Melanoma and Skin Cancers

What is skin cancer?

The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both basal and squamous cells are part of the epidermis, with squamous cells preceding basal cells.

What are the causes of skin cancer?

Squamous and Basal cell carcinomas are often caused by frequent and long-term sun exposure, the use of tanning devices, radiation damage, old age, immunosuppressants, and inherited mutations and conditions that predispose a patient to developing skin cancer.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Skin cancer often first presents as changes in skin, such as bumps, brown, black, or blue lesions, scaly patches of skin, irregular moles, or lesions.

What are risk factors of skin cancer?

Overexposure to UV light or sunlight, tanning devices, and fair skin predispose a person to greater chances of developing skin cancer.

How is skin cancer treated?

Skin cancer can be treated using skin creams, radiation therapy, surgery, or photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy combines the use of skin creams and specialized lights.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a more serious form of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, which are cells that produce melanin.

What are the causes of melanoma?

Like skin cancer, melanoma is caused by genetic mutations in melanocytes, Frequent sun exposure and damage, exposure to UV light, fairer skin, weakened immune system, and a family history of melanoma all increase the chances of melanoma.

What are the symptoms of melanoma?

Symptoms of melanoma are first noticed when existing moles change shape and/or appearance, or when a growth appears on the skin. Unusual moles can be identified using the letters ABCDE (A is for asymmetrical shape, B is for irregular border, C is for changes in color, D is for diameter, E is for evolving).

How is melanoma treated?

Treatment of melanoma can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or surgery.