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Skin Cancer EP3

Skin cancer is an uncontrolled growth of the cells within the skin.

There are 3 major types :

  • basal cell carcinoma
  • squamous cell carcinoma
  • and melanoma

Some types of skin cancer can spread to other locations and can be fatal.

Skin cancer can have many different appearances :

1.Basal cell carcinoma often looks like :

  • Open sore
  • Red bumps
  • Red patches
  • Shiny bumps

2.Squamous cell carcinoma often looks like :

  • Persistent scaly red patch
  • Crusted spot
  • Elevated growth with central depression

3.Melanoma often looks like :

  • Brown or black but can appear pink, tan or even white

 A B C D E Rules

for early detection of melanoma

A stands for Asymmetry:

One half of the mole does not match the other half.

B stands for Border:

Borders of the mole are irregular, ragged or blurred.

C stands for ​​Color:

Color of the mole changes or varies throughout, no uniform pigmentation.

C stands for ​​Color:

Color of the mole changes or varies throughout, no uniform pigmentation.

D stands for Diameter:

Diameter is greater than 6 mm (could be smaller).

E stands for Evolving:

Changes in the mole over variable time- weeks, months or years.

Prevention

  • Avoid peak sunlight during the day
  • Avoid indoor tanning bed
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2-4 hours

Risk Factors

People with certain risk factors will increase the risk of skin cancer.

  • Light natural skin color
  • History of sun burns early in life
  • History of indoor tanning
  • Family or personal history of skin cancer
  • Blonde or red hair

Skin Cancer Treatment

Treatment for skin cancer depends on types and stages. The goal of treatment is to remove cancer completely. 

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