| Although there are several types of skin cancer, | | | | a doctor at least once a year as part of a |
| the most common are melanoma, basal call | | | | preventative plan. |
| carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. | | | | Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor of the |
| Although melanoma is not found as often as | | | | epithelium cells. It occurs in many areas of the |
| other skin cancers, it is one of the most well | | | | body besides the skin including the mouth, lungs |
| known because it causes the most deaths related | | | | and cervix. Squamous cell carcinomas make up |
| to skin cancer. Melanoma is hard to treat, with the | | | | about 20% of all skin cancer cases. It is most |
| most effective option being simply removing the | | | | often caused by continuous exposure to sunlight |
| part of the skin that is affected. However, this | | | | over a long period of time. If an area is suspected |
| has to be done early in order to be at all | | | | to be cancerous, a biopsy will be done. If cancer is |
| successful. There are approximately 160,000 new | | | | found, surgery will be done to remove the area. |
| cases of melanoma each year. Approximately | | | | The most common form of skin cancer is basal |
| 48,000 people die of melanoma each year. | | | | cell carcinoma. In the United States, there are |
| Melanoma can be caused by exposure to the sun. | | | | approximately 800,000 new cases per year. It |
| This is particularly significant if a person has had a | | | | occurs most commonly in individuals who have |
| bad sunburn during childhood. White males usually | | | | fair skin and have been exposed to the sun. |
| get melanoma more than any other group, and | | | | There is also a genetic component, as this cancer |
| people living in sunny climates are at higher risk. | | | | also occurs in areas which are not exposed to the |
| There is also a genetic risk factor. | | | | sun. Luckily, basal cell carcinomas rarely cause |
| Melanomas are usually noticed by detecting a | | | | death and can be treated successfully in most |
| change in skin moles. If there is any change to | | | | cases. They can cause disfiguration when the |
| the mole, this might mean that a melanoma is | | | | cancer is on the nose, lips, ears, or eyes. |
| present. Individuals should check their moles to | | | | If you suspect that you might have skin cancer, |
| see if the size, color or shape has changed. They | | | | you should contact your doctor or a |
| should also alert their doctor if a mole becomes | | | | dermatologist to have the area examined. It is |
| itchy or starts to bleed. If a patient has a family | | | | also a good idea to have your doctor check out |
| history of melanoma, they should be examined by | | | | your skin during your yearly physical. |