Types of Skin Cancer

- **Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):** The most common type, usually appearing as a pearly or waxy bump on sun-exposed areas.
- **Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):** Often appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
- **Melanoma:** The most serious form, developing from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). Melanoma can spread quickly and become life-threatening if not caught early.

### What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that often starts as a new mole or a change in an existing mole. It can develop anywhere on the body, but is more common in sun-exposed areas. Melanoma is more dangerous than other skin cancers because it can spread (metastasize) to other organs if not treated promptly.

#### Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma

- A new mole or a change in an existing mole
- Moles with uneven shape or edges
- Moles with a mix of colors
- Large moles (often more than 6mm)
- Moles that change size, shape, or color over time
- Moles that are swollen, sore, bleeding, itchy, or crusty

> **Remember the ABCDE rule for melanoma:**
> - **A**symmetry
> - **B**order irregularity
> - **C**olor variation
> - **D**iameter over 6mm
> - **E**volving (changing over time)

### Risk Factors

- Excessive sun exposure and history of sunburns
- Use of tanning beds
- Having many or abnormal moles
- Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes
- Family or personal history of skin cancer
- Weakened immune system

### Prevention

- Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wear sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) regularly
- Avoid tanning beds
- Perform regular skin self-exams and see a dermatologist for suspicious changes

### Treatment

- **Surgery:** Most common and effective for early-stage skin cancers and melanomas.
- **Other options:** May include cryotherapy, chemotherapy creams, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation, depending on the type and stage.
- **Prognosis:** Early detection is critical; most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early.

### When to See a Doctor

See a healthcare provider if you notice:
- A mole or skin spot that changes in size, shape, or color
- A new or unusual mark that doesn't go away
- Any lesion that is painful, itchy, bleeding, or crusty

**Takeaway:**  
Protect your skin from UV exposure, check your skin regularly, and consult a healthcare provider for any suspicious changes. Early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, especially melanoma, save lives.

Citations:
[1] Skin Cancer: Symptoms, Types & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15818-skin-cancer
[2] Skin Cancer Information https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/
[3] Skin cancer - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605
[4] Melanoma skin cancer - Symptoms https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/symptoms/
[5] How to prevent skin cancer https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevent/how
[6] Treatment for skin cancer - Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/treatment
[7] Melanoma Treatment (PDQ®️)–Health Professional Version https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/hp/melanoma-treatment-pdq
[8] 1000029769.jpg https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1750870269/user_uploads/25334345/39d001e3-0b62-4726-8cf4-ead565512f2e/1000029769.jpg
[9] Skin Cancer - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441949/
[10] Overview of Skin Cancer - Dermatologic Disorders - MSD Manuals https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/cancers-of-the-skin/overview-of-skin-cancer
[11] Skin Cancer Basics - CDC https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/about/index.html