Detecting Different Types of Skin Cancer

When skin cells mutate and their reproduction process is uncontrolled due to natural decay or exposure to UV radiation, they can form growths which are sometimes cancerous. Different types of skin cells mutate into different types of skin cancer.

Each layer of skin is made up of a different kind of skin cell. The top layer of the epidermis is made up of round, flat cells called squamous cells. These are the surface of the skin. Underneath these cells, also in the epidermis, are basal cells. Between the dermis and epidermis are melanocytes, which pigment the skin. These cells can mutate into the most common forms of skin cancer, squamous or basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Skin cancer can be categorized into two main groups, melanoma and nonmelanoma. Treatment is similar for any type of nonmelanoma skin cancer, the most common forms of which are squamous and basal cell carcinoma. There are multiple forms of nonmelanoma skin cancer, but the others are rare. Melanoma is a much more serious condition.

Skin cancer, both melanoma and nonmelanoma, can be avoided by using mostly the same techniques. One difference is that recent studies show that tanning beds are a significant risk factor specifically for melanoma, making it actually healthier to get a tan in the sun due to melanoma’s comparative severity. Tanning beds should never be used. UV radiation exposure is a risk factor for both kinds of cancer, and you should use sunscreen or protective clothing, and avoid the sun during its midday peak. Light cloud cover does not block UV radiation.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer may have a less obvious appearance on the skin than melanoma, and looks like a lump, rash, or wound that does not heal. A doctor should review any irregularities resembling these symptoms, and you should regularly check your skin, including your scalp and all other body parts, so that such anomalies can be detected. They are usually painless, so you will have to find them yourself. They tend to appear on the face or body parts which are exposed to sunlight, but not always.

Melanoma and moles are caused by the same type of cells, melanocytes. These cells give pigment to the skin and can become benign growths known as moles or nevi. Risk factors for melanoma include having an unusually high number of moles or having dysplastic nevi, which are irregularly-shaped moles. These should be checked for any changes in size, color, or shape, and for irritation in the surrounding skin, as this may indicate melanoma.

Early detection and treatment is extremely important in cases of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer to avoid metastasis. If caught early, a tumor may be removed and the cancer eliminated, although in some cases, especially with melanoma, enough surrounding tissue must be removed in case it contains cancerous cells that skin grafts are necessary. If the disease is allowed to progress, cancerous cells may spread through the lymphatic system, requiring the removal of local lymph nodes. At this point, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary, in case cancerous cells have spread to other parts of the body where they may form additional tumors. Metastasis in the case of melanoma is particularly severe.

Catching skin cancer and treating it in its first stages of development is important to the recovery process. This is true for all types of skin cancer.

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