Skin
cancer occurs in three main forms: Basal
Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma.
Of the more than one million new cases of skin
cancer diagnosed in the U.S. each year, approximately
80% will be basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 16% will
be squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 4% will
be melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is a skin
cancer that develops in the basal layer of the
skin—deeper than the surface layer. Basal
cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer
worldwide. It is associated with chronic sun exposure.
Basal cell carcinoma seldom spreads to other parts
of the body, but can be disfiguring if not treated
early. Basal cell cancer should be treated promptly
by your dermatologist because they can grow locally
and destroy surrounding tissues. Basal Cell cancers
are curable, and are treated with surgical procedures
(excision, electrodessication and curettage, Mohs
Micrographic Surgery), Photodynamic therapy or
Imiquimod cream, depending on the type of cancer,
its location and its size.
Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous
cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common
cancer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma arises
in the outer layer of the skin (the epithelium).
Middle-aged and elderly persons, especially those
with fair complexions and frequent sun exposure,
are most likely to develop SCC.. Squamous cell
carcinomas often arise from small sandpaper-like
growths called solar or actinic keratoses. It
is rare for SCC to spread to local lymph nodes
and internal organs, but metastasis can happen
when high-risk SCC is not promptly diagnosed and
treated. Squamous Cell cancers are curable, and
are treated with surgical procedures (excision,
electrodessication and curettage, Mohs Micrographic
Surgery), Photodynamic therapy or Imiquimod cream,
depending on the type of cancer, its location
and its size.
Melanoma is also curable when
detected early, but it can be fatal if it is not
detected at an early stage. Melanoma is a cancer
of the pigment-producing cells in the skin, known
as melanocytes. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes
transform into cancer cells that multiply and
invade other tissues.
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The overall incidence
of melanoma is rising at an alarming rate.
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In 2005, one in 62 Americans
have a lifetime risk of developing invasive
melanoma, a 2000% increase from 1930. When
non-invasive melanoma is included, one in
34 Americans have a lifetime risk of developing
melanoma. |
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The American Academy
of Dermatology urges everyone to examine
their skin regularly. If there are any changes
in the size, color, shape or texture of a
mole, the development of a new mole, or any
other unusual changes in the skin, see your
dermatologist immediately. |
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Excessive exposure to
ultraviolet sunlight is the most preventable
cause of melanoma. Melanoma has also been
linked to excessive sun exposure in the first
10 to 18 years of life. |
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Not all melanomas are
sun related – other possible causes
include genetic factors and immune system
deficiencies. Melanoma can strike anyone.
Caucasians are ten times more likely to be
diagnosed with melanoma than other races. |
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