The worst type of skin cancer, melanoma, usually shows up as changes to an existing mole or freckle or as a new growth easily mistaken for a common freckle or mole. If this cancer is noticed and treated early, the prognosis is very good. However, if not treated early, melanoma can spread throughout the body.
Types
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Of these, the most common is basal cell carcinoma, but the deadliest is melanoma.
According to the National Institute of Health, melanoma is classified into four types: superficial spreading melanoma--the most common type--nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma and acral lentiginous melanoma, which is the least common.
Features
Melanoma occurs in the skin cells that create melanin (this is what gives skin color). Melanoma may develop in an existing mole or may show up as a new skin blemish or mole. This skin cancer can be brown, tan, black or other colors. Sometimes it's present as a bump under the skin, with no skin discoloration, although this is not as common.
Look for uneven edges, discoloration--especially if there is more than one shade or color to a mole--increase in size, or other changes to existing moles.
Melanoma can be deadly because if it is not treated early enough, it spreads beyond the skin to internal organs.
Identification
If you develop a growth that could be melanoma or another type of skin cancer, your dermatologist may perform a biopsy. During this procedure, the affected skin and some surrounding tissue will be removed and sent to a lab. If cells in the sample test positive for cancer, the doctor will likely remove more tissue from the area in case more cancer cells remain.
If the cancer is melanoma, your dermatologist will perform additional tests to see if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
Prevention/Solution
Prevent skin cancer by avoiding too much sun. Although skin cancer, including melanoma, can occur despite these precautions, you will greatly cut your risk. Likewise, do not use tanning beds, as these also emit rays that can cause skin cancer.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, if you are fair-skinned, you should use sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. If you tan very easily, use at least SPF 15.
Check skin regularly for new moles or bumps of any color (including skin color). Watch existing moles or other skin abnormalities for any changes in color, size or texture. In addition to checking your skin regularly, have a professional examine you at least once a year or more frequently if you are in a high-risk group.
Treatment
If melanoma has not yet spread to the lymph nodes, removal of the cancerous skin may be all the treatment necessary. However, if melanoma has already invaded the body beyond the skin, chemotherapy, radiation and other cancer treatments are necessary.
Considerations
Although less at risk, dark-skinned people can still get skin cancer, should use sunscreen and should watch for any lesions or growths that look unusual or do not heal.
Although many skin cancers occur on skin frequently exposed to sunlight, skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body.
Tags: skin cancer, skin cancer, cell carcinoma, treated early, basal cell, basal cell carcinoma