Skin cancer is of 3 types: Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Melanoma

Melanoma is said to have occurred when malignant cancer cells are found in the melanocytes cells that color the skin. Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but it may occasionally be found in children and adolescents. Of all the three types of skin cancer this is definitely the most fatal and needs to be caught and treated immediately.

Melanoma usually begins as a dark brown or black patch with irregular borders. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells. It may appear anywhere on the body without warning. It however does have a tendency to start near a mole. There is a high chance that it might spread, making it essential to treat it right away. Since melanoma is often linked to a change in one of your moles (most of us have 100 or so), you should inspect them regularly and look for any changes in their size and color, such as the appearance of a bump or the spreading of pigment around the border.

Melanomas can spread two ways: horizontally, which gives rise to the superficial spreading melanoma, or they can grow downwards and the cells will invade the lymph glands, which is much more dangerous.

People who have a higher chance of getting a melanoma are those with:

1. A high number of moles.
2. Red or fair hair, blue eyes, fair skin and freckles.
3. Tan with difficulty and burn in the sun, and a history of the disease in two or more family members.
4. More women than men get melanomas. This form of cancer occurs mainly in the 40-60 year age group, but it can strike at any age. However, children are rarely affected.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Squamous cell skin cancer is a malignant growth of the epithelial layer of the skin. This is the external surface. It is curable with treatment.

The first sign of this type of cancer may be a raised bump on the skin with a crusting ulcer in the center. It is usually small and scaling and can be disfiguring. This will mainly occur on areas on the skin exposed to the Sun such as the ears, face, scalp, shoulders, and back.

People who have a higher chance of getting Squamous Cell Carcinoma are those with:

1. A fair Skin Complexion
2. Blue or green eyes
3. Blonde or Red hair.
4. Fairer people are at a higher risk
5. Outdoor workers who work in a excessively exposed area are also high risk cases.
6. Also the use of immuno suppressant medication may cause an increase in risk.

This type of cancer may spread to other parts of the body so its early detection is necessary. If caught early enough then it can be successfully treated. Normally re-treatment is only necessary in about 10% of the cases. However new sites of squamous cell cancer may occur so prevention should be taken.

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell Carcinoma is the third type of Skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancer is a type of skin cancer that affects the skin's basal layer, the 5th layer of skin. It invades areas under the skin, but it does not spread to other areas in the body.

Basal cell carcinoma, often starts as small, fleshy bumps on your face, ears, lips, or around your mouth. These bumps may become crusty or may not heal easily. Though the tumors rarely spread to other parts of the body, they can continue to grow, making it essential to have them removed. Once removed basal cell cancer is curable and does not become life threatening unless ignored completely. Sometimes it is also called "rodent ulcer".

The major signs of basal cell cancer are a small lesion which doesn't heal normally and displays some of the following characteristics:

1. The lesion grows slowly and does not itch or hurt.
2. It occurs on the skin that is exposed to the Sun and shows evidence of Sun damage.
3. The size of the lesion varies from very small to large (if left untreated).
4. The lesion appears flat with edges that are somewhat semitransparent and rounded.
5. The edges may have small, new blood vessels.
6. The ulcer is often dimpled in the middle.

Those people who have some of the following characteristics have a greater chance of getting basal skin cancer:

1. Those with a fair skin complexion.
2. With blue or green eyes.
3. With blonde or red hair.
4. With excessive exposure to sunlight.
5. Fairer people are more at risk.
6. Outdoor workers with constant exposure to Sun also run a higher risk.
7. The onset most commonly occurs after the age of 40, however, a greater number of young adults are also developing this form of skin cancer.

Regardless of the type skin cancer is dangerous and if you at any point of time feel that you might have skin cancer it is necessary to see your doctor for treatment. Some of the major treatment procedures are described in the treatment section; however, these are only to serve as a guide and thus it is imperative that qualified medical advice be sought.

         

   

©Copyright 1998 Elizabeth Beckett, Holly Bernitt, and Vishwa Chandra.