There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. A small but significant number of skin cancers are malignant melanomas. Unlike basal and squamous cell carcinomas, melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer that tends to spread to other areas of the body. If not treated early, it can be fatal.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Skin cancers start as precancerous lesions, or simple changes in skin. Examples of precancerous lesions include:
- Red or brown skin
- Scaly or rough skin
- Abnormal moles
The symptoms vary for each type of skin cancer, but all surround one central theme: something has changed in the skin.
Melanoma skin cancer can be identified with the acronym “ABCDE”.
- Asymmetry, the lesion’s sides are not symmetric in looks.
- Border Irregularity, margins are irregular.
- Color, is a mixture of black, tan, brown, blue, red or white.
- Diameter, can become more than 6 mm across.
- Evolution, how has the mole changed over time?
If you are unsure if your mole or lesion has turned into skin cancer, call your doctor – or make an appointment with one of our award-winning doctors at Mountain Peaks! If your doctor thinks it may be skin cancer, he/she may refer you to a dermatologist. The doctor or dermatologist may run the following tests to determine if cancer is present:
- The most common test is called a biopsy. The doctor takes a sample of the skin and examines under the lens of a microscope.
- Another method of diagnosis is a computer program that scans and evaluates the images of the suspicious area.
Causes
The most frequent cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Other causes include the following:
- Use of tanning beds
- A bodily reaction called immunosuppression which impairs the immune system
- Exposure to high levels of radiation
- Skin contact with certain chemicals
Treatment
The treatment of skin cancer depends on the type of cancer. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas can be removed surgically. Melanoma may require radiation, immunotherapy, and/or chemotherapy.
If you are worried that you might have a suspicious mole or lesion, you should not treat it yourself. Potential skin cancer conditions require the care of a physician.
Perform regular examinations of your skin and note any changes. If you need a doctor to look at a suspicious spot on your skin, call Mountain Peaks at 801-724-9840. Our doctors can perform skin biopsies and skin lesion removals.