What is a skin cancer?
A skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells, which is usually caused by the sun’s harmful rays.
Actinic Keratoses (AK)
Has a dry, scaly patch appearance.
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Spots show up most commonly on areas that get lots of sun exposure such as on the head, neck, hands, and forearms.
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Caused by too much sun, an AK isn’t skin cancer.
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AK's are precancerous skin growths that can turn into a common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma.
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Because it can turn into a cancer treatment is important.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Is the most common type of skin cancer.
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BCC's often look like a flesh-colored round growth, pearly-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin.
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Usually develops after years of frequent sun exposure or tanning beds.
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Commonly seen on the head, neck and arms: however they can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs.
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Early diagnosis and treatment is important. BCC's can grow deep. Allowed to grow, it can penetrate the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common skin cancer.
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SCC often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then re-opens.
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Tends to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back.
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Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent SCC from growing deep and spreading to other areas of the body.
Melanoma
Melanoma is often called "the most serious skin cancer" because it has a tendency to spread.
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Melanoma can develop within a mole that you already have or appear suddenly as a dark spot that looks different from the rest
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Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
