If you’re concerned about the appearance of your skin, you should know that skin cancer has many warning signs. Many of them are harmless, such as moles, but others can become life-threatening. While basal cell carcinomas tend to occur on the surface of the skin, they can also spread to other parts of the body. These signs include changes in the color or shape of your skin, redness or itching, and the appearance of a painful bump.
Squamous-cell skin cancer is typically characterized by a red, scaling patch on sun-exposed skin. It can also take the form of firm, dome-shaped nodules or masses. It is the second most common type of skin cancer and is not nearly as dangerous as melanoma. The presence of melanoma nevi on the skin during childhood is a warning sign that the disease may develop at an earlier age.
Squamous-cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It has a low risk of metastasizing and spreads to other parts of the body in less than two percent of cases. It typically appears as a firm red bump, crusted bump, or open sore. It may also resemble a wart. A doctor should consult with your family doctor to confirm whether it is melanoma or another type.
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer, and one in five Americans will develop it at some point in their lifetime. Despite public health warnings about sunscreen use, the incidence of melanoma is still increasing. The 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 93%. The likelihood of developing melanoma is largely dependent on your skin type and the amount of sunlight you get every day.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapies are two relatively new categories of treatment that have revolutionized skin cancer treatment. In immunotherapy, medications are injected into the tumor itself. The aim is to destroy the tumor while engaging the immune system to combat the disease. The treatment options vary, depending on the location of the cancer. Surgical treatments will vary based on the stage of the disease. A biopsy of the lymph nodes may be necessary in some cases. If a biopsy of the lymph nodes is necessary, the doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure.
Because skin cancer is so common, early detection is essential. By learning the warning signs and detecting melanomas while they are small and not spreading, the treatment will be much easier. Some doctors will include a skin exam during routine checkups, and many recommend monthly checkups. While basal and squamous cell skin cancer are more common than melanomas, they are often treatable. If you notice any changes on your skin, visit your doctor right away.
Treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer is usually successful. Removal depends on the type of cancer, but if it’s nonmelanoma, it can be removed with minor surgery. While basal and squamous cell carcinomas are easy to remove and treat, melanomas usually require a trained surgeon to remove the tumor with a wide margin excision and sample the lymph nodes around it.
