Skin Cancer
Skin
Cancer:
Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer
(malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your
skin. There are several types of cancer that originate in the skin. Cancer
of the skin, like other
cancers, is a disease of the cells. Cells are the tiny individual
structures that make up all parts of
the body. Although they differ in shape and function in various organs,
all cells reproduce
themselves by dividing. Normal growth and repair of tissue takes place in
an orderly fashion. When
cell division is not orderly and controlled, abnormal growth occurs. The
most common types are
basal cell carcinoma (70 percent of all skin cancers) and squamous cell
carcinoma (20 percent).
These types are classified as nonmelanoma skin cancer. Melanoma (five
percent of all skin
cancers) is the third type of skin cancer. It is less common than basal
cell or squamous cell skin
cancer, but potentially much more serious. Other types of skin cancer are
rare. Basal Cell
Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically appears as
a small raised bump
that has a pearly appearance. It is most commonly seen on areas of the
skin that have received
excessive sun exposure. These cancers may spread to the skin around the
cancer but rarely
spread to other parts of the body. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also seen on
the areas of the body
that have been exposed to excessive sun (nose, lower lip, hands, and
forehead). Often this
cancer appears as a firm red bump or ulceration of the skin that does not
heal. Squamous cell
carcinomas can spread to lymph nodes in the area. Melanoma is a skin
cancer (malignancy) that
arises from the melanocytes in the skin. These cancers typically arise as
pigmented (colored)
lesions in the skin with an irregular shape, irregular border, and
multiple colors. It is the most
harmful of all the skin cancers, because it can spread to other sites in
the body. Fortunately, most
melanomas have a very high cure rate when identified and treated early.
Signs and
symptoms:
Skin
cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the
scalp, face, lips, ears,
neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. But it also can
form on areas that rarely
see the light of day — the palms, spaces between the toes and the genital
area.
A cancerous skin lesion can appear suddenly or develop slowly, and its
appearance will vary,
depending on the type of cancer:
The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change to your skin. This
change can take
many different forms, including:
Translucent pearl-shaped growth
Mole that has begun to grow, bleed, and/or itch
Mole with any of these features: Asymmetrical (if lesion were folded in
half, the two sides would
not match), Borders irregular, Color varies, or Diameter greater than 6 mm
(size of a pencil eraser).
While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters in diameter when
diagnosed, they can be
smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or one that changes,
itches, or bleeds even if it
is smaller than 6 millimeters, be sure to see a dermatologist.
Brown or black streak underneath a nail
Sore that repeatedly heals and reopens
Smooth, waxy lesion
Cluster of slow growing, shiny or scaly lesions that are pink or red .
|
