Jun 26 2008
A Layman’s Guide to Skin Cancer Identification
When it comes to skin cancer identification, there is a lot of information that you must know. The identification of skin cancer can save your life and so it is important that you are educated on this matter even if you do not have a family history of the disease.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a disease in which the cancer is found in the outermost layers of the skin. There are three most common types of this cancer, which are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is by far the most serious and dangerous. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and in regards to skin cancer identification, this type of cancer typically appears as a small raised bump that has a pearly appearance.
Then there is squamous cell carcinoma, and skin cancer identification here is most easily made, as the cancer usually shows up on the areas of the body that receive the most sun, including the lip, hands, and forehead. This cancer usually appears as a firm red bump or ulceration of some sort that does not heal regularly.
Finally there is melanoma and this particular type of skin cancer is easier to identify than any other. This skin cancer arises from the melanocytes in the skin and arises as pigmented lesions in the skin with an irregular shape, border, and multiple colors.
Diagnosis
Whenever you even think that you may have identified skin cancer it is crucial that you make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible so that you can get a proper assessment and diagnosis. Then if it turns out that your skin cancer identification was correct and you do in fact have the disease, you will be able to get the appropriate treatment as soon as possible.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial to the effects of the cancer and it can even be potentially life threatening if left unnoticed or untreated for an extended period of time. If it turns out that you do have positive skin cancer identification and require treatment, there are a variety of different treatments available including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Although there is no surefire way of preventing skin cancer it is important that you know there are certain risk factors, such as overexposure to ultraviolet light, fair skin, and genetics, as skin cancer tends to run in families.
Very timely advice as we go into the summer season here. With some type of skin cancer affecting 1 of 5 people in their lifetime, almost one million will be diagnosed each year just in the US. By most estimates, 90% of these cases will be of the Basal Cell type. Which is the easiest of the three types to cure and also to prevent.
Proper care when out in the sun will greatly reduce ones risk, use of sunscreens and UV protective clothing should be on every one’s list, especially for the children. I sure that my over exposure as a child had some to do with me having Basal Cell three times already as an adult. The damage can be done and nothing will happen for years sometimes. I’ve detailed about my experiences on my site at:
http://www.basalcellmohs.com/
Like the post says, any change in skin condition that you may suspect to be something like skin cancer, do see a doctor right away. Don’t wait as it can have life changing results. I almost lost my nose to basal cell carcinoma, thankfully a pair of very good specialists saved the day for me. I’ll warn that some of the pictures on my site don’t show me looking my best, just don’t browse the gallery if pictures of MOHS surgery on the nose would bother you.