Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
The good news is that skin cancer can almost always be cured, especially if it is found early. This blog will outline the most common dermatologist diagnosed skin cancers.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is commonly found on areas that are exposed to sunlight, such as the head and neck. However, BCC can also occur on areas that are not usually exposed to sunlight, such as the trunk or legs. BCCs are often described as a pearly or waxy bump with visible blood vessels, or a flat, scaly red patch. If left untreated, BCC can grow and become disfiguring. As with any form of skin cancer, early diagnosis is critical for maximum effectiveness of treatment!
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. With so many people developing skin cancer, it is no surprise that there are many different types of skin cancer. While each type of skin cancer has its own distinct characteristics, the three most common types of skin cancer have many similar symptoms.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. In fact, over 80 percent of all skin cancers diagnosed every year are basal cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinomas usually present as a small pearly or waxy bump on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face and neck. These bumps may be accompanied by small blood vessels and may ooze or even bleed at times.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer accounting for roughly 20 percent of all new cases each year. Squamous cell carcinomas are often found on sun-exposed areas as well but can also occur on parts of the body that have not had much exposure to sunlight including genitals and mucous membranes such as the inside of the mouth
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in the United States. There are three main types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are by far the most common. These two types of cancer are known as nonmelanoma skin cancers. However, melanoma is more deadly because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not found early.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The vast majority of nonmelanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas (BCC). They typically appear as small, smooth, pearly or waxy bumps on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face, ears, neck, scalp and back. BCCs can grow very slowly over a period of years or even decades. It is not unusual for them to appear after age 50.
Melanomas
Melanomas usually have an asymmetrical shape and irregular border with multiple colors including tan, brown, black and sometimes even white, red or blue. Melanomas typically arise from a mole or other pigmented spot on the skin but occasionally can occur on otherwise normal appearing skin. They tend
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and nearly 50% of Americans are expected to be diagnosed with skin cancer at least once in their lifetime. Since many types of skin cancer aren’t immediately life threatening, it’s easy to ignore new spots on your body. But there are many things you can do to help prevent skin cancer, and early detection is key for successful treatment.
Skin cancer is extremely common, so it’s important to know what to look for when checking your body for suspicious moles. Most melanomas will change in size or shape, so if you notice a mole that is larger than a pencil eraser or oddly shaped, or have any other concerns about a mole, make an appointment with your dermatologist right away. You should also see a dermatologist if you notice any of these symptoms:
* A sore that doesn’t heal
* Spread of pigment from the border of a spot into surrounding skin
* Redness or a new swelling beyond the border
* Change in sensation – itchiness, tenderness or pain – in an area that does not go away
* Change in the surface of a mole – scaliness, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a bump or nodule
If you notice any changes
The most commonly diagnosed skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. These are the most dangerous as well.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of all cancers. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people will develop BCC at some time in their lives. Squamous cell carcinomas are more aggressive than basal cell carcinomas. They can spread to lymph nodes and distant organs causing death if not treated early enough. Melanomas are the least common but most serious and potentially fatal skin cancers. These types of cancers are called non-melanoma skin cancer or NMSC because they do not originate in the melanocytes (pigment producing cells).
Basal cell carcinoma
Melanoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
A dermatologist is a doctor who is trained to diagnose conditions that affect our skin, hair, and nails. They treat common conditions like acne and warts, but they also treat more serious skin diseases and cancers.
Dermatologists may also perform cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of your skin. This might include removing unwanted hair, treating scars or stretch marks, or performing Botox injections.