What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers. All skin cancers share some superficial similarities. They typically occur on sun-exposed epidermis, and are therefore more visible, making them more curable than other, more invisible forms of cancer. However, the different kinds of skin cancer differ in symptoms, effects and treatments. Read on to learn more.

The symptoms of the different cancers

The least-dangerous form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, presents as a raised pearly or waxy bump on an area of the skin that is commonly in the sun. It may also appear as a flesh-colored, scar-like area. The second most dangerous, squamous cell carcinoma, is a red, scaly, thickened patch of skin with some firm, hard nodules. The most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma, is usually a brown or black patch with an irregular border; new moles that occur during adulthood, or moles that hurt or bleed, could indicate melanoma. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away.

Effects of the different cancers

The different skin cancers have a number of effects on your health. Generally, basal cell carcinoma is the least deadly. It might seem like a sore that never heals, but the cancer typically spreads quite slowly, so it takes a long time to metastasize to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinomas also grow slowly, which is good because they are sometimes hard to diagnose. Melanomas, however, are deadly, and spread quickly throughout the body; if you think you see something suspicious, talk to your doctor immediately. All three cancers indicate that you are more likely to have skin cancer in the future, so if you survive one round, stay extra vigilant.

Treatments

The different skin cancers have a number of effects on your health. Generally, basal cell carcinoma is the least deadly, and treatments for it are fairly simple: a bit of surgery, and you are done. Squamous cell carcinoma is a bit more serious, and requires surgery and possibly topical chemotherapy. Your doctor can remove a melanoma, but you may also need surgery on other parts of the body if the cancer has spread, and your doctor may wish to perform chemotherapy or radiation therapy to root the disease out of your body.

Skin cancer is a scary thing, but it is not mysterious. If you stay out of the sun, pay attention to the symptoms and look after your body, you can have a long life.