Types of Skin Cancer:

There are 3 types of skin cancer.

* Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

* Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

* Melanoma

BCC and SCC usually do not spread and typically easily treated-these are the most common. A more severe and aggressive form is the melanoma. It can spread and can be fatal if not treated early.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer:

* A small lump (mole or spot) which is shiny, waxy, pale in color, and smooth in texture

* A red lump (mole or spot) that is firm

* A spot or mole that bleeds, becomes crusty, or doesn't heal

* Rough, scaly patch on the skin

* Flat, scaly patch of skin which is either brown or red

* Any new growth that appears suspicious or an existing spot or mole that changes and becomes suspicious

 

People at the highest risk for developing Skin Cancer:

* People with lots of freckles

* People with fair skin color

* People with blue or green eyes

* People who get sunburn easily

* Naturally light hair colored (red or blonde)

* People who outdoors a lot

* People who have a family history of skin cancers

If you fit one or more of these high risk factors mentioned above you should be checked regularly by a dermatologist & be sure to limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen year round, (Yes, even in the winter)

Diagnosis of Skin Cancer:

Early diagnosis starts with self examinations and if any concerns arise seeing a doctor for further diagnosis. If you are in a high risk category it is recommended that you get checked by a doctor every 6 months. If your doctor determines a spot is suspicious he or she will perform a biopsy of the spot and do further testing of it. If the results come back pre-cancerous the spot will be removed and sent away for further testing to make sure all has be removed. If true cancer is found, past the pre-cancerous stage, treatment than must be sought.

Treatment:

There are different stages of Skin Cancer. The type of treatment has a lot to do with a persons age, the stage of the cancer when it is discovered, the location on the body, and the overall health of the person. Skin cancer found in early stages can usually be treated by a dermatologist in the doctors office. Most small carcinomas that are found are usually treated with a simple removal of the area and usually no more treatment is needed. If it is a larger area or the skin cancer has spread and not caught in early stages surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation may be required. Depending on the size and location of the cancer a skin graft might be needed to cover the removed area.