Explaining Skin Cancer
While it may seem like a daunting subject, patient education of skin cancer can definitely help alleviate some of the stress and trauma of receiving a diagnosis. Making sure our patients are aware of what skin cancer actually is and the many treatment options available is our goal at Yoon Dermatology.
What is skin cancer?
Simply put, skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most commonly from exposure to the sun, though it can appear in other areas as well.
Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, there are a lot of misconceptions and can very often be misunderstood.
Below are listed the 3 major types of skin cancer, and are appropriately named after the different types of skin cells that become cancerous.
3 Major Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Most common form of skin cancer
- Often found on head, neck. and arms
- Least invasive / aggressive
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Second most common form of skin cancer
- Often appears as red bump, scaly patch or sore that doesn’t heal
- Can spread and be more invasive (depending on case)
Melanoma
- Most dangerous form of skin cancer
- Can spread quickly to other parts of body if not diagnosed early