There are 3 types of Skin Cancer; Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma.
An important part of the diagnosis is evaluating how deeply it has penetrated the layers of the skin. Lesions that area less than 0.7 mm deep typically have not yet spread, but lesions that have invaded 4 mm or more after often associated with distant metastasis.
Many doctors rely on the "ugly duckling" principle - any mole that looks different from others should be examined.
Risks
Ignoring an important sign or symptom - a sore that doesn't heal or a suspicious mole or other marking
Treatment Options
Typically depends on the type and stage of diagnosis.
Cryotherapy
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Photodynamic Therapy
Biological Therapy
Radiation
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This is by far the most common, accounting for about 80% of all skin cancer diagnoses
Slow-growing tumor of basal cells in the epidermis
Usually appears on the face or the head - around the nose or orbits
If not treated, it may invade and damage healthy tissues, including bones, blood vessels and nerves
Signs & Symptoms
The most common is a nodular form - small, hard lump with rounded pinky pearly edges and soft sunken middle
Tiny blood vessels call telangiectasias may be visible
May itch and bleed easily
They don't tend to hurt, and they don't heal
Pigmented Basal Cells has a darker lesions
Superficial Basal Cells resembles eczema or psoriasis
Micronodular Basal Cells shows multiple well-defined white/yellow lesions
Morpheaforn Basal Cells tend to show only subtle scar-like lesions on the skin, while slightly and aggressively invading deeper tissues
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Skin cells that arise in keratinocytes superficial to the basal layer
Often appears in areas exposed to sunlight, also grows in the mouth - affecting the tongue, cheeks and gums
It can grow on the penis or vaginal wall is associated with a history of genial warts
Exposure to mid-range UV light is the main risk factor, but can also develop in the presence of long-term skin injury or inflammation
Lesions caught in early stages are typically removed as quickly as possible
Types of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
1. Actinic Keratosis (AK) or Solar Keratosis
Often discussed as a precancerous condition that may lead to SCC
The cellular changes are identical to those seen with invasive SCC
If left long enough, most AK lesions do develop aggressive characteristics
They seldom spontaneously disappear
They look like brown or red scaly lesions in sun-exposed areas
2. Actinic Cheilitis
This is a form of AK
Found specifically on the lips
3. Leukoplakia
This form looks like white patches
This is on the tongue and inside of cheek
Often associated with tobacco use
It isn't usually dangerous, but in rare cases can become malignant
4. Bowen Disease or Situ SCC
Similar to AK
Lesions tend to be larger and browner
Signs & Symptoms
Often appears on pre-existing injuries (inside the mouth) and in areas with a history of sun damage
They share typical nonmelanoma skin cancer patterns - they appear as nonpainful sores that may itch or bleed, but don't fully heal
SCC borders are often less distinct than those of BCC
Many but not all SCC lesions begin as actinic keratoses
Melanoma
Melanocytes are the pigment cells deep in the epidermis that give skin its color
Melanin in skin cells offers some protection from UV radiation, but when they become overactive and replicate out of control, they quickly become a life-threatening form of cancer
Metastasizes readily, often leading to tumors in the bones, liver, or central nervous system
They are found in the eyes, reproductive and digestive tracts as well as the skin
This has a good prognosis if it is found and treated early
Types of Melanoma
1. Superficial Spreading Melanoma
The most common variety
it spreads along the surface of the skin before invading deeper tissues
It may be multicolored and slightly elevated
2. Lentigo Melanoma
Begins as a superficial discoloration
Usually in older people
They often deeply notched
3. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
It often begins under the nails or on the palms or soles
4. Nodular Melanoma
This is the most aggressive type of skin cancer
It is significantly elevated from the skin
It often penetrates deeper into the tissues
Signs & Symptoms
Often starts from a pre-existing mole that begins to change - it lightens, darkens, thickens, and may become elevated
It may itch or bleed around the edges
The color and texture may change
Doesn't always start as a mole, nor does it always begin in places exposed to the sun
Massage and Skin Cancer
Massage therapist are in a position to see possible lesions and bring them to client's attention
Clients who have been fully treated for skin cancer can enjoy the same benefits from massages as the rest of the population