Introduction
Good evening and welcome to our website. In today’s article, we will be talking about some common skin Cancers. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., so you need to know the different types to catch it early.
The three main kinds are:
1. Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. It develops in the basal cells of the outer layer of skin. BCC usually develops on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun, especially the face, head, and neck. BCC rarely metastasizes but can cause damage to surrounding tissues if left untreated. Look for pearly or waxy bumps, patches, or lesions with visible blood vessels.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also develops in the outer layers of the skin. It can metastasize if not caught early. SCC often appears as firm, red nodules or lesions with a rough, scaly surface that may crust or bleed. They tend to grow quickly over weeks to months. SCC most often develops on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face, ears, lips, and back of the hands.
3. Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin which gives skin its tan or brown color. Melanoma can metastasize rapidly and become life-threatening if left untreated. Look for a new dark lesion, an asymmetrical mole with an irregular border, varied colors within the lesion, a diameter larger than about 6 millimeters, or a mole that is changing over time.
Top Most Common Skin Cancers 2023
The following are the Top Most Common Skin Cancers in 2023:
1. Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. These abnormal growths develop in the basal cells of the epidermis, the top layer of skin. While BCCs rarely metastasize, they should be treated to avoid damage and scarring.
You may notice a pearly or waxy bump, or a flat, flesh-colored lesion that looks like a scar. BCCs often have visible blood vessels and may bleed or crust over. They tend to develop on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, head, and neck.
Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include:
- Excessive sun exposure or sunburns, especially in childhood and adolescence. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, causing mutations that lead to skin cancer.
- Fair skin. People with less pigment have less protection from UV radiation.
- Age. BCC risk increases significantly after age 50.
- Previous skin cancer or precancerous lesions. Having one BCC means you’re likely to develop another.
- Weakened immune system. Conditions like leukemia or lymphoma, or drugs that suppress the immune system can increase BCC risk.
The good news is BCCs are usually very treatable when detected early. Options include surgery, radiation therapy, topical treatments, and photodynamic therapy. The treatment choice depends on factors like the size, location, and number of lesions. The key is to get any suspicious growths examined right away by a dermatologist. Early diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinomas is critical to avoid disfigurement.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, SCC can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. This non-melanoma skin cancer develops in the squamous cells located in the outer layer of the skin.
1. Risk Factors
Several factors increase your risk of developing SCC. The major cause is long-term sun exposure, especially UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Those with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue or green eyes are most at risk. Precancerous skin lesions like actinic keratoses or Bowen’s disease also raise your risk. Immunosuppression, certain HPV infections, and chemical exposure may contribute as well.
2. Appearance
SCC often appears as a firm, pink nodule with a rough, scaly surface. It may crust or bleed. Over time, it can increase in size and become ulcerated. SCC most frequently occurs on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face, ears, lips, and backs of the hands. However, it can appear anywhere on the body, including the genitals.
3. Diagnosis and Treatment
See your dermatologist right away if you notice any suspicious skin spots. They will examine the area and possibly perform a biopsy to determine if it’s SCC. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing the cancer from advancing. Options include surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy creams, and immunotherapy. More advanced SCC may require extensive surgery, radiation, and lymph node removal or evaluation.
3. Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin which gives skin its brown or tan color. Melanoma can spread aggressively to other parts of the body and become life-threatening if not detected early.
Melanoma often appears as an unusual-looking mole or skin lesion.
Some signs to watch out for include:
- Asymmetrical shape: Melanoma moles are often irregular, jagged or asymmetrical in shape. Benign moles are usually symmetrical, round or oval.
- Border: Melanoma borders tend to be uneven, ragged or blurred. Non-cancerous moles usually have smooth, even borders.
- Color: Melanoma moles often contain a variety of colors within the same mole, such as brown, black, red, white or blue. Benign moles are typically a single shade of brown or tan.
- Diameter: Melanoma moles are usually larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) in diameter. Although not always the case, non-cancerous moles are often smaller.
- Evolution: Look for any changes in the size, shape, color or elevation of a mole. Melanoma moles may become raised, bleed or ooze. Benign moles remain stable over time.
The most important warning sign is a new growth or any changes to an existing mole. If you notice anything unusual or different about a mole, see your dermatologist right away. Early detection of melanoma is critical to successful treatment and longevity. A dermatologist can examine your moles and determine if they require biopsy, complete removal, or close monitoring.
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Conclusion
Melanoma is a very treatable form of cancer, especially when detected early. By knowing what to look for, performing regular self-exams, and seeing your dermatologist annually for a full-body skin check, you can help ensure any melanoma is caught at an early, curable stage.