Skin Cancer
Videos
The two most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) affecting more than 1 million people in the United States annually. The cure rate for BCCs and SCCs is close to 100% when they are detected and treated early. These two types of skin cancer are closely linked to chronic sun exposure and typically appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and arms.
Basal cell carcinomas typically present one or more of the following characteristics:
- A shiny bump or nodule that is pearly or translucent and often pink, red or white. The bump can also be tan, black or brown.
- An open sore that bleeds, oozes or crusts and remains open for 3 or more weeks.
- A scar-like area that is white, yellow or waxy or poorly defined by its borders.
- A pink growth with a slightly elevated rolled border and a crusted indentation in the center.
Squamous cell carcinomas usually appear as thick, rough, scaly patches that may bleed if bumped. Often they look like warts and sometimes appear as open sores with a raised border. The skin around them typically shows signs of sun damage such as wrinkling, pigment changes and loss of elasticity. Squamous cell cancer can rarely spread internally, particularly if located in certain areas such as the lip.
Malignant melanoma is considered the most dangerous form of skin cancer. In its advanced state, it can cause serious illness and even death. Fortunately, melanoma rarely strikes without warning. There are almost always signs that danger is lurking. Watch for the signs because when melanoma is found early, it is almost always curable.
Moles, brown spots and growth on the skin are usually harmless, but not always. Anyone who has numerous moles is at greater risk for melanoma. The first signs can appear in one of these moles, but melanoma usually appears as a new growth on your skin. That is why it is important to get to know your own skin well. Examine the skin on your entire body at least once a month and have a physician check your moles once a year.
Melanoma metastasizes to the internal organs when it spreads. But in its early stages it is almost always curable. It may be triggered by intense sun exposure and heredity plays a large part in melanoma. Your risk increases if a close relative (mother, father, sibling or children) has had a melanoma.
Cut your risk of melanoma by protecting your skin from sun exposure. Wear protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. Stay out of the sun as much as possible when the rays are the harshest—from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Children in melanoma families should be checked by a physician from age 10 on.
Surgery is the main way to treat melanoma and the key is to remove it before it has spread internally.
