Medical Services - Skin Cancer

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, with a slightly elevated border.
• • An open sore that bleeds, oozes or crusts.
• • A scar-like area that is white, yellow or waxy or poorly defined by its borders.

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. Squamous cell cancer can rarely spread internally, particularly if located in certain areas such as the lip.

Malignant melanoma is a more dangerous form of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is usually brown or black, but can be pink, blue, or other colors. Melanoma can arise within a pre-existing mole or can arise as a brand-new growth. When caught early, malignant melanoma is usually cured by cutting it out. However, malignant melanoma can spread internally and can cause death. Early detection and early removal are the key.

Remember - if you see a new or changing mole, get it checked promptly by a dermatologist. You may save your life or the life of a friend or loved one. Malignant melanoma is linked to having severe sunburns and to use of tanning beds. It can strike anywhere on the body, even in areas that don't get sun exposure.