Skin Cancer Skin cancer is the common name for any of three different types of cancer such as, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. Skin cancer is the number one cancer diagnosis in the United States. The most basic definition of skin cancer is “the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells” (“Skin Cancer Foundation”). When discussing skin cancer, it is necessary to mention each cancer individually, as they are not all the same. For instance, Basal cell Carcinoma is the appearance of “abnormal, uncontrolled growths or lesions” (“Skin Cancer Foundation”). This is the most common type of skin cancer, and over 2.8 million people per year are diagnosed with this specific cancer (Cancer Resources). Squamous cell Carcinoma,
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Depending upon which type of cancer a patient has, they may be treated with either medications, or a procedure. The treatment options for Basal Cell Carcinoma depend upon “the type, size, location, and depth of penetration of the tumor, the patient’s age and general health, and the likely outcome to his or her appearance” (“Skin Cancer Foundation”). There are many different treatment options such as, Curretage and Electrodessication, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Excisional Surgery, Radiation, Cryosurgery, Photodynamic Therapy, Laser Surgery, Topical medications, and even Oral Medications (“Skin Cancer Foundation”). Squamous Cell Carcinoma, is treated is treated using the exact same methods dependent upon the severity of your diagnosis. However, since squamous cell carcinoma affects the upper layer of skin, the larger the tumor gets, the more severe the treatment will be. Thus, making it imperative for patients to seek treatment as soon as they notice and abnormal growth. When a patient is diagnosed with Melanoma, the first step is surgically excising the tumor. Although, Melanoma must be removed from the patient’s body, there are now many different options such as, outpatient/office surgery, setting the margins, and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Ultimately, prevention is key when it comes to skin cancer. There are many different ways a person can prevent any of the three types of skin cancer, such as limiting their amount of sun exposure, abstaining from tanning bed use, and using sun block when exposure is necessary. Also, in order to find this cancer before it worsens, it is suggested for people to examine their body from “head-to-toe” once a month. (“Skin Cancer
Depending upon which type of cancer a patient has, they may be treated with either medications, or a procedure. The treatment options for Basal Cell Carcinoma depend upon “the type, size, location, and depth of penetration of the tumor, the patient’s age and general health, and the likely outcome to his or her appearance” (“Skin Cancer Foundation”). There are many different treatment options such as, Curretage and Electrodessication, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Excisional Surgery, Radiation, Cryosurgery, Photodynamic Therapy, Laser Surgery, Topical medications, and even Oral Medications (“Skin Cancer Foundation”). Squamous Cell Carcinoma, is treated is treated using the exact same methods dependent upon the severity of your diagnosis. However, since squamous cell carcinoma affects the upper layer of skin, the larger the tumor gets, the more severe the treatment will be. Thus, making it imperative for patients to seek treatment as soon as they notice and abnormal growth. When a patient is diagnosed with Melanoma, the first step is surgically excising the tumor. Although, Melanoma must be removed from the patient’s body, there are now many different options such as, outpatient/office surgery, setting the margins, and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Ultimately, prevention is key when it comes to skin cancer. There are many different ways a person can prevent any of the three types of skin cancer, such as limiting their amount of sun exposure, abstaining from tanning bed use, and using sun block when exposure is necessary. Also, in order to find this cancer before it worsens, it is suggested for people to examine their body from “head-to-toe” once a month. (“Skin Cancer