Skin cancer is a highly curable, common type of malignancy. It occurs when a tumor grows on the skin. The naked eye can observe changes to the texture and color of the skin as well as the appearance of a nodule or growth. Ninety percent of skin cancer that is treated at an early stage can be cured.
Three types of skin cancer exist:
Basal cell carcinoma accounts for 75 percent of skin cancers. People with prolonged exposure to the sun are at higher risk for this type of cancer. It is diagnosed mainly in middle-aged and elderly people, especially those with fair skin. Basal cell carcinoma produces a small lump or smooth ulcer on the face, head, and/or neck, and grows slowly. It rarely metastasizes to other area and has an excellent cure rate.
Squamous cell carcinoma can be found anywhere on the body, but is commonly found on near the mouth and on the lip. Like basal cell carcinoma, it is common in people with excessive sun exposure. The tumor appears as a skin ulcer or irregularity that is painless but may tend to bleed. Pipe and cigar smoking may cause this type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma metastasizes to other parts of the body in 20 percent of cases and has an excellent cure rate.
Melanoma is cancer that usually spreads from an existing mole. It is not cured as easily as the other two skin cancers, but it is also not as common. Click here to read more about melanoma.
Skin cancer may occur, in part, because of genetic makeup. However, the most common reason it develops is exposure to ultraviolet light, such as that from the sun and tanning beds.
Symptoms of skin cancer include:
Non-healing sores on the skin’s surface
Itching
Bleeding
Change in color on the skin’s surface
A skin ulcer that may be painlessTips on how to perform a self-examination of your skin:
Consider doing an abbreviated version of this exam at shorter intervals.
Plan to check your skin at least every three months to look for any early warning signs of the three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Pick an easy day of the month to remember (like the first day of the month or your birthday) and mark your calendar. Enlist the help of a friend or loved one and offer to help examine their skin in return.
Gather your equipment: a bright light, a full-length mirror, a hand mirror and a hair dryer.
Examine your head and face, using a hair dryer to inspect the scalp. Remember to check the backs of your ears.
Check your hands, including your nails as well as your elbows, arms and underarms.
Check your neck, torso, and for women, under your breasts. Then use both mirrors to help inspect your shoulders, back, buttocks and legs.
Finally, check the soles, heels and nails of your feet as well as your genital area.
Report any suspicious-looking moles or growths to your physician.To diagnose skin cancer, your doctor will take your complete medical history. He will examine your skin for abnormalities and ask if you have noticed any changes on its surface. A biopsy of the area may be performed, or the doctor may choose to remove the entire lesion for analysis.
Despite the fact that most skin cancer grows slowly, it must be treated. If it remains untreated, it may result in a more severe case of cancer.
In most cases, your doctor will recommend shaving off as much of the lump or growth as possible, then burning (cauterizing) the surrounding skin. In other cases, the entire lump can be removed surgically. Freezing the cancerous cells with liquid nitrogen is also an option.
A treatment called Mohs’ chemosurgery can treat skin cancer. If you choose this method, your doctor will remove and analyze layers of the lump and the surrounding skin.
The outlook for most skin cancer patients is excellent. Your doctor should re-examine you every 6 to 12 months to ensure that it has not recurred—if you have skin cancer, you run a higher risk of getting it again.
You can reduce your risk for developing the disease by limiting your exposure to sunlight, especially mid-day sunlight. Always wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 when you are in the sun.
