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What are the different types of skin cancer?Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. There are three different types of skin cancer that are the most frequently seen: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma account for 95% of all skin cancers. Some cancers are more dangerous than others, but all skin cancers can be the result of excessive sun exposure. |
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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) -- the most common type of skin cancer with over 800,000 cases reported in the U.S. annually. BCC is a non-melanoma skin cancer. 90% occur on head and neck. Appear as small, fleshy to pearly bumps or nodules. BCC are highly curable when treated early and rarely spread. |
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) -- appear as crusted, red patches or nodules, which persist or refuse to heal. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also a non-melanoma skin cancer. SCC is mainly caused by chronic overexposure to the sun. SCC tumors are most frequently seen on the head, neck, shoulders, arms and back. The lower lip and rims of ears are especially susceptible. |
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Malignant Melanoma -- the most deadly but least common skin cancer, however if detected and treated early it is nearly 100% curable. Malignant melanoma affects about 60,000 Americans each year. Kills 1 in 6 when it spreads throughout the body. Currently, there is a 1 in 71 chance that you will develop melanoma in your lifetime. That risk appears to be increasing! Genetics do appear to play a role in the development of some melanomas. Also, although moles are usually harmless, anyone who has more than 100 moles is at greater risk for melanoma. People with fair skin, light hair and eye color are at increased risk.
How can you recognize Melanoma skin cancer? The ABCDEs of Melanoma (from The Skin Cancer Foundation) -- It is very important to examine the moles you do have and monitor them for abnormalities and changes. To examine your own skin, follow the ABCDEs of Melanoma, and look for the following abnormalities. Asymmetry If you draw a line through the mole, the two halves will not match, meaning it is asymmetrical. B=Border The borders of early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched. C=Color A mole with a variety of colors is another warning sign. Different shades of brown, tan or black can appear in one mole. A melanoma can even be pink, red, white or blue. D=Diameter Melanomas are usually larger in diameter than the size of a pencil eraser, but they may be smaller when they are first detected. E=Evolving Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting indicates a potential melanoma and must be examined by a medical professional.
Other websites to visit American Academy of Dermatology: The ABCDs of Skin Cancer. More pictures and explanations of different types of skin cancers. The Skin Cancer Foundation: The ABCDEs of Melanoma. Another site with photos of different skin cancer examples. Melanoma.com. This site focuses mainly on melanoma skin cancer. |
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Sunsense 101 Home | The Sun and Your Skin | What is Skin Cancer | Protect Yourself | Pick the Right Sunscreen | For Kids | Teens and Tanning | For Educators | For Parents | Partnerships |
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