Two Types of Skin Cancer

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

28 Jul 2007 11:41 AM

Skin cancer is divided into two categories: melanomas and nonmelanomas.

Melanoma is a cancer of the melanin cells -- the skin cells that give your skin a tan or brown color. Melanin also helps protect your skin from the sun. Melanoma is diagnosed on a scale of I to IV. The early stages -- stage I and stage II -- are usually localized. Removing the cancer often cures the patient completely. The five year survival rate for a stage I or stage II melanoma is 99 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.

Advanced melanomas -- stage III and stage IV -- have spread to other tissues in the immediate area or to other parts of the body. The five year survival rate for a regional (close) spread is 65 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.

Nonmelanomas are divided into two types: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both types begin in the epidermis -- the top layer of skin. Both cancers develop in places where the skin is exposed to the most sun, like the scalp, ears, neck, shoulders, back, hands, and face. Basal cell carcinomas grow slowly, and don't tend to spread to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinomas are more likely to spread to other parts of the body. However, if the cancer is caught and treated quickly, both types of nonmelanoma have a 95 percent cure rate, according to the American Cancer Society.

You should ask your doctor or dermatologist to do a full skin check at least once a year, if not more often. You should also perform a skin exam at home every month -- use a hand mirror or ask your spouse to check the spots you can't see. Take a close look at any moles and freckles:

• Watch for marks that are NOT symmetrical (equally shaped and sized on both sides).
• Watch for marks that are multicolored, or change color.
• Watch for marks that are growing.

Having one skin cancer increases your chance of developing more.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger