Treatments for skin cancer are highly successful when the skin disease is caught in the early stages. While there are varying forms of skin cancer to watch for, they all have commonalities that can make screening for skin cancer at home a lot easier.
Facts About Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is most likely to be seen on areas of the body that are most often exposed to the sun. These areas include the arms, the legs, the scalp, the back of the neck, the ears, the chest and the back. However, skin cancer symptoms can also be seen on areas of the body that are rarely exposed.
Skin cancer can form on the body slowly over time, but can also appear rapidly, in just a few days' time. Carefully paying attention to the changes on the surface of the skin can significantly impact the treatment of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate (percentage of people living at least 5 years after diagnosis) of people who are diagnosed in the early stages of skin cancer is nearly 100%. Once melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate drops below 20%.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common of all skin cancer types, basal cell carcinoma is the easiest skin cancer to treat and it is also the least likely to spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a pearly or waxy bump on the skin, or sometimes like a flat, brown disc similar to a mole. When checking the body for basal cell carcinoma, it is important to watch for any changes in color or texture to existing bumps on the skin.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Though squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to spread to other areas of the body than basal cell carcinoma, this form of skin cancer is still easily treated when caught early. Usually seen as a crusty, reddish bump on the skin or as a scaly patch of skin, squamous cell carcinoma often appears on the neck, ears, hands, and arms.
Melanoma
Melanoma is considered to be the most serious of all skin cancer types and is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. In men, melanoma typically appears on the torso, head, and neck of the body, while women are most likely to see melanoma on their arms or legs.
Some of the signs of melanoma include:
- A large brown-colored spot on the body with other smaller, new spots anywhere else on the body.
- Change in color, texture, size, or shape of existing moles on the body.
- Small lesion or spot with an irregular border and red, white, black or black-blue coloring in spots on the body
Other Important Information About Skin Cancer
Though basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three most common forms of skin cancer, other forms of skin cancer can occur. Staying alert to any changes in existing moles, coloration and texture of the skin is the key to skin cancer screening at home. Any noticed changes of the skin should be discussed with a dermatologist or medical professional to aid in the early detection of skin cancer.
 |
 |
 |
 |
