Skin cancers are broadly divided into two types- Melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadly of skin cancers. The three major skin cancers that are diagnosed in almost all the cases are- Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. All these cancers are named after the type of cell in which they begin. Thus Basal Cell Carcinoma begins in the skin cells located in the lowest layer of epidermis, which is called the basal layer. Squamous Cell Carcinoma develops from the upper layer of the epidermis named squamous layer and Melanoma begins from the melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that give skin its color.
Basal Cell Cancer
It is one the most frequently diagnosed skin cancers. It affects the basal cells, which are located in the bottom layer of the epidermis. Malignant cells proliferate excessively from the epidermis resulting in a tumor. The incidence of basal cell cancer increases with age. Almost all people diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma can expect to live at least another 5 years.
Though it generally does not spread to distant sites (metastasize), and is, therefore, less fatal. Basal cell carcinoma can invade normal tissue and damage deeper tissues of muscles and bones, and disfigure the skin. On its return, Basal cell carcinoma can be more aggressive. During recurrence it may grow faster and cause more tissue damage.
Squamous Cell Cancer
This type of cancer involves the malignancy and proliferation of squamous (flat, scaly) cells. The squamous cell or keratinocyte, is the most abundant cell in the epidermis. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is usually localized, but it can spread (metastasize). It is easily treated and cured when confined to the skin. Most cutaneous SCC develops in individuals with known factors, such as excessive exposure to the sun.
Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is an accelerated, metastatic type of skin cancer that originates in the cells of the epidermis. In this disorder, pigment-producing cells called melanocytes become cancerous, grow, and multiply at a devastating rate. Although melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, it is the most serious form of skin cancer. Melanoma may be cured, if caught and treated early, but it is rarely curable in its later stages.
Melanoma skin cancer cells are more likely than non-melanoma skin cancer cells to spread or metastasize. This means that they break away from the original tumor, travel through the blood or lymphatic vessels, and then grow within other parts of the body.
The most well documented risk factor for malignant melanoma is exposure to UV radiation.
Melanoma affects equal number of men and women and affects any part of the body. It usually appears after age 50, though it can develop at any age. People with light skin are far more likely to develop melanoma than dark-skinned people.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
Statistics surrounding skin cancer are astounding. More than one million new cases are diagnosed each year, more than all other cancers combined. This means that one in five people will have skin cancer in their lifetime. Despite this high number, Americans understand very little about how to prevent skin cancer, and actually take preventative measures even less. Understanding the types, cause, risks, and prevention of skin cancer is the best way to combat this potentially deadly disease.
The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma which are usually curable. The third type, melanoma, is much more dangerous and one of the most common cancers in young adults.
Ninety percent of skin cancer is caused by the sun's rays, with UVA rays affecting the genetics of the skin and UVB rays altering the outside layers. Sun exposure in childhood can dramatically increase a person's chance of getting skin cancer. One blistering sunburn in childhood can as much as double the risk of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, later in life. Childhood is also the part of life which holds the greatest sun exposure for most people. Most parents protect their children from the sun during the summer, or on a trip to the beach, but for children especially, every day is an opportunity to experience the damaging rays of the sun. It is important to protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays year round.
Risks of skin cancer increase in certain ethnic and age groups. Those with fair skin, blue or green eyes, light colored hair are more susceptible to skin cancer. As are those who burn or freckle easily. However, even those with dark skin can get melanoma and in those rarer cases, it proves to be more deadly. Age also affects a person's risk of skin cancer. In white men over 50, melanoma is the most common kind of cancer, even more common than cancer of the prostate, colon, or lung.
Prevention of skin cancer seems pretty straightforward to most people. Stay out of the sun, and when you can't, wear protective clothing and sunblock. It's not quite that easy. To be effective, sunblock should be above SPF (sun protection factor) 15 and should be reapplied liberally at least every 2 hours. All sunblocks are not created equal. Look for sunblock that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and apply it 15 minutes before heading outside. Even with good sunblock applied well, UV rays can still reach the skin. This is why experts recommend staying out of the sun during the most dangerous, midday rays. Also, cover up with a wide brimmed hat, tightly woven clothing, and sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes. Try to avoid UV rays outside and inside, including tanning beds.
Although skin cancer is incredibly common, understanding the types, causes, risks, and especially prevention can help you and your family avoid this dangerous disease that affects one in five people. Be Sun Smart!
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Cdmohatta has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marriage, Careers and Job Hunting and Gardening. DoctorGoodSkin.com is a popular guide where you can find a lot of information, articles and tips about acne, skin care, STDs, skin diseases and conditions,. Cdmohatta's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
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