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Skin Cancer: The Three Major
Types
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin
cancer. Some 900,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The
tumors appear as small, fleshy, translucent bumps or nodules
on the head, neck, hands, or occasionally, on the trunk of
the body. These tumors don't grow quickly and don't
metastasize (spread to other organs). If left untreated,
however, the tumors begin to bleed, crust over, and then
repeat the cycle. If treatment is further delayed, basal cell
carcinoma can invade the skin and spread, causing significant
damage as it extends.
Squamous cell carcinoma tumors appear as nodules that
ulcerate in the center, or as red, scaly patches on the rim
of the ear, face, lips, and mouth. The tumors eventually
enlarge into sizable masses and can spread via the blood and
lymph systems.
A malignant melanoma is the most virulent of all skin
cancers. If untreated, it can be fatal; and in the U.S., the
increase in new cases tops all other forms of skin
cancer.
What You Should Know
About Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is mainly
caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light. The rate
of skin cancer -- the most common of all cancers --
is growing at an alarming rate. Recognizing the early
signs of the various forms of skin cancer is
essential for early detection and successful
treatment. All forms of skin cancer are highly
curable if caught in time.
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Malignant melanoma results from
the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells.
It resembles an oversized, asymmetrical mole and is
characterized by an irregular border and unusual
pigmentation. Any mole larger than a pencil eraser that has
these characteristics is cause for concern and should be
checked.
As with all skin cancers,
malignant melanoma is thought to be linked with excessive
exposure to the sun. It also tends to run in families. If a
relative has had it, extra caution is
advisable.
Malignant melanoma may appear
suddenly without warning or may begin near a mole or another
dark spot on the skin. Additional warning signs include
changes in the surface of a mole, oozing, scaliness, bleeding
or the appearance of a bump or nodule; spread of pigment from
the border of a mole into the surrounding skin; and changes
in sensation, such as pain, tenderness, or itching. If
detected early enough, melanoma can usually be cured by
surgical removal.
Several options are available
for treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Treatment may involve surgical removal; electrodesiccation
(destroying cancerous tissue with a high-frequency current
transmitted through a needle electrode); cryosurgery (using
cold liquid nitrogen to destroy the cancerous tissue);
radiation therapy; and topical
chemotherapy.
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