You know that skin cancer is a serious problem. If it isn’t treated, you could be dealing with disfigurement as the least of your worries. The most serious issues happen when skin cancer spreads. If it spreads to your other organs or your blood, you could be dealing with a life-threatening issue. You know what you can do to avoid skin cancer. You can wear sunscreen every day. Get a moisturizer that includes it for extra benefits. You can wear a hat. You can cover your skin with protective clothing. It’s also beneficial to know what types of skin cancer there are so that you can be on guard.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
When it comes to skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma is the diagnosis that is most common. The top layer of your skin is the epidermis. Beneath this layer is where you will find your basal cells. When you have basal cell carcinoma, you may find a bump on your skin that is shiny. It is likely to show up in areas that have been repeatedly exposed to the sun over time. It could be on your scalp. It could be on your shoulders, your neck, your back, or your chest. When caught early, this is one of the most easily treated forms of skin cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma affects the cells in the epidermis, or top layer of your skin. This type of cancer often looks like a bump that is red and scaly. It often appears on the face, the ears, the mouth, or even the scalp. This type of cancer can spread and is dangerous.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It typically begins looking like a mole. However, that mole will change. It may be asymmetrical. It may be very large. It could have strange colors. The borders may no longer be obvious. You may have spots that appear that aren’t moles. If not treated in its early stages, it can spread quickly throughout your body. This is the most deadly of all types of skin cancer. However, there is hope.
What Can You Do About Skin Cancer?
Besides protecting your skin, the best thing you can do is check your skin regularly for any changes. See a dermatologist once a year to have your skin evaluated for skin cancer. If anything unusual is discovered, the dermatologist can recommend treatment.
Make an appointment at Plateroti Dermatology in Templeton to get started. Contact us today to book your evaluation.
