Types:

There are 3 types of skin cancer.

* Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

* Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

* Melanoma

BCC and SCC most times do not spread and are the most frequent kind and many times easily treated. The most severe and aggressive form is melanoma. It will spread and is fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly.

Symptoms:

* Small lump (mole or spot) which is shiny, waxy, pale , and smooth

* Red lump (mole or spot) that is firm

* Spot or mole that bleeds, is crusty, or doesn't heal

* Rough, scaly patch on the skin

* Flat, scaly patch of skin that is brown or red

* A new growth that is suspicious or an existing spot or mole that changes

 

People at the highest risk for developing Skin Cancer:

* Those with lots of freckles

* Those with fair skin pigment

* Those who have blue or green eyes

* If you get sunburnt easily or have been sunburnt in your past

* Light hair color

* If you spend a lot of time outdoors

* Genetics or family history of skin cancer

You should be checked regularly by a dermatologist if you have symptoms or concerns & always should limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen all year long including during the winter!

Diagnosis of Skin Cancer:

Early diagnosis starts with self examinations and if any concerns arise seeing a doctor for further diagnosis. If you are in a high risk category it is recommended that you get checked by a doctor every 6 months. If your doctor determines a spot is suspicious he or she will perform a biopsy of the spot and do further testing of it. If the results come back pre-cancerous the spot will be removed and sent away for further testing to make sure all has be removed. If true cancer is found, past the pre-cancerous stage, treatment than must be sought.

Treatment:

There are different stages of Skin Cancer. The type of treatment has a lot to do with a persons age, the stage of the cancer when it is discovered, the location on the body, and the overall health of the person. Skin cancer found in early stages can usually be treated by a dermatologist in the doctors office. Most small carcinomas that are found are usually treated with a simple removal of the area and usually no more treatment is needed. If it is a larger area or the skin cancer has spread and not caught in early stages surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation may be required. Depending on the size and location of the cancer a skin graft might be needed to cover the removed area.