This information from the Skin Cancer Foundation of Australia should prove to be helpful in identifying basal cell carcinomas.
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Filed under Symptoms, skin cancer diagnosis, types of skin cancer by on Dec 6th, 2009. Comment. 
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of all skin cancers. It accounts for about 75 percent of all skin cancers diagnosed in the US. Almost one out of five fair-skinned Americans would have at least one BCC in his or her lifetime.
Though it is generally found in Caucasian people, it has also been diagnosed in people with more pigmentation, including those of Asian or Mediterranean decent.
BCC develops from the basal cell layer of the epidermis. It usually grows very slowly and remains unchanged for years. It is labeled as non-melanoma because it rarely metastasizes or spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, all BCC can bleed or ulcerate.
They might appear as a small, shiny bump on the skin, in places that are often exposed to the sun, for instance, on the head, neck, arms, hands, and face.
Statistics show that there is a tendency of re-occurrence. 20 percent of people with a single BCC could develop a second one at another site within year, and 50 percent within three years. If there are two BCC at presentation, there is a 40 percent chance of developing a new one within a year.
Given this rate of re-occurrence, patients are advised to see their doctor twice a year for the first three years after treatment of the skin cancer, and then followed by yearly visits.
Filed under Skin Marks, Symptoms, skin cancer diagnosis, types of skin cancer by on Dec 5th, 2009. Comment.
Skin cancer is amongst the most common forms of cancer found these days. It is also highly preventable and very curable if it is caught early enough.
There are three different types of skin cancers that can be found on your skin.
The first form of skin cancer to emerge is squamous cell carcinoma. These neoplasms typically develop in areas which have been exposed to too much sun, more often than not the face and the ears. A lump or a swelling is often the first manifestation of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. If left untreated, it ulcerates into an unhealing open sore which continues to grow in size. In the later stages it can also spread to other parts of the body.
Basal cell carcinoma is another one of the types of skin cancers. These are generally found on the face, hands and neck and are as many as seventy five percent of all skin cancers that are diagnosed. Basal cell carcinoma is very treatable and can be cured quite easily if it is found early enough. The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma are a sore that bleeds and is irritated. It may also resemble a fresh scar.
The third type of skin cancer is the most dangerous of all of them. It is melanoma and it can be found on any area of the body. It is usually found on the arms and legs in the beginning. It will look like a mole or freckle that has recently appeared on the skin. It can also be from an existing mole that has recently changed its size, shape or color. The border of the melanoma will be indistinguishable and it may have more than one color.
It is imperative that the melanoma type of skin cancer be found and eradicated early to prevent the problems that will come with the later stages of this skin cancer.
There are many steps you can take to prevent skin cancer. Most importantly, try protect your skin from the sun whenever you are outside. It is a good idea to always wear sunscreen no matter what time of year it is. Have enough clothing to keep the skin from over-exposure to the sun. Have a hat handy to keep your face and head in shade.
In a nutshell, if you can keep an eye on your skin and be mindful of early symptoms of cancer development, you would likely keep yourself out of trouble.
As always, your best chance is from prevention and awareness.
Filed under Skin Marks, Symptoms, melanoma, skin cancer diagnosis, types of skin cancer by on Sep 19th, 2009. Comment.
