Many people fear the word cancer. It can be frightening to hear that a friend or family member has skin cancer.
What types of skin cancers can be dangerous? How can you avoid getting skin cancer?
Skin cancers can vary in severity, and different treatments can prevent them.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when your skin cells mutate and become cancerous cells. It is the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States.
Skin cancer is most common on skin exposed to sunlight. However, it can also develop in lower layers of the skin and be more difficult to spot.
Skin Cancer Types and Treatment Options
There are many types of skin cancer. However, we will only be focusing on four types. These are the symptoms, signs, and treatments that each type of skin cancer requires.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma often appears on the areas of the skin most exposed to the sun, such as the neck and scalp.
Although it is a mildly transparent bump on your skin, it can also take other forms. This type of cancer may be characterized by:
A bump of skin that is pearly white, or one with a transparent outside. These often have visible blood vessels beneath and a tendency to rupture.
With a raised, translucent border, lesions can be brown, black, or bleu
Scaly reddish patches at the chest or back
Waxy white lesions with no visible border
Basal cell carcinoma is not usually dangerous. However, you should consult a doctor if there are any changes to an existing bump or if the bump has resurfaced.
You can find a bump on your skin with a simple skin biopsy. This will usually remove any remaining cancerous skin. Basal cell carcinoma is rare but it can spread to other types of cancer. To be safe, you should talk with your doctor.
Dr. Johnny Gurgen is a specialist in skin cancer removal and can help you make your skin healthy again.
Melanoma
Melanoma, a more severe form of skin cancer, can occur anywhere on the body. However it is most common in areas that are exposed to sunlight. Melanoma is most common in women younger than 40, but anyone can get it.
Melanomas are often caused by changes in existing moles such as darkened or growths. They can also suddenly appear on normal skin.
You can determine if your mole has a normal or unhealthy condition by following these steps. You can check to see if your mole is normal.
A shape or border that is irregular
Noticeable color change
It has grown to 6 millimeters in size
It has changed in appearance, size, or sensation.
If you believe any of these circumstances to be true, it is important to see a doctor. It may be melanoma. This type of cancer should be caught early to prevent it from getting worse.
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Nonmelanoma is a general term that describes any type of skin cancer other than melanoma. This includes any type of rarer skin cancer and has many treatment options, depending on the type.
These types of cancers often require surgery. If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, speak with your doctor today about nonmelanoma.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Skin
Although not life-threatening in nature, squamous cells carcinoma of the skin is a very aggressive form of cancer and can cause severe damage if it isn’t treated. Because it forms in deeper layers of skin,
This type of cancer can spread to the skin and other parts of your body. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice red sores or other symptoms that persist.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
There are many ways to protect yourself against skin cancer. You can protect yourself from skin cancer by making lifestyle changes or taking protective measures such as:
Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds and other forms UV light.
Sunscreen should be worn all year round when you are outdoors
Protective clothing is recommended to avoid sunburns
Regularly examine your skin for any changes in moles and bumps.
These tips will help you prevent skin cancer.
Maintain a healthy skin
You now have a better understanding of the types of skin cancer and how to avoid them. You can keep yourself happy, healthy, and free from cancer by taking the proper precautions.