Skin cancer occurs as the result of abnormal growth of the skin cells. It is the most common type of cancer, and it is estimated that there are more than 1 million new cases each year. Exposure to the sun is the most common cause of skin cancer, but it can also occur in places not exposed to sunlight. There are different types of skin cancer, and the prognosis and treatment options vary depending on the type.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three major types of skin cancer. They are the most common types and include melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Less common types of skin cancer include kaposi sarcoma, merkel cell carcinoma, and sebaceous gland carcinoma.
Diagnosing Skin Cancer
The signs often include firm nodules, flat lesions, dark spots, moles that change in color or size, or lesions with irregular borders and areas that are white, black, blue, or red. In many cases, new signs or changes to existing skin imperfections develop suddenly. Skin cancer is most treatable when detected early, so patients should see a doctor as soon as they notice any troubling changes to the skin.
When diagnosing skin cancer, doctors generally perform a complete physical examination, taking special note of suspected cancer. By carefully examining skin changes, doctors can often determine the likelihood of a change being cancerous. In most cases, however, further testing is required. To determine whether or not suspicious-looking skin is cancerous, a biopsy is usually taken and sent in for laboratory testing. In addition to determining if a patient has cancer, a biopsy can also reveal the exact type of cancer. When cancer is detected, doctors usually recommend additional tests to determine how much the disease has progressed. In cases of basal or squamous cell carcinoma, however, additional testing usually is not required because the cancerous tissue can typically be removed.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the type and the stage. Many types are superficial, and the cancerous area can be removed without need for further treatment aside from routine check-ups. More aggressive forms or cases that have spread may require radiation, chemotherapy, or other treatments to kill cancerous cells. The prognosis varies greatly. In many cases, the cancer can be treated and cured when detected early. In cases where the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, however, the condition can result in death.
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