Skin Cancer & Precancerous Treatments
Skin cancer is the most common cancer, in which malignant cells are found in the outer layers of the skin. There are several different skin cancers, some of which are more threatening than others.
Skin Cancer Dermatologist & Doctor
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Portland, in which malignant cells are found in the outer layers of the skin. There are several different skin cancers, some of which are more threatening than others. It is well known that the majority of skin cancers are secondary to excessive and repeat sun exposure over an individual’s lifetime. Dermatologists thought for years that the majority of the damaging sun exposure took place prior to the age of 10. However, in the last few years this fact has been proven wrong. The majority of our sun exposure, over 80%, occurs after the age of 10. What this means is that sun protection over your whole life will decrease the risk of skin cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 76,600 cases of skin cancer in 2013.
The Three Most Common Types of Skin Cancer Are
Take your clothes off and do regular self-examinations; look for new moles and moles that are changing. Look for the mole or growth that looks like it does not belong on you.
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancer may start as a new growth, a sore that does not heal or a change in the appearance of a mole or freckle. Skin cancers look different from one another. It is important look for skin cancer signs by knowing what your moles currently look like to be able to tell if they have changed and become cancerous. Skin cancers are generally found on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, including the head, neck, face, hands and arms.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. In most cases it appears on skin that gets a lot of sun, such as the face, scalp, neck, hands, and arms. Basal cell carcinoma generally is a skin bump or growth that is pearly or waxy and is normally flesh colored or light pink.
Basal skin cancer grows slowly and usually does not spread to other parts of the body. But it should still be treated promptly. Treatment of basal cell skin cancer varies depending on the size, depth and location of the lesion.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer and accounts for approximately 25% of all skin cancers. This form of skin cancer arises in the squamous cells that make up most of the skin’s upper layers (epidermis).
It tends to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure including the rim of the ear, face, neck and arms. Anyone who has had a basal cell carcinoma is also more likely to develop squamous skin cancer. This skin cancer looks like a firm bump, scaly patch or an ulcer that heals and then re-opens, and is usually red in color. Squamous Cell Carcinoma may even look like a wart and sometimes appear as open sores with a raised border and a crusted surface. Squamous cell carcinomas detected at an early stage and removed promptly are usually curable and cause minimal damage.
However, left untreated, they eventually penetrate the underlying tissues and can become disfiguring. Squamous cell carcinoma also has a low risk of metastasis. Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma varies depending on the size, depth and location of the lesion: C & D, excision and MOHS surgery.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. If it is caught and treated early, it is almost always curable. Seeking the help of an experienced dermatologist in Portland is always a great way to ensure you’re getting the help that you need. However, if it is not caught early on it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal. Fair-skinned individuals with light hair and eye