Which is Which? The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer
Posted on March 30, 2008
Today, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than any other malignancy. While there are several types of skin cancers, three forms are much more common than any of the other types. This article focuses on the three main types of skin cancer, and how a person can learn to distinguish among them.
Each of the three primary types of skin cancer is associated with a different type of skin cell. The severity of the cancer varies depending on which type of cancer a person is diagnosed as having. These three cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
The first of these, basal cell carcinoma, is a nonmelanoma. This neoplasm initiates in the skin’s basal cells. It is this type of cancer with which 90 percent of persons living in the United States who have skin cancer are diagnosed. Most experts consider basal cell carcinoma to be the least serious type of skin malignancy, because it grows very slowly and does not spread. It is usually found on areas of the body most frequently exposed to sunlight.
Squamous cell carcinoma is also considered a nonmelanoma. It begins in the outer layer of the skin known as the epidermis, in cells referred to as keratinocytes. Although it is more serious than the first, the chances of a cure are high if it is caught and treated before it spreads to other organs. Squamous cell carcinoma is also typically found on body parts that receive the greatest sun exposure.
Malignant melanoma is the most serious skin cancer. This type of malignancy begins in cells called melanocytes. These produce melanin, a chemical that gives color to the skin. The amount of this chemical determines how light or dark a person’s skin color will be. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, but is most often found on areas of the body that do not receive frequent sun exposure.
This cancer can quickly spread to other body organs and tissues. Therefore, people diagnosed with melanoma have a much lower overall cure rate. Most people who are successfully treated for melanoma are diagnosed very early in the stages of this disease.
People who work in the sun or are frequently exposed to sunlight have a higher than normal risk of developing skin cancer. If you are at risk, be aware of the symptoms of this malignancy and report any changes in your skin to your doctor. Knowing these symptoms just might save your life!
http://www.SkinCancer-101.com is a website fully committed to giving you the very best information regarding types of skin cancers, symptoms, and cures. Making critical decisions can be very important in any particular stage of skin cancer. If you would like to know more about types of skin cancer or you simply want to know more about the signs of skin cancer, we’ve got you covered!
Article Author :Adam_Hefner
Last 6 posts in Skin Cancer
- Skin Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages. Everything You Need to Know About Skin Cancer: Kindle Store: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,National Institutes of Health,National Cancer Institute,S.Smith - February 11th, 2009
- Site-Specific Cancer Series: Prostate Cancer: William P. Hogle: Books - February 11th, 2009
- Does Sun Exposure Cause Skin Cancer? - December 6th, 2008
- What is a Precancerous Mole? - December 6th, 2008
- Symptoms of a Cancerous Mole - December 6th, 2008
- Mole Cancer Signs - December 6th, 2008
- Skin Cancer Prevention Made Easy - September 17th, 2008
- Preventing Skin Cancer - September 3rd, 2008
- How to Treat Melanoma - September 3rd, 2008
- Skin Cancer Prevention Food - September 3rd, 2008
There is currently a raging debate about whether conventional or natural treatments are best for fighting your breast cancer.?Those on the conventional side will say that cancer cannot be cured, only managed, and that natural treatments have not been backed up scientifically.?Those on the natural side will say that conventional treatments are barbaric and usually do more harm than good.
I am a proponent of the natural way of doing things.?I believe that your body has developed breast cancer because of imbalances internally and if you can correct those imbalances, you can eliminate the cancer entirely.?Cutting off body parts and pumping… Continue reading
I imagine just about every woman after a certain age has some fear of breast cancer.?That’s not to say it’s on our minds night and day.?But with all we hear in the media and from doctors, it certainly has to be in there somewhere.?We all know someone who has it, has had it, or maybe has even died from it.?But as with all things like this, breast cancer starts with symptoms.?Here’s what to look for if you’re concerned and what to do to fix it if you find anything:
Lumps - Everyone knows this one.?Any odd shaped, irregular lumps in your… Continue reading
I’m sure most, if not all of us have had someone close to us diagnosed with breast cancer. Many of us have watched that person go through round after round of chemotherapy. Many of us have watched as their bodies were forever surgically altered. Many of us have watched them lose their battle and pass away. Whatever your experience may be, one thing is certain. Trying to find the right way to help someone with breast cancer can be tough.
I’ll fully admit that there are no right or wrong answers here. It will largely… Continue reading
Related posts
» Filed Under Skin Cancer
Comments
One Response to “Which is Which? The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer”
Leave a Reply
[…] Which is Which? The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer (0) […]