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3 Types Of Skin Cancer

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Published: February 27, 2007

Skin cancer has increased significantly due to increased ultraviolet radiation through sun tanning. In the U.S., one of every three cancer cases is skin cancer. The types of skin cancer can range from easily treatable to fatal. Though often treatable, all types of skin cancer should be taken seriously and considered as a message to make some lifestyle changes. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, if a person has experienced any of the types of skin cancer, they are much more likely to have issues with it again.

There are 3 types of skin cancer and all are named after the skin cells that they affect: Basal cell, Squamous cell, and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of the different types of skin cancer, affecting an estimated 800,000 Americans each year, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Basal cell carcinoma is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal, as it usually looks like a raised, smooth bump on the head, neck or shoulders.

Squamous cell carcinoma is normally a scaly, red mass of skin that has been left exposed to the sun. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can grow into a larger mass. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 200,000 Americans are affected each year by squamous cell carcinoma. Both basal and squamous cell carcinoma are treatable, non-malignant types of skin cancer.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious of the types of skin cancer and can be fatal if not treated early. Yet of all of the types of skin cancer, it makes up a fraction of the total cases.  Melanoma begins as a tumor-like growth on the skin, and can be any color from black, red, or purple, to colorless. Of all the types of skin cancer, malignant melanoma is the one to watch out for when inspecting skin because the faster it is found and treated, the better the chances are of forgoing more serious surgeries or cancer treatments.

Non-malignant types of skin cancer, such as squamous and basal cell, can be prevented by decreasing exposure to UV rays, wearing sunscreen and long-sleeved protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during its peak hours between 11am and 3pm. Non-malignant types of skin cancer can be treated with simple surgery to remove the spot. This surgery is the very same as having a mole or wart removed. It is injected with pain medication and then cut off. The ease of surgery should not be a reason to put off going to the doctor. If given time, the cancer can spread farther into the skin cells, causing lymphatic problems and the possibility of spreading to other parts of the body.

Malignant cancers, the most serious types of skin cancer, can also be prevented by decreasing exposure to UV rays, but this attention to exposure needs to begin as early as possible. Avoiding sunburns, specifically in childhood and adolescence, can decrease the risk of malignant melanoma and other malignant types of skin cancer.

Malignant melanoma can be treated through surgery, but will likely require more advanced surgical procedures than non-malignant cancer types of cancer would require. Mohs' micrographic surgery is often implemented for malignant melaloma because it removes only the cancerous tissue, while leaving the healthy tissue intact. This surgery is expensive, so it is only used when necessary. It can also be used for non-malignant types of skin cancer if needed, and has a 99% heal rate for basal cell carcinoma.

Striving to not be bronzed and sun-kissed is the most effective method for eluding types of skin cancer, and wearing sunscreen is a close second. Worshiping the sun has been a practice passed down through the ages, but worshiping one's own skin should be the new practice. Known as the human body's largest organ, skin experiences the most environmental damage – sun, wind, cold, and dry air. Though not actually the largest, but the heaviest of human organs, human skin is adaptable and can heal. Nevertheless, like all parts of the body, skin has its limits.


Sources:
Skin Cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation. 2007. 20 Feb. 2007 <http://www.skincancer.org/blogsection/skin-can cer/>.
“Mohs Surgery.” Wikipedia. 20 Feb. 2007. 20 Feb. 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_cancer_surge ry>.
“Skin.” Wikipedia. 20 Feb. 2007. 20 Feb. 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin>.
“Skin Cancer.” Wikipedia. 20 Feb. 2007. 20 Feb 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_cancer>.
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