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Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of all cancers.  More than one million cases occur in the United States each year.  There are three major types of skin cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell is the most common type of skin cancer.  It most often appears on the head, neck and hands.  Basal cell carcinoma is slow growing and does not usually metastasize (spread to other parts of the body).  If left untreated, however, it can extend below the skin or cause considerable disfigurement.  Basil cell often appears as a small, fleshy bump, nodule, or red patch.  If it progresses without medical intervention, this type of cancer will often begin to bleed, crust over, heal, and repeat the cycle.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell is the second most common type of skin cancer.  It most often appears on the head or other parts of the body that are exposed to the sun and may appear as a bump, or as a red, scaly patch   Squamous cell carcinoma is more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma and is more likely to spread to areas beneath the skin.  Since this form of skin cancer has the ability to metastasize, it is critical to get early treatment.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer.  In the United States, the percentage of people who develop melanoma has more than doubled in the past 30years.  Each year in the U.S., more than 53,600 people learn they have melanoma.  The chance of developing it increases with age, but it is a disease that affects people of all ages.  Melanoma can metastasize making it a potentially fatal type of cancer.  Nevertheless, the death rates of melanoma have been decreasing because it is often curable if treated early. 

Melanoma can occur on any skin surface. In men, it is often found on the trunk (the area between the shoulders and the hips) or the head and neck. In women, melanoma often develops on the lower legs. Melanoma is rare in African Americans and others with dark skin. When it does develop in dark-skinned people, it tends to occur under the fingernails or toenails, or on the palms or soles.

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in melanocytes – the skin cells that produce the dark protective pigment called melanin.  The cancer usually appears in mixed shades of tan, brown, and black but it can also be red or white.  Melanoma may appear suddenly or begin in or near a mole, or another dark spot in the skin.  It is important to check you skin regularly take notice of any new or developing marks or lesions.

• “How To Do a Skin Self-Exam” in Suntego’s Sun Protection Information Center has a simple guide on how to do a skin self-exam.

• “Melanoma Signs and Symptoms” in Suntego’s Sun Protection Information Center shows you the melanoma warning signs that you should look for.


Important notes to remember:

• Excessive sun exposure is the most important preventable cause of melanoma. 
• Taking precautions like staying out of the sun during peak hours and wearing sun protective clothing are important measures to help reduce the risk of serious skin damage.
• If you have a suspicious growth on your skin, it should be checked immediately by a dermatologist.  Early detection is the key to successful treatment. 




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