Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are three main kinds of skin cancer, and the best form of prevention in all cases is to avoid excessive exposure to the sun, wear sunscreen, and bring any unusual moles or rashes to the attention of a physician. Many types of skin cancer can be effectively treated if caught early, but some can prove fatal if allowed to metastasize.
In order of prevalence, the three types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Not only is BCC the most common type of skin cancer, it is also the most common cancer of any type, with about 400,000 new cases annually in the United States. BCC is characterized by translucent, raised lesions on the skin. BCC lesions can appear like acne or a skin-colored mole to the untrained eye. Fortunately, BCC is highly treatable if caught early. When left to grow, it can cause significant damage to the surrounding skin, cartilage, and even the bone.
Roughly 200,000 cases of SCC are reported annually in the United States. SCC creates bumps that look somewhat like warts. Over time, these can grow into a mushroom-type shape, and eventually the lesions become encrusted and start to bleed. A more dangerous cancer than BCC, SCC can metastasize throughout the body, and roughly 1,000 Americans die annually from the disease. Again, caught early, SCC can be effectively and easily treated.
Melanoma is the most life-threatening form of skin cancer, and fortunately the most rare, with roughly 35,000 cases per year in the U.S. Melanoma is more common in fair-skinned people, and it is rapidly becoming more prevalent among young white women. Melanoma develops most frequently in individuals with multiple moles who also sunburn easily. Darker-skinned people are less likely to contract the disease, but they are not immune. The easiest way to identify melanoma is to look for irregularity in moles. Melanoma moles are asymmetrical, they have jagged edges, and their color is inconsistent. They also tend to be at least a quarter of an inch in diameter. If you suspect that you may have some type of skin cancer, talk to your doctor or contact Dr. Sid Danesh’s office.
About the author: The owner of a Los Angeles-area dermatology practice, Dr. Sid Danesh and his wife, Dr. Gina Danesh, see patients suffering from many types of skin disorders.