Most skin cancers are locally destructive cancerous also known as the malignant growth of the skin.

Basically, the skin cancer originates from the cells of the epidermis, the superficial layer of the skin.

Unlike cutaneous malignant melanoma, the vast majority of sorts of skin cancer rarely spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and become life-threatening.

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What is Skin Cancer?

Cancer includes melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma often start as changes in the skin. They can be precancerous or new growths lesions — changes that are not cancer but could become cancer over time.

The skin has several layers. Cancer begins in the epidermis (outer layer), which is made up of squamous cells, melanocytes, and basal cells.

Learn to spot the early warning signs and symptoms of skin cancer. Skin cancer can be cured if it’s found and treated early.

What are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?

There are different types of cancer including;

• Superficial spreading melanoma
• Nodular melanoma
• Lentigo maligna melanoma
• Acral lentiginous melanoma
• Amelanotic melanoma

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What are the Causes of Skin Cancer?

Melanoma is generally caused by skin cells that start to develop abnormally. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun the main cause of most melanomas, but there’s evidence to suggest that some melanoma may result from sunbed exposure. The type of sun exposure that causes melanoma is sudden intense exposure.

Certain things can increase the chances of developing melanoma including;

• Lots of moles or freckles on the skin.
• Red or blonde hair.
• Pale skin that burns easily.
• A close family member who’s had melanoma.

How is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

If you notice any change in your moles you can consult with your doctor. They’ll refer you to a specialist clinic or hospital if they think you are developing melanoma.

In most cases, a suspicious mole is surgically removed and closely examined to see whether it’s cancerous or not. The process is known as a biopsy. A biopsy usually involves the removal of a small tissue sample. However, in cases of melanoma, the whole mole is usually removed from the beginning.

You may also have a test to check if the melanoma has spread to the lymph glands or nodes. This is known as a sentinel node biopsy.

What are the Treatments Available for Skin Cancer?

The main treatment for melanoma or skin cancer is surgery, although the treatment will depend on the circumstances.

If melanoma is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, surgery is usually successful.

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