age spots.
BCC is sometimes called rodent ulcer and is very common. About 75% of all skin cancers in the UK are basal cell carcinomas. Most BCCs grow slowly and almost never spread to other parts of the body.
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Almost everyone with BCC who is treated is completely cured, but some BCCs are aggressive and, if allowed to grow, can spread into the deeper layers of the skin and sometimes into the bones. After treatment, a small number of BCCs may also return in the same area of skin, known as local recurrence.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and usually develops in areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as the head, face, ears and neck.
Squamous cell carcinoma or SCC is a cancer of the cells in the outer layer of the skin and is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK. Fortunately, most people treated for SCC make a full recovery.
SCCs usually grow slowly and only spread to other parts of the body if left untreated for a long time. Sometimes they can be more aggressive and spread at an earlier stage.
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One of the three main types of cells in the upper layer of the skin (epidermis), squamous cells are smooth cells located near the surface of the skin that are constantly shed as new ones are formed.
Squamous cell carcinoma occurs when DNA damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (from sources such as the sun or tanning beds) or other harmful substances causes abnormal changes in squamous cells.
SCCs can appear as scaly red patches, rough, thickened or warty skin, open sores, or raised nodules with a central depression. Sometimes SCCs can peel, itch, or bleed. These lesions usually occur on areas of the body exposed to the sun, but can also occur on other areas of the body, including the genitals.
Most SCCs can be treated easily and successfully. But if allowed to grow, these lesions can become disfiguring, dangerous, and even fatal. Untreated squamous cell carcinoma can become invasive. They can grow into the deeper layers of the skin and spread to other parts of the body.
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Malignant melanoma is less common but very serious. They behave differently from basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Malignant melanoma can grow quickly, so it should be treated early.
Melanoma is a cancer that usually starts in the skin. It can start with a mole or even normal looking skin. Melanoma develops when cells called melanocytes grow and divide faster than normal.
About half of all melanomas begin as new, abnormal-looking moles on normal-looking skin. Other melanomas develop from a mole you already have. It can be difficult to differentiate between melanoma and normal moles.
If melanoma is not removed, complications can occur. Cells can go deeper into the layers of the skin. If these cells enter the blood or lymphatic system, they can travel to other parts of the body, which means it’s vital to have your skin examined by a doctor if