What Are The Different Types Of Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that is diagnosed every day. It is also highly preventable and very curable if it is caught early enough. There are three different types of skin cancers that can be found on your skin.
The first form of skin cancer to emerge is squamous cell carcinoma. These neoplasms typically develop in areas which have been exposed to too much sun, more often than not the face and the ears. A lump or a swelling is often the first manifestation of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. If left untreated, it ulcerates into an unhealing open sore which continues to grow in size. In the later stages it can also spread to other parts of the body.
A type of skin cancer is called basal cell carcinoma. The face, hands and neck are where these are usually located, and up to seventy five percent are included in all diagnosed skin cancers. If you detect it early enough, basal cell carcinoma can be treated very effectively. If you have a sore that bleeds and is irritated, that may be basal cell carcinoma. This cancer can also look like a fresh scar.
The third type of skin cancer is the most dangerous of all of them. It is melanoma and it can be found on any area of the body. It is usually found on the arms and legs in the beginning. It will look like a mole or freckle that has recently appeared on the skin. It can also be from an existing mole that has recently changed its size, shape or color. The border of the melanoma will be indistinguishable and it may have more than one color.
It may be impossible to distinguish the border of a melanoma. It may consist of more than one color. This type of skin cancer must be found and eradicated early on. In this way, the problems that accompany the late stages of this cancer can be avoided.
You can do a great deal to prevent skin cancer from occurring. Make sure that you take precautions when you are out in the sun to protect your skin at all times. Wear a sunscreen every time you are outside no matter the season.
The best chance you have of surviving skin cancer is to detect it early. Make sure to cover your exposed areas with clothing and protect your head and face by wearing a hat. Be aware of any changes in your skin.