According to 2007 information from the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with over 3.5 million cases diagnosed in every two million people yearly. It is estimated that one in five people in the United States will be diagnosed with some type of skin cancer in their lifetime. There are different forms of skin cancer, and symptoms and treatment may be different with each type.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. This kind of skin cancer originates in the basal cells, which are in the deepest layer of epidermis. These cancers typically arise on parts of the body that have been excessively exposed to the sun, like the scalp, shoulders, face and back. Characteristics of basal cell carcinoma include an open sore that bleeds or crusts for several weeks, heals, and then persists with bleeding or oozing; a reddish patch that may or may not itch; a pink growth with an indentation in the center and an elevated, rolled border; a shiny, translucent bump that may be pink or brownish; or a lesion that resembles a scar and is white or yellow.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common skin cancer, says The Skin Cancer Foundation, and these cancers start in squamous cells found in the top layers of the skin. This kind of skin cancer can originate anywhere, but are most often found on areas exposed to the sun, like the ear, lip, face, neck, hands, arms and legs. The American Cancer Society describes squamous cell skin cancers as resembling growing lumps, typically with a rough or scaly surface. They can also look like reddish skin patches that grow slowly over time.
Melanoma
Melanoma, also called malignant melanoma, is a skin cancer starting in cells called melanocytes, which are the cells that provide pigment to the skin. Melanoma is more aggressive than basal or squamous cell carcinomas, according to the National Cancer Institute, and is typically found on the trunk, head, neck, arms or legs. Although it is not as common as basal or squamous cell skin cancers, it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. Signs of melanoma can include a mole that changes shape, color or size; a mole with irregular or uneven borders or that is multicolored; an oozing or bleeding mole; and new moles that develop near an existing mole.
References
- The Skin Cancer Foundation: Basal Cell Carcinoma
- The Skin Cancer Foundation: The Five Warning Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma
- The Skin Cancer Foundation: Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- American Cancer Society: How are basal and squamous cell skin cancers diagnosed?
- National Cancer Institute: Melanoma Treatment
