Melanoma or Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

When you catch skin cancer early, you can have it removed and stop the cancer before it has a chance to take hold.  Be sure to be pro-active about keeping skin cancer at bay.  When you find it early on, you have a good chance of defeating it.

In the first stages of skin cancer you will find out whether you have a non-melanoma skin cancer or a melanoma skin cancer.  Early stages for both of these have a very good prognosis for survival.  A basal cell carcinoma is very rarely spread beyond a second stage so the prognosis is very good if this is the type of skin cancer that you have.

If Not Stopped Melanoma Skin Cancer Can and Does Spread

If you have been diagnosed with a melanoma skin cancer it can and does spread beyond stage I and II if it is not stopped. When it is found in stage I and II the survival rate for a melanoma over five years is almost 100%.  If it is found at stage III the survival rate drops to 60%.  This is a large drop and shows the importance of early detection as the biggest cure for melanoma skin cancer.

It’s absolutely imperative to inspect your skin on a regular basis at least once every month for signs of skin cancer.  You should also see a physician regularly so that your skin can be examined as a part of your routine physical. If you detect anything suspicious on your skin you need to get it inspected by a doctor right away, especially if you have a discoloration or mole that seems to be changing shape and or color.

Wounds That Will Not Heal

You should also check with your doctor if you have a wound that will not heal.  Obtain the description of what a melanoma skin cancer looks like from your doctor so that you have a good idea of what you are looking for when you do your self examinations.  You must be able to identify possible skin cancer. Early stages of skin cancer can be relatively small in size, about the size of a pea, and progressively grows larger.   Eventually other organs will become involved as the cancer progresses through the body.  Once this happens the survival rate will drop and other forms of treatment, aside from removal of the cancer, will be necessary.

The Chances of Surviving Skin Cancer Are Excellent!

People often feel devastated when they are told that they have been diagnosed with skin cancer.  You may wonder what your next step needs to be, and you will likely be frightened.  Fortunately, the chances of surviving skin cancer are
excellent if the condition is detected in its earlier stages.