Skin
cancer is the most common cancer in America accounting for
approximately one out of three cancers. Unfortunately, skin
cancer rates have been steadily increasing over the past
several decades. Fortunately, most skin cancers are curable
if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. The three
common types of skin cancer are basel cell carcinoma, squamous
cell carcinoma and melanoma. All three are related to sun
damage. Fair-skinned individuals have an increased risk
of developing skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most
common skin cancer. Signs of basal cell carcinoma are an
open sore taking longer than three weeks to heal, a recurring
reddish patch which may be tender, or itch, a smooth circular
growth with raised edges and a depressed center, or a pearly
nodule. Basal cell carcinoma may be milky in color or a
pale mark which resembles a scar. Squamous cell carcinoma
often times present as an open sore, red patch, or a thickened
raised growth. They may appear similar to a basal cell carcinoma
or look like a wart that continually bleeds and scabs. Melanoma
is the third and most serious form of skin cancer, and has
subtle early signs. Any mole which has an irregular board
or irregular coloring should be examined by a physician.
An lesion that changes color or shape should also be checked.
Chronic itching in a mole is another sign of possible problems.
Treatment of skin cancer involved surgical removal of the
lesion. Most skin cancers are treated in the physician's
office using local anesthetic. The lesion is then examined
under the microscope to determine its seriousness, and whether
further treatment is needed.
