Types of skin cancer

The Five Types of Skin Cancer

Many people will find it surprising to learn that there are five different types of skin cancer. The most common of these is called basal cell carcinoma. This skin cancer is diagnosed in nearly three quarters of all cases with over seven hundred and fifty thousand people treated yearly. Like the next most common cancer this one is caused by over exposure to the sun. That is why this cancer is often found on the face, scalp or the upper body. One good thing about this skin cancer is that it is not likely to spread to other parts of the body since it is a slow growing cancer and so can be cured. Nonetheless it is important to act on it quickly for the best results.

The next most prevalent kind of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. The cancer is found in over twenty percent of cases. This type is also caused by too much exposure to the rays of the sun. It is a cancer more common among people who are middle aged or older and, unlike basal skin cancer, is first noticed as a crusty spot that might be red and irritated. If something like that is seen a quick visit to a health care provider is very important. That leaves the last few percent divided between three different types of skin cancer. This includes the most dangerous of the skin cancers which is melanoma. Most of the remaining cases will be this kind of cancer. It is the most life threatening but if found and treated early has a success rate of ninety five percent. But if it begins to spread then there is almost no hope for a cure. The key to this one is to watch for moles that seem to change.

The final two types of skin cancer are Paget’s disease and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Paget’s disease resembles a normal rash and is found around the breasts, genital area, the anus or the sweat glands. The sores are usually very itchy as well as being known to be quite painful. Kaposi’s sarcoma is a skin cancer that is usually associated with herpes and is commonly found in those suffering from AIDS. Any suspicious sores, rashes or moles should be investigated immediately.

Squamous skin cancer

The Causes of Squamous Skin Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma, also known as SCC or squamous skin cancer, is a very common type of skin cancer. It is in fact the second most common after basal cell carcinoma. SCC attacks the upper layers of skin. Fortunately this is not necessarily a serious cancer if identified early and then treated immediately. Of the two hundred and fifty thousand cases diagnosed each year, ninety seven percent of these are easily treated ones. The remaining three percent are more worrisome since they are likely to be cases where the cancer has spread and so potentially is life threatening to the person dealing with this disease.

The primary cause of this type of skin cancer relates to excessive exposure to the ultra violet light of the sun. This would be long term exposure and take years before it resulted in the cancer, but nonetheless it is the likely cause. Squamous skin cancer is more likely to occur on the face. This is because the face is always exposed to the sun and is the part of the body that people are more likely to forget to protect on a daily basis. People going swimming or who plan to be outside for a long time are more likely to use sunscreen, but when going to catch a bus, taking a walk to the store or any of the more mundane daily activities people do not think to put sunscreen on their faces.

Fair haired, and so fair skinned, people are more likely to get this type of cancer. People with very dark skin tone almost never have to worry about getting squamous skin cancer. Those who have had treatment in some area for skin cancer may find another spot later since the area has already been damaged by the sun and so another cancer spot may appear. If this is going to occur it will happen within two years of being diagnosed. The best way to protect oneself from skin cancer is to use a sunscreen that is rated at least at thirty, to cover up when possible and stay out of the direct sun when it is not.