• Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing form of skin cancer. The appearance is not markedly different from healthy skin. There may be a pearl-like appearance to the skin or a waxy sheen. It is a form of non-melanoma cancer, so it is most likely to occur on areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun.

• Squamous cell carcinoma is another very common type of skin cancer. It occurs when the skin is damaged permanently by the sun and the chances of it recurring are very high. Even if the cancer is removed in one spot there is a high chance that it will recur in the same general area within two years. This is also a non-melanoma cancer that will occur in areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun.

• Melanoma skin cancer is a cancer that begins in the melanin of the skin. It is not directly related to sun exposure, it accounts for very few skin cases and it is very serious. The 5 year survival rate if this is caught in its earliest stages is 91%, but that survival rate can drop as low as 15% for more advanced cases.

• Merkel cell carcinomas are fast growing and will typically present as red, skin-colored or purple bumps that do not bother the people at all. Commonly mistaken as a cyst or other type of cancer, they are actually an aggressive form of skin cancer.

Causes

 

Skin cancer can occur as part of your genetic makeup. In some cases it is simply a part of the family history and something that you will have to be aware of and watch for. Spending a great deal of time exposed to the suns ultraviolet rays without protection can cause non-melanoma skin cancer and people with a fair complexion are at a higher risk. Finally, repeatedly suffering severe sunburns is another cause of skin cancer.

A nevus is defined as a sharply-circumscribed and chronic lesion. More commonly these are referred to as birthmarks and moles. While a nevus does not change over time, it still presents a risk factor for skin cancer and should be watched for any changes over time. Should a birthmark or mole become larger, develop irregular sides or some other abnormality, you should have it examined by a professional.

Prevention

 

The best treatment is to prevent skin cancer in the first place. If you have already had skin cancer and had it treated, it is important that you follow steps to prevent it from recurring. Here are some tips to help you stay safe.

• Exposure to the sun during the hottest time of the day, usually between 10am and 4 pm should be avoided.
• Stay in the shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear protective clothing that will keep you covered and protected from the sun. Tight weaves will keep you safer from the rays.
• Make sunscreen your best friend. Remember to also apply lip balm with a sunscreen built in. Reapply it during the day.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses for protection.
• Even on cloudy days the UV rays can come through. Follow these tips even when the sun is hidden behind clouds as the radiation will easily travel through the clouds.
• Tanning beds work on UV rays and should be avoided at all times.

Warning Signs

 

Watch your skin closely for the symptoms of skin cancer. Any change on the skin can indicate a problem, particularly changes in the size or color of moles. Any new growth should be examined. Skin cancer does not commonly result in a tumor, but rather is a spreading disease of the skin cells. If any mole should start bleeding or oozing it should be examined and watch for dark colored areas that spread past their normal boundaries.

Diagnosis is made by taking a biopsy of the affected cells and examining it more closely.

Dermatology is the study of the skin and dermatologists are well versed in skin cancer, how to recognize it and how it should be treated. Any concerns about changing moles or changes in the skin should be taken to a dermatologist as part of the overall diagnosis and treatment program. If you are at a higher risk due to fair skin, family history of skin cancer or a concern about moles; regular screening can be done with a dermatologist.

Treatment

 

Aggressive treatment is necessary to prevent the metastasis of skin cancer from the skin to the other organs of the body. Malignant cells are typically removed if the affected area is small enough. 

Curettage and desiccation may also be used. The affected area is scooped out and the remaining cancer cells are destroyed with electrical current. Radiation therapy may be chosen for areas that are difficult to treat surgically and some doctors have also had good results using liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill abnormal skin cells.