Types of skin cancers that can occur

Discuss at least three types of skin cancers that can occur The first skin cancer that | would like to discuss is basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and causes roughly 3.6 million diagnoses every year in America. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and is very curable if caught early. Basal cells are located in the top layers of skin and can be significantly affected by ultraviolet rays in the sun or even a tanning bed. Basal cell carcinoma typically stays within the original affected site. Basal cell carcinoma can be found anywhere on the body, so it is essential to remember the five warning signs for BCCs: an open unhealing sore, red patches, shiny bumps, small pink growths, or scar-like areas. It is typically recommended to see a doctor if two or more of these warning signs are seen because there is an elevated risk of it being a tumor.

The second skin cancer | would like to discuss is squamous cell carcinoma. SCC is the second most comrr;on skin cancer and affects the squamous cells near the skin’s surface. On average, 1.8 million diagnoses of squamous cell carcinoma are made every year. While there are many risks for developing SCC, about ninety perceht of cases are caused by unsafe exposure to UV rays. If caught early, SCC is treatable. Squamous cell carcinoma can appear in many ways, so looking over your body from head to toe at least once a month is essential. Look for new changes, open sores that will not heal, new growth, or patches that have not been there. Note any changes and discuss them with your doctor or see a dermatologist. Malignant melanoma is the third most common skin cancer and accounts for over one hundred thousand cases a year. Melanoma begins in the melanocyte cell. Melanoma can spread quickly if not treated early, making it a more dangerous cancer. Different types of melanoma are lentigo, superficial spreading, nodular, and acral lentiginous. Melanoma can be caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds. More risks for developing melanoma are genetics, skin type/color, freckles, moles on the body, weak immune systems, or a history of skin cancer. Early detection is essential for promising treatment. Given that melanoma can present on any part of the body, it is recommended to follow the ABCDESs of melanoma: A asymmetry, B border, C color, D diameter and darkness, and E evolving. Remembering these steps can help detect any critical change in your body so you can discuss it with a doctor.