Skin cancers are caused by excessive growth of your skin cells and are usually a result of prolonged UV exposure. Individuals who regularly use tanning beds or spend long hours in the sun are at risk for developing skin cancer and should be aware of any abnormal spots appearing on their bodies. Additionally, individuals who are fair-skinned or have a family history of skin cancer have a greater chance of developing the disease and should take the proper precautions.
There are three major types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas.
Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs)
Basal cell carcinomas are commonly found on the face, ears, arms and other sun-exposed parts of the body. BCCs are very common and are considered the most mild form of skin cancer. Although they are considered a cancer, they grow very slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. BCCs are often small, pink or tan colored bumps on the skin that have a waxy or pearly appearance, but can also appear as flat, brown lesions. There are a variety of treatment options for BCCs, including excision, electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C) and cryosurgery to name a few.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs)
Squamous cell carcinomas are the next most common type of skin cancer and like BCCs, they usually occur on sun-exposed parts of the body such as the face and arms. SCCs occur in the deeper layers of the skin and although they grow moderately slowly, they can spread to other parts of the body over time. SCCs are reddish or pinkish growths that occur on the skin and often have a scaly or irritated appearance. Treatment for SCC usually involves excision.
Melanomas
Melanomas occurs when the skin’s melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells in the skin) become cancerous. Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body. They are much less common than BCCs and SCCs, but can pose a major health issue if left untreated. Most melanomas are brown or black in color like a mole, but have asymmetry, irregular borders and coloring, large diameters, and/or have recently changed in shape or size. Because of their aggressive nature, melanomas must be removed from the body. Read more information from Mayo Clinic on Melanomas.
If you are diagnosed with or suspect that you have skin cancer and are looking for treatment, call our office at 508-936-1657 to book an appointment.