Skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, but it's also the most curable when treated early. There are three general types, listed in order of increasing seriousness: basal cell carcinoma (BAY-suhl car-sih-NOH-muh), squamous (SKWAY-muhs) cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma (mel-uh-NOH-muh). Basal cell carcinomas usually appear on the head, neck, or hands as small bumps. Over 90 percent of skin cancers fall into this category. Basal skin cancers are slow growing and hardly ever spread, but if allowed to remain, can eventually expand into the bone. Squamous cell carcinomas may be present as red, flaky patches or as lumps on the face, mouth, or rim of the ears. While more likely to spread than basal cell, squamous cell cancers also tend to grow slowly. The most dangerous skin cancer is malignant melanoma, which originates in body's pigment-producing cells. Melanomas typically develop from an existing mole, causing it to enlarge, change color or shape, itch, bleed, or form a scab. This type of skin cancer can migrate to other areas, such as the lungs or liver. Thus, it's important to examine your skin regularly. Watch for growths that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, are multi-colored, or larger than a pencil eraser. Have any suspicious growth or sore checked by a doctor.
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