Information Basics About Melanoma...
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It is caused mainly by over-exposure to the sun. It can also be caused by artificial ultraviolet radiation sources such as tanning beds and booths. In its early stages, skin cancer is nearly 100% curable.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinomas are the most common form of skin cancer in the U.S. It arises in the basal cells, found deep in the epidermis below the squamous cells. This type of skin cancer tends to form on frequently exposed areas of the skin. It is characterized by a persistent sore or a pinkish growth with an indented center that may be crusted or open. Basal cell carcinoma has a low incidence of metastasis, or spreading.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. It begins in the squamous cells, which comprise the uppermost layer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is nearly always curable, but has been seen to metastasize, or spread to other body organs, in some advanced cases. They usually present as a crusted, scaly patch or ulcer that will not heal. This type of skin cancer is also most likely to form on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck and arms.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma forms in the melanocytes, which are the pigment- producing cells deep in the epidermis. Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but it is by far the deadliest. Although melanoma has a cure rate of approximately 97% for very early cases, the 5-year survival rates plummet quickly as the disease progresses.
Follow the ABCDE rule for early detection:
Asymmetry – One half of the mole does not match the other.
Border– The edge of the mole is not well defined, jagged looking, or color seems to spill out.
Color – Color is not consistent throughout the mole, more than one shade of black, brown,
red, or even blue or white within same mole.
Diameter– Melanomas generally are bigger than the width of a pencil eraser.
Evolving – Any mole that is brand new or changing in color, size, shape or height, or any mole
that develops symptoms, such as itching or bleeding
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It is caused mainly by over-exposure to the sun. It can also be caused by artificial ultraviolet radiation sources such as tanning beds and booths. In its early stages, skin cancer is nearly 100% curable.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinomas are the most common form of skin cancer in the U.S. It arises in the basal cells, found deep in the epidermis below the squamous cells. This type of skin cancer tends to form on frequently exposed areas of the skin. It is characterized by a persistent sore or a pinkish growth with an indented center that may be crusted or open. Basal cell carcinoma has a low incidence of metastasis, or spreading.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. It begins in the squamous cells, which comprise the uppermost layer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is nearly always curable, but has been seen to metastasize, or spread to other body organs, in some advanced cases. They usually present as a crusted, scaly patch or ulcer that will not heal. This type of skin cancer is also most likely to form on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck and arms.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma forms in the melanocytes, which are the pigment- producing cells deep in the epidermis. Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but it is by far the deadliest. Although melanoma has a cure rate of approximately 97% for very early cases, the 5-year survival rates plummet quickly as the disease progresses.
Follow the ABCDE rule for early detection:
Asymmetry – One half of the mole does not match the other.
Border– The edge of the mole is not well defined, jagged looking, or color seems to spill out.
Color – Color is not consistent throughout the mole, more than one shade of black, brown,
red, or even blue or white within same mole.
Diameter– Melanomas generally are bigger than the width of a pencil eraser.
Evolving – Any mole that is brand new or changing in color, size, shape or height, or any mole
that develops symptoms, such as itching or bleeding