Different Types Of Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer.  It is easy to prevent it, and it is very curable, but it must be detected early on.  There are three main types of skin cancer that you might see on your skin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The first type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.  They are generally found in areas that have been overexposed to the sun.  The face and ears are typical locations for this type of skin cancer. With squamous cell carcinoma, you will most often have a bump in the beginning and it will eventually turn into an open sore that will not heal.  It will continue to get larger and larger if left untreated.  It will also spread to other parts of the body if you do not get treatment for this type of skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma

is another one of the types of skin cancers.  These are generally found on the face, hands and neck and are as many as seventy five percent of all skin cancers that are diagnosed. Basal cell carcinoma is very treatable and can be cured quite easily if it is found early enough.  The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma are a sore that bleeds and is irritated.  It may also resemble a fresh scar.

Melanoma

Melanoma can be found on any area of the boday, and it is widely recognized as the most dangerous form of skin cancer.  Most of the time you find it first on the arms and legs, where it looks like a mole or freckled.  Instead of a new mole, it could also be an old mole that suddenly changed shape, size, or color.

It is imperative that the melanoma type of skin cancer be found and eradicated early to prevent the problems that will come with the later stages of this skin cancer.

Regardless of the time of year, care should be taken to prevent skin cancer.  Make sure that you protect your skin at all times by wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat if possible.

Be sure to wear clothes that keep exposed areas covered.  Wear your hat to keep your neck and face protected.  Be sure to examine your skin for potential skin cancers frequently.  Early detection and prompt action upon it often makes the difference to survival.