What is Skin Cancer? What are its Symptoms and its Treatment?

Most of us have heard about the “big” names in cancer types – breast cancer and lung cancer, to mention two. But skin cancer is the most “prevalent” of all types, according to figures compiled by medical studies and by the American Cancer Society. Each year, at least a million new skin-cancer patients hear this diagnosis.

Skin cancer can be caused by a number of things though doctors feel that over-exposure to sunlight is a major cause (especially for light-skinned persons). Using artificial tanning equipment has led to an increase in skin cancer. In addition, studies have shown that exposure to X-rays in industry and medical situations may cause skin-cancer numbers to increase. Add occupational exposure to such items as coal tar and other toxins to the mix and there are a lot of ways to contract skin cancer.

Small spots of various colors may develop on the skin in the early stages of this type of cancer. These spots may appear on the face, around the ears, on the backs of the hands and even on the forearms. In the early stages, these small areas can be treated by freezing them with liquid nitrogen or through the use of creams and lotions applied directly to the spot. Laser surgery and dermabrasion can also remove some of the early signs of skin abnormality. More advanced cases of skin cancer require more aggressive techniques, including corrective surgery and cosmetic surgery.

The most common type of skin cancer is basal-cell carcinoma. This usually shows up on the head and neck, though it can appear on other parts of the body. It is characterized by a bump or red patch that feels like flesh but is obviously a different color. These spots don’t spread very quickly but still should be treated with one of the initial methods mentioned above. If left unattended this type of small, painless spot can cause further skin damage or even damage nerves below the skin surface.

Squamous-cell carcinoma is second on the most-common list. This type of skin cancer is a more firm type of bump and may also be a red patch that seems to be “scaly.” It is usually seen around the ear or on the face, but can be seen on other parts of the body. Cure rates for these two types of skin cancer approach 95 percent if the condition is diagnosed early enough.

Malignant melanoma is considered the most deadly of skin cancers. Thousands die from this disease every year. As with all types of cancer, early detection, diagnosis and treatment are essential.