Skin Conditions...Skin Cancer...Types
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This tumor of the skin usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or
nodule on the head, neck and hands. Occasionally these nodules may
appear on the trunk of the body, usually as flat growths. Basal
cell carcinomas seldom occur in dark-skinned persons; they are the
most common skin cancers found in Caucasians. It has been found
that people who have this cancer frequently have light hair, eyes
and complexions, and they don't tan easily. These tumors don't spread
quickly. It may take many months or years for one to reach a diameter
of one half diameter of one half inch. Untreated, the cancer will
begin to bleed, crust over, then repeat the cycle.
Although this type of cancer rarely metastasizes (spread to other
parts of the body), it can extend below the skin to the bone and
cause considerable local damage.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
These tumors may appear as nodules or as red, scaly patches. Squamous
cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer found in Caucasians.
It typically is found on the rim of the ear, the face, the lips
and mouth. It is rarely found on dark-skinned persons. This cancer
will develop into large masses. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, it
can metastasize. It is estimated that there are 2,300 deaths from
non-melanoma skin cancers every year.
The cure rate for both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma is
95 percent, when properly treated.
Malignant Melanoma
It is projected that this most virulent of all skin cancers develops
on the skin of 32,000 Americans annually. And every year an estimated
6,800 Americans will die from melanoma. It is important to note
that the death rate is at last declining, because patients are
seeking help earlier. Melanoma, like its less aggressive cousins,
basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, is almost always curable
in its early stages.
Melanoma has its beginnings in melanocytes, the skin cells that
produce the dark protective pigment called melanin. It is melanin
that is responsible for suntanned skin, acting as partial protection
against sun. Melanoma cells usually continue to produce melanin,
which accounts for the cancers appearing in mixed shades of tan,
brown and black. Melanoma has a tendency to spread, making it
essential to treat.
Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning but it may also
begin in or near a mole or other dark spot in the skin. For that
reason it is important that we know the location and appearance
of the moles on our bodies so any change will be noticed.
Excessive exposure to the sun, as with the other skin cancers,
is accepted as a cause of melanoma, especially among light-skinned
people. Heredity may play a part, and also atypical moles, which
may run in families, can serve as markers, identifying the person
as being at higher risk for developing melanoma there or elsewhere
in the skin.
Dark brown or black skin is not a guarantee against melanoma.
Black people can develop this cancer, especially on the palms
of the hands, soles of the feet, under nails, or in the mouth.
Other warning signs include: changes in the surface of a mole;
scaliness, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a bump or nodule;
spread of pigment from the border into surrounding skin; and change
in sensation including itchiness, tenderness, or pain.
Asymmetry-One half doesn't match the other half.
Border irregularity-The edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
Color varied- from one area to another; shades of tan and brown;
black; sometimes white; red or blue.
Diameter larger- than 6mm as a rule (diameter of pencil eraser).
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Related Information
To learn more about pre-malignant skin lesions, skin cancers and
melanoma call:
The
American Cancer Society
at (800) ACS-2345
or
The National Cancer
Institute
at (800) 4-CANCER.
The Skin Cancer Foundation
Texas Cancer Data Center
Cancer Gateway
of Texas
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