Question:
What are the types of Skin Cancer?
Answer:
There are three major types of skin cancers, distinguished by the
types of cells affected. The three most common forms of skin cancer
are:
Basal cell carcinoma typically appears as raised, translucent bumps.
This cancer develops in 300,000 to 400,000 persons each year. Although
the disease does not usually metastasize (spread to other parts of the
body through the blood stream), it may cause considerable damage by
direct local invasion. Approximately ninety-percent of skin cancer in
the United States is basal cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma is usually distinguished by raised reddish
bumps of growths. This form of cancer develops in 80,000 to 100,000
persons per year. The disease can metastasize to other parts of the
body. Approximately 2,000 deaths occur each year from this form of
cancer.
Malignant melanoma usually first appears as a light brown to black
irregularly shaped blemish. This serious form of cancer results in
death if undetected and untreated. It can metastasize to other parts
of the body through the bloodstream and lymph drainage system. There
are some warning signs for skin lesions that suggest they may be a
malignant melanoma . These warning signs are called the "ABCD" warning
signs of melanoma: Asymmetry: a growth with unmatched halves; Border
irregularity: ragged or blurred edges; Color: a mottled appearance,
with shades of tan, brown, and black, sometimes mixed with red, white,
or blue; and Diameter: a growth more than 6 millimeters across (about
the size of a pencil eraser), or any unusual increase in size.
The major message here is to get to know your skin, and be observant
for changes. Most will not be cancerous, but you need to know what to
look for in order to determine which lesions are at risk.
