Types of Skin Cancer: Know the Differences
There are different types of skin cancer but they share many underlying characteristics. Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow out of control due to an outside influence, which is typically overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This accelerated and uncontrolled growth can result in bumps, patches, and growths. Although skin cancer can be dangerous, the best way to protect yourself against it is with early detection and early treatment with the help of your Parsippany, NJ, team of dermatologists at Dermatology Associates of Morris.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma affects the basal cells, which are located on the outer layer of your skin, the epidermis. The condition causes these cells to grow causing lumps or lesions on your skin, and typically manifests on the areas of your skin that get the most sun exposure.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma affects the cells on the top layer of the epidermis, just above the basal cells. Similarly to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma also usually appears on areas most exposed to the sun and this causes uncontrolled growth of the affected cells.
Melanoma
Melanoma shares many similarities to the above examples, except it affects the melanocytes, which are the skin cells responsible for producing the pigment that gives skin its color, melanin.
The most important difference is that melanoma is the most invasive of the types of skin cancer with the highest risk of death of all of them.
But even though the condition is potentially serious, just as with the other types of skin cancer, early detection and early treatment make melanoma highly curable.
Skin Cancer Treatment in Parsippany, NJ
Wearing sunscreen and sun-protective clothing when going out in the sun, along with regular at-home and in-office examinations can greatly reduce your chances of complications due to any type of skin cancer.
Protect yourself against skin cancer, and schedule a consultation with your local skin experts at Dermatology Associates of Morris in Parsippany, NJ, by dialing (973) 335-2560.