What Are The Different Types of Skin Cancer?
There are actually three main types of skin cancer, and this is dependent on the skin cell from which they arise from. Each one has its own growth rate, typical location in which it develops, appearance, and prognosis. The three main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma, is the most common forms of skin cancer and is also the slowest growing and least serious of all three kinds of skin cancers. It will rarely metastasize. It typically stays localized and can usually be successfully treated. However, it should not be ignored as it can be locally destructive.
Symptoms include a sore that oozes or bleeds, a redness area that is irritated, a yellow or white area that resembles a scar, and a pink pearly bump.
Squamous cell carcinoma, on the other hand, is a little more serious than basal cell carcinoma because it has the ability, if not early and aggressively treated to spread to lymph nodes and vital organs. When caught early enough, it can be removed before it spreads throughout the body. This type of cancer is usually associated with the sun and excessive exposure to it’s UV rays.
Malignant melanoma is the most serious of the three. Not only can it spread quickly like squamous cell carcinoma, but it typically spreads quickly through the blood and/or lymph nodes to other vital organs. While this is least common of the big three, it is the most concerning.
Knowing the three different kinds of skin cancer can help you understand the classifications and the seriousness associated with each. If you have a spot that you are concerned about and want it checked out, call Dr. Doppelt today to schedule a consultation and evaluation.
What treatments are available?
The diagnosis of skin cancer can be scary. However, there are multiple, effective, treatment options available depending on the type and location of the cancer.
Surgical excision is the most common method of treatment. Other treatment options include cryosurgery, topical medications, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. You and your dermatologist should talk about the pros and cons of each form of treatment and which option is best for you.
If you are a skin cancer patient and are looking for treatment, Dr. Doppelt can compassionately explain your options. Call his office today to schedule a consultation and examination to see what you can do to treat your skin cancer.
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Basal cell carcinoma, is the most common forms of skin cancer and is also the slowest growing and least serious of all three kinds of skin cancers. It will rarely metastasize. It typically stays localized and can usually be successfully treated. However, it should not be ignored as it can be locally destructive.
Symptoms include a sore that oozes or bleeds, a redness area that is irritated, a yellow or white area that resembles a scar, and a pink pearly bump.
Squamous cell carcinoma, on the other hand, is a little more serious than basal cell carcinoma because it has the ability, if not early and aggressively treated to spread to lymph nodes and vital organs. When caught early enough, it can be removed before it spreads throughout the body. This type of cancer is usually associated with the sun and excessive exposure to it’s UV rays.
Malignant melanoma is the most serious of the three. Not only can it spread quickly like squamous cell carcinoma, but it typically spreads quickly through the blood and/or lymph nodes to other vital organs. While this is least common of the big three, it is the most concerning.
Knowing the three different kinds of skin cancer can help you understand the classifications and the seriousness associated with each. If you have a spot that you are concerned about and want it checked out, call Dr. Doppelt today to schedule a consultation and evaluation.
What treatments are available?
The diagnosis of skin cancer can be scary. However, there are multiple, effective, treatment options available depending on the type and location of the cancer.
Surgical excision is the most common method of treatment. Other treatment options include cryosurgery, topical medications, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. You and your dermatologist should talk about the pros and cons of each form of treatment and which option is best for you.
If you are a skin cancer patient and are looking for treatment, Dr. Doppelt can compassionately explain your options. Call his office today to schedule a consultation and examination to see what you can do to treat your skin cancer.
Related FAQ's
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