Types of Skin Cancer:
Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once.
Basal Cell Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer and accounts for more than 90 percent. It is most prevalent in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. where fair skinned Caucasians are subject to intense ultraviolet rays. It is becoming increasingly common and is now often found in individuals forty years and younger. Some believe the breakdown of the ozone layer and further penetration of damaging UV radiation is contributing to the increased rates of skin cancer. The tendency to develop this cancer may also be inherited.
Basal Cells arise in otherwise normal appearing skin. Basal Cells can vary in size from a few millimeters to as large as several centimeters in diameter. They usually grow slowly over months or years. Recognizing the various types of skin cancer is important because some types can be quite aggressive. When examining for skin cancer use good lighting conditions and a magnifying glass. Stretch the skin and move it around to get a better idea of the size of the tumor.
Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common of all skin cancers and often appear as a small translucent growth and often with rolled edges. Nodular Basal Cells may be pigmented (brown) and there are often small blood vessels on the surface. It could become an open sore or bleed then appear to heal. They commonly appear on the face, neck and back.
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma often appear as slow growing, shiny pink or red and slightly scaly patches and bleed easily. This cancer is more horizontal forming along the upper surface of the skin unlike Nodular Basal Cells which can move deeper into the skin.
Morphemic Basal Cell Carcinoma is also known as Sclerosing Basal Cell Carcinoma and appear as skin colored, waxy, thick scar like formations. They are difficult to diagnose and often reoccur after surgery.
Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
Squamous cell cancers are thick, rough and shallow when they first appear. They may eventually form a crust with a raised surface. Any bump or open sore with inflammation may be Squamous cell cancer
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer unless treated early. Melanoma tends to spread to other areas of the body generally through the local lymph nodes. Forecasts for 2007 for the U.S. will be close to 60,000 deaths from melanoma. Melanoma begins in melanocytes which are the cells that produce pigment in the skin, hair and eyes and tends to be heavily concentrated in moles. Melanomas generally appear as black or brown but sometimes they can be skin colored, pink red or purple.
Precancers and Early Cancers
There is early cancer development that can often result in later skin cancer. These include Actinic Chelitis, Lekophakia, Actinic Keratosis and Bowen's Disease.
Actinic Keratosis is most common in fair-skinned people who are frequently exposed to the sun, because their lack of pigment does not provide enough protection., and it is usually accompanied by solar damage. The scaly or crusty part of the bump is dry and rough. The growth starts out as flat scaly areas, and later grows into a tough, wart-like area. An Actinin Keratosis site commonly ranges between 2 to 6 millimeters, and can be dark or light, tan, pink, red, a combination of all these, or the same pigment of one's skin. It may appear on any sun exposed area, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, back of hands, forearms, lips etc. Since some of these pre-cancers progress to Squamous cells they should be treated.
Actinic Chelitis is caused by chronic and excessive exposure to sunlight. There is a thickening whitish discoloration of the lip at the border of the lip and skin. This condition is considered pre malignant and may lead to Squamous cell skin cancer. However, in the majority of cases it does not occur to become malignant until after the age of 60 and deaths are infrequent.
Leukoplakia affects less than one percent of the population, and is most common in adults within the 50-70 year age group. It is a condition of the mouth that involves the formation of white leathery spots on the mucous membranes of the tongue and inside of the mouth. It is believed to be caused mainly by tobacco use.
Bowen's Disease is a sunlight -induced skin disease, considered either an early stage of Squamous cell carcinoma and can be caused by solar damage, arsenic, immunosuppressant (including AIDS), viral infection and chronic skin injury. While it can affect any area of the skin, the face, hands, genital region, trunk and lower legs are commonly affected. Single lesions are most common, although they occasionally occur at multiple sites in the same individual.