Types of Skin cancer

There are several different types of skin cancers. These include melanoma, basal cell skin cancer, and squamous cell skin cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, Skin cancers represent the most common types of cancer in the United States and more than 68,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma, with over 48,000 with other types of skin cancer. Almost 2,000,000 people a here are treated for basal cell cancer or squamous cell skin cancer.

The skin has several layers including the epidermis which is where squamous cells grow, and the dermis which is where veins, lymph vessels, and other glands would be found. Basal cells grow between the dermis and the epidermis. Melanocytes help to give pigment to the skin itself and darken when they are exposed to ultraviolet rays such as the sun or from tanning.

Benign types of growths include moles which do not spread to other parts of the body. However, melanoma, basal cell cancer, and squamous cell cancers do invade nearby organs and tissues and can spread to other parts of the body.

People who have a personal history, family history, or skin that burns easily are at the highest risk of developing skin cancer.

The signs to look for regarding melanoma include asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, increasing size, or any change in feature of a mole. Any moral or skin discoloration that looks unusual should be evaluated by a doctor right away.

There are different ways to diagnose the skin cancer including biopsies. Most biopsies are painless, but the skin samples are sent to the lab for pathology. Once the results are reported to your doctor, options for treatment are discussed. The earlier a melanoma or skin cancer is detected, the the higher the chances of a full recovery.

Talk with your doctor today if you have any questions about possible skin cancer.