Skin Cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that often develop on skin being exposed to the sun. This is a common type of cancer that also occurs on areas of skin that are not usually exposed to sunlight. There are three major types of skin cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma begins in the basal cells which is a type of cell within the skin that makes new skin cells as old ones die off. It frequently looks like a little transparent bump on the skin. Basal Cell Carcinoma often befalls on parts of the skin that are exposed to the sun such as the neck and head.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer that progresses in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. It is not a life-threatening condition but can be aggressive. Squamous Cell Carcinoma can grow large or may spread to other areas of the body that can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that makes melanin. This can form in your eyes and rarely in your body such as throat or nose. Melanoma usually affects people under 40 especially women.
Skin Cancer begins in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. It is a thin layer that provides a protective cover of skin cells that your body sheds continually. This type of cancer happens when alterations happen in the DNA of skin cells. The changes cause the cells to develop uncontrolled and form a mass of cancer cells.
Having lots of damage to DNA in skin cells results from UV radiation found in sunlight. Being exposed to the sun does not explain skin cancers that mature on skin not normally exposed to sunlight. This means that other factors might contribute to your risk of skin cancer such as having a condition that weakens your immune system or being exposed to toxic substances.
Basal Cell Carcinoma seems like a change in the skin such as a sore that won’t heal. These changes usually have one of the following characteristics:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma signs and symptoms include:
The main Melanoma symptoms frequently are:
Melanoma does not always begin as a mole. It may also occur on otherwise normal-appearing skin.
These are the lists of factors that may increase your risk of developing Skin Cancer:
Most skin cancers are preventable. To protect yourself, here are some prevention tips:
Skin cancer treatment depends on what type of skin cancer you are treating. Small skin cancer limited to the outward of the skin might not need treatment beyond a first skin biopsy that eliminates the full growth. If additional treatment is needed, options may include:
For Basal Cell Carcinoma:
For Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
For Melanoma: