Neda Skin Solutions-What is Skin Cancer?

WHAT IS SKIN CANCER?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than a million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. Skin Cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your skin. The most common types are Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These types of skin cancer are called non-melanoma skin cancer. Melanoma, another type of skin cancer, starts in the melanocytes. It is not as common as basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, but it is much more serious.

Skin cancer is more common in people with light colored skin who have spent a lot of time in the sunlight. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body, but it is most common in places that have been exposed to more sunlight, such as your face, neck, hands, and arms.

Skin cancer can look many different ways. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won't heal. Sometimes there may be a small lump. This lump can be smooth, shiny and waxy looking, or it can be red or reddish brown. Skin cancer may also appear as a flat red spot that is rough or scaly. Not all changes in the skin are cancer, but you should see your doctor if you notice changes.

Like most cancers, skin cancer is best treated when it is diagnosed early. If you have a spot or lump on your skin, your doctor may remove the growth and look at the tissue under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. Before the biopsy, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area for a short period of time.

Most non-melanoma skin cancers can be cured. Chance of recovery (prognosis) and choice of treatment depend on the type of skin cancer and how far it has spread.

Other kinds of cancer that may affect the skin include cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Cancers that start in other parts of the body may also spread (metastasize) to the skin.



		WHAT IS SKIN CANCER? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than a million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. Skin Cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your skin. The most common types are Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These types of skin cancer are called non-melanoma skin cancer. Melanoma, another type of skin cancer, starts in the melanocytes. It is not as common as basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, but it is much more serious. Skin cancer is more common in people with light colored skin who have spent a lot of time in the sunlight. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body, but it is most common in places that have been exposed to more sunlight, such as your face, neck, hands, and arms. Skin cancer can look many different ways. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won't heal. Sometimes there may be a small lump. This lump can be smooth, shiny and waxy looking, or it can be red or reddish brown. Skin cancer may also appear as a flat red spot that is rough or scaly. Not all changes in the skin are cancer, but you should see your doctor if you notice changes. Like most cancers, skin cancer is best treated when it is diagnosed early. If you have a spot or lump on your skin, your doctor may remove the growth and look at the tissue under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. Before the biopsy, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area for a short period of time. Most non-melanoma skin cancers can be cured. Chance of recovery (prognosis) and choice of treatment depend on the type of skin cancer and how far it has spread. Other kinds of cancer that may affect the skin include cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Cancers that start in other parts of the body may also spread (metastasize) to the skin.