There are two main types of skin cancer - non melanoma and melanoma cancer.
NON-MELANOMA CANCER
More than 75,000 cases of non-melanoma cancer are recorded in the UK each year and it is the most common form of skin cancer. Most people who receive treatment for non melanoma cancer are treated easily and recover but like any type of cancer, it is best to diagnose and act early.
There are two types of non-melanoma cancer in this section:
One is called basal cell carcinoma (BCC). If you allow your skin to burn or over indulge in sunbathing you are at risk of this type of cancer, especially if you burn during childhood. The main symptom is a small lump, pinky/brown in colour. It has a smooth surface and often displays blood vessels beneath the skin. This type of growth, once spotted early enough can be easily cured by surgical removal or freezing.
The other is called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This is linked to exposure to the sun over your lifetime, and in most cases affects the face. The main symptom is an area of scaly thin skin that feels thicker than surrounding skin. It then develops into a hard brownish-red lump. This then turns into an ulcer that never seems to heal. Again, this type of cancer tends to be removed by surgery.
MELANOMA CANCER
This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and is the second most deadly form of cancer among the 15-34 age group. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body that is exposed to the sun. All of us have cells in our body called melanocytes. They are part of our skin. Melanocytes produce pigment that gives colour to our skin, hair and eyes. When we expose our skin to the sun we produce a pigment called melanin which gives us a ‘sun tan’. In fairer skinned people, melanocytes are less active and produce less melanin – this is why it is harder for fairer skin types to get a tan. Darker skinned people have more active melanocytes and find it easier to get a tan.
For any skin type, though, a tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged. If you burn before you tan, you have further damaged your skin.
Melanoma occurs when either:
(i) A new dark spot appears on the skin which appears quickly. It will be irregular in shape.
(ii) An existing, normal mole on the skin changes in shape, size or colour, becomes irregular in shape or reddens, crusts or bleeds.
For a full guide on how to check your moles for changes, look at MOLES - A GUIDE TO SELF CHECKING.
If it is recognised and diagnosed early, and then treated, melanoma is nearly 100% curable. The problem mole or mark can simply be removed. If it is not recognised the cancer can spread to other areas of the body making it harder to treat, with treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. If it is ignored for too long it can be fatal.
What you need to know is that by following SAVE YOUR SKIN’s GUIDELINES you are increasing your chances of having healthy skin for your lifetime, giving you peace of mind.
