Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, affecting more than 2 million people in the United States each year. While it can occur anywhere on the body, it is most often found on the face, neck, arms, and hands. While skin cancer is not always deadly, it can be costly to treat if not caught early. There are several different types of skin cancer, the most common of which are basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer can be treated in various ways, depending on the type and severity of the cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or photodynamic therapy. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so you need to visit a specialist in skin cancer Downtown DC for regular screening. In this article, we look at the different types of skin cancer.
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Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, accounting for more than 80% of all cases. This type of cancer develops in the basal cells, which are the cells that line the deepest layer of the skin. Basal cell carcinomas are slow-growing and rarely spread to other body parts. They can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. This type of skin cancer is most commonly found on the head, neck, and chest.
If you experience any warnings, such as a sore that does not heal, a change in the appearance of an existing mole, or a new lump on your skin, you should see a specialist in skin cancer for evaluation.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 20% of all cases. This type of cancer develops in the squamous cells, which are the cells that make up the outer layer of the skin. Treat squamous cell carcinomas with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. They are most commonly found on the head, neck, hands, and arms.
You should consider seeing a skin cancer specialist if you experience any of the following warning signs:
- A sore that does not heal.
- A change in the appearance of an existing mole.
- A new lump on your skin.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer, accounting for about 5% of all cases. This type of cancer develops in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanomas can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. They can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. This type of skin cancer is most commonly found on the head, neck, arms, and legs.
People with melanoma often have moles on their skin. If you have a lot of moles, or if any of your moles change in size, shape, or color, you should see a specialist in skin cancer for regular screening.
In summary, there are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. These cancers can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the type and severity of the cancer. If you experience any warning signs, such as a sore that does not heal, you should see a specialist in skin cancer for evaluation.
