Skin Cancer

 SKIN CANCER FACTS

-According to Centers of Disease and Control (CDC), skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
-In 2009, 61,646 people were diagnosed with melanomas, 9,199 people died from it.
-Most common types of cancer are:
                    
- Basal Cell: Nonmelanoma, a slow growing skin cancer, this is the most common form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma starts in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. Most basal cell cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. This includes the top of your head, or scalp.
Symptoms:
 Basal cell skin cancer grows slowly and is usually painless. It may not look that different from youur normal skin. You may have a skin bump or growth that is: pearly or waxy, white or light pink, flesh-colored or brown. In some cases the skin may be just slightly raised or even flat

 

 

                


                      
-Squamos Cell: Nonmelanoma,Squamous cell cancer may occur in normal skin or in skin that has been injured or inflamed. Most skin cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation.
Symptoms:
Squamous cell skin cancer usually occurs on the face, ears, neck, hands, or arm.
The main symptom is a growing bump that may have a rough, scaly surface and flat reddish patches.
The earliest form appears as a scaly, crusted, and large reddish patch (often larger than 1 inch).
A sore that does not heal can be a sign of squamous cell cancer. Any change in an existing wart, mole, could be a sign of skin cancer.

                   



-Melanoma:It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and the leading cause of death for skin cancer. Melanoma is caused by changes in cells called melanocytes, which produce a skin pigment called melanin. Melanin is responsible for skin and hair color. It can appear on normal skin, or it may begin as a mole or other area that has changed in appearance. Some moles that are present at birth may develop into melanomas.
There are four major types of melanoma:

• Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type. It is usually flat and irregular in shape and color, with different shades of black and brown. It is most common in Caucasians.
• Nodular melanoma usually starts as a raised area that is dark blackish-blue or bluish-red. However, some do not have any color.
• Lentigo maligna melanoma usually occurs in the elderly. It is most common in sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, and arms. The abnormal skin areas are usually large, flat, and tan with areas of brown.
• Acral lentiginous melanoma is the least common form. It usually occurs on the palms, soles, or under the nails and is more common in African Americans

Symptoms:
A mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin can be a sign of melanoma or other skin cancer. A sore or growth that bleeds, or changes in skin coloring may also be a sign of skin cancer.