IS THERE ANY SKIN CANCER OTHER THAN MELANOMA?
Yes, there are types of skin cancer other than melanoma.
DO SKIN CANCERS ARISE ONLY FROM THE PIGMENT CELLS OF THE SKIN?
Melanoma is a type of cancer that arises from pigment cells of the skin called melanocytes. However, skin cancers can also arise from different cells in melanocytes and appear in different ways.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF SKIN CANCER?
The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma arises in the basal cells of the skin and usually grows slowly. Squamous cell carcinoma originates from the flat cells of the skin and grows faster than basal cell carcinoma.
If both types are diagnosed early, their treatment can be quite effective. Therefore, anyone with a non-healing wound and a suspicion of skin cancer is recommended to consult a dermatologist.
WHAT DOES BASAL CELL CANCER OF THE SKIN MEAN?
Basal cell cancer of the skin (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells of the skin. These cells are usually found in sun-exposed areas and often grow slowly. DBHK is less common than other skin cancers, but it is the most common type of skin cancer.
Basal cell cancer of the skin usually begins as slow-growing, painless sores. These wounds may be accompanied by changes such as thinning, flaking and spotting in the upper layer of the skin. In some cases of basal cell cancer, the sores may look crusty and sometimes bleed. Basal cell cancer of the skin is often associated with sunlight exposure and is especially risky for people with fair skin.
Treatment may vary depending on the size, location, and extent of spread of the cancer. Small basal cell cancer lesions can be easily removed surgically. For larger lesions, other treatment options such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be used. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent basal cell cancers from becoming a serious health problem.
WHAT DOES SQUAMOUS CELL CANCER OF THE SKIN MEAN?
Squamous cell cancer of the skin (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that arises from the squamous cells of the skin. These cells are located in the middle layer of the skin and are often seen in sun-exposed areas. Squamous cell cancer of the skin is the second most common type of skin cancer.
Squamous cell cancer of the skin usually begins as a crusty or scarred lesion on the skin. Lesions usually grow slowly, rarely they can grow rapidly and over time they can cause bleeding and pain. Squamous cell cancer of the skin can metastasize, especially depending on sun exposure, tanning, and the size of the tumor.
Treatment for squamous cell cancer of the skin may vary depending on the size, location, and extent of spread of the cancer. Surgery is an effective treatment option for removing small tumors. For larger tumors, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may also be used. Squamous cell cancer of the skin can often be treated successfully if diagnosed and treated early.