The skin is made up of three major types of cells which include basal cells, squamous cells, and melanocytes. When these cells get damaged, they undergo a transformation where they grow and multiply without normal control resulting in skin cancer. Different types of skin cancer are usually locally destructive cancerous and rarely spread to other parts of the body. Nearly all different types of skin cancer can be treated effectively if diagnosed early. Discussed below are the different types of skin cancers.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
It usually develop as a lump that is red, pale or pearly in color. It can appear as a sore that does not heal properly. The lump can develop on the face, ear, and lips and around the mouth. This form of skin cancer is more common in people who have a fair skin, though it can also occur in the darker skin. Luckily, it is nearly 100-percent curable when treated early. However, if not diagnosed early, it can cause disfigurement.
Symptoms:
- It develops on part of the body that is sun-exposed.
- It can appear as a small “pearly” bump (translucent such that you can see through the surface a bit) that is fleshly-colored or a sore that won’t go away.
- A flat, scaly reddish, brown, black or blue patch/lesion.
- Waxy, hard skin growth.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
It forms in the scale-like squamous cells of the epidermis. It usually develops on the areas of the body damaged by UV rays from the sun which includes legs, hands, head, neck, lips arms and ears. Unlike the basal cell form of cancer, it can easily spread to other tissues such as the lymph nodes and bones. It usually appears like a red firm pump, scaly patch or sore that usually heals and then re-opens. Squamous cell carcinoma is 95-percent treatable if diagnosed early before spreading to other areas of the body.
Symptoms:
- A growing lump with the rough, scaly or crusty surface.
- A firm red nodule that easily bleeds when scrapped
- A scar or chronic skin sore that won’t go away.
Malignant Melanoma
This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. In most cases, it develops in a mole (cluster of melanocytes) that start to have an even coloring that is often pink, red, brown or black in color. This form of cancer grows very quickly and requires to be treated as soon as possible. It can spread to other parts of the body including lungs and livers making it difficult to be treated. However, if diagnosed early, it is highly treatable.
Symptoms:
- Hardened lumps under the skin
- Development of a new pigmented /unusual looking growth on the skin.
- A sore that doesn’t heal.
- Change in sensation. For instance pain, itchiness and tenderness.
- Difficult breathing.
- Swelling of the liver or loss of appetite.
Don’t Wait
A common symptom all different types of skin cancer is a sore or scab that doesn’t heal or a flat patch of scaly skin that doesn’t go away. It is crucial to set an appointment specialized dermatologists if you spot a growth with the features above or anything unusual. The earlier the diagnoses, the easier the disease is to treat. Contact Atomic Dermatology to schedule your consultation today! We are conveniently located in Pasco, WA.
