Wednesday, February 2, 2011

What Are the Different Types Of Skin Cancer?

By Bart Forcey


Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that is diagnosed every day. It is also highly preventable and very curable if it is caught early enough. There are three different types of skin cancers that can be found on your skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma, the first skin cancer you should know about it, comes from getting too much sun. For that reason it is most often found on the face and ears. Squamous cell carcinoma starts off as a bump and later turns into an open sore that doesn't heal. If you go without treatment, it will get bigger and bigger. This type of skin cancer can also spread to more parts of your body if you do not get it treated.

Basal cell carcinoma is another one of the types of skin cancers. These are generally found on the face, hands and neck and are as many as seventy five percent of all skin cancers that are diagnosed. Basal cell carcinoma is very treatable and can be cured quite easily if it is found early enough. The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma are a sore that bleeds and is irritated. It may also resemble a fresh scar.

Melanoma is the last and potentially the most dangerous of all the types of skin cancer. Melanoma can be found on any part of the body, but is usually found on the arms and legs and is often mistaken for a mole or a freckle. Melanoma is particularly dangerous because it can come from an existing mole that has recently changed size, shape, or color.

It is imperative that the melanoma type of skin cancer be found and eradicated early to prevent the problems that will come with the later stages of this skin cancer.

You can do a great deal to prevent skin cancer from occurring. Make sure that you take precautions when you are out in the sun to protect your skin at all times. Wear a sunscreen every time you are outside no matter the season.

Be sure to wear clothes that keep exposed areas covered. Wear your hat to keep your neck and face protected. Be sure to examine your skin for potential skin cancers frequently. Early detection often makes the difference to survival.

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