Fortunately, skin cancer can be treated and even cured. There are several things to watch for, including the development of new moles. While most skin cancer develops on sun-exposed areas, some people are at risk of developing the disease in less-exposed areas. Some people may even develop cancer in places they’re not aware of, such as between their toes, under fingernails, the soles of their feet, and in their genitals. The location of the cancer is often tied to the type of skin cancer present.
A doctor will diagnose skin cancer through a biopsy of the suspicious area. A biopsy of the suspected skin mark is then sent to a lab where a pathologist will examine it under a microscope and may order other tests to detect cancer cells. Results will take a few days to come back, and your healthcare provider will let you know what to expect and discuss further tests. If cancer is found, treatment may include a course of palliative care.
People who get more than five sunburns per year have a doubled risk of developing melanoma. Although the disease is curable if detected and treated early, the risk of recurring skin cancer is greater for people with this history. Although the cancer is highly curable, early detection will significantly improve your prognosis. Early diagnosis will help you save money and avoid complications, so it’s important to wear sunscreen on your skin every day.
There are three types of skin cancers: squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma forms in the skin cells responsible for the color of your skin. These two types of skin cancer are most common in sun-exposed areas. While basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer are primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, they can occur anywhere on your body. However, if left untreated, they may spread to other areas of your body.
There are also some pre-cancerous lesions that may indicate the development of skin cancer. Pre-cancerous lesions usually appear as small, scaly, or tan patches. Occasionally, they may even be asymmetrical and change color over time. Symptoms of melanoma include a change in appearance or color, irregular edges, and itching. Moreover, a mole may begin to bleed or crust over.
In addition to moles, skin cancer can also develop in areas that are not visible to the naked eye. Regular examinations can detect these conditions at early stages. Skin cancer can develop in the areas between your toes, under your nails, or on your hands and feet. Even in the area around your eyes, skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body. If you suspect that you have skin cancer, see your dermatologist as soon as possible. Early detection can save your life and your doctor’s office bills.
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which affects the outermost layer of skin. It is often harmless but is most likely to spread if it’s not treated. The most common type of basal cell cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which accounts for 80% of non-melanoma cases. However, basal cell cancer tends to occur in people over 50, but can also occur in younger people who spend a lot of time in the sun. Another type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which develops in cells at the top of the epidermis. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are 1.8 million cases of squamous cell carcinoma in the U.S. each year.
