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Step 1
Basal CellThere are three types of skin cancer. The most common type accounting for up to 90% of all skin cancers is called Basal Cell. Basal cell is the vas caused primarily by exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Basal cell cancer does not usually metastasize or travel in the bloodstream. It can infiltrate the surrounding area destroying tissue which can be disfiguring, specifically on the ears and nose.
Basal cell usually appears to be a shiny bump that may or may not be pigmented. Because it appears like any other skin growth or even a de-pigmented mole, it is often ignored. Any change in your skin should be looked at by a dermatologist promptly. -
Step 2
Squamous CellSquamous Cell Carcinoma are scaly growths. They derive their name from the Latin word for scale in fact. They start out very often as something called acitinic keratoses. These are pre-cancerous growths that can be treated using topical creams such as 5-FU (Efudix or Carac) or Solareze which is a steroid.
Squamous Cell cancers develop about one quarter as often as Basal Cell cancer. They are more common in men than women and are found in sun exposed areas more often than not.
Unlike Basal Cell, Squamous Cell can and does metastasize and can be deadly. This is why it is very important to recognize these in time. Surgical excision known as Moh's surgery is a common method of removing these lesions.
UV avoidance and the same measures used to avoid Basal Cell is prudent for protection against Squamous Cell. -
Step 3
The most deadly and dreaded skin cancer is malignant Melanoma. Due to the very deadly nature of melanoma it can only be advised that you check the photo to see what some melanomas look like.
Any change in the borders, size or shape of an existing mole, any appearance of a new mole or growth should be checked out immediately by a doctor. The best hope for surviving this aggressive form of skin cancer is to catch it early.
