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Skin Cancer
What Is Skin Cancer? Of the many different types of cancers one may hear about today, skin cancer is the most common--and most curable type of cancer. Although there are a few rare types that are more serious, most skin cancers can be easily treated and successfully cured.  Skin cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of skin cells. Many people first notice a small, abnormal growth on their skin or changes in skin color, texture, or appearance. It is important to get regular skin checks at least once a year to detect such changes in the very early stages. Remember that although most skin cancers are easily treated, the larger the cancer the more involved the damage to healthy skin tissue and the more involved the treatment. Skin cancer is usually the result of years of exposure to the sun. It can appear anywhere on the body, but is most common in areas exposed to the sun such as the face, neck, arms, back, and scalp. Types of Skin Cancer There are three basic types of skin caner: Basal Cell Carcinoma - Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Melanoma  Basal Cell Carcinoma is not only the most common type of skin cancer, but it is the most common cancer in general and affects nearly 800,000 Americans each year. Basal cell cancers occur more often in older individuals, but they can occur in children or young adults. Men tend to be affected more that women. Once you have been diagnosed with a basal cell cancer, you have a greater chance of developing others. Some signs of basal cell cancer are as follows:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a type of cancer that arises from the superficial layer of the skin. It can be rapidly growing and if left untreated, can penetrate and destroy underlying tissue or even metastasize (spread) to distant organs and become fatal. Some signs of Squamous cell cancer are as follows:
Melanoma is a skin cancer that arises in cells called melanocytes -- cells that make the brown pigment in skin called melanin. It is a potential lethal skin cancer with a higher fatality rate than basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer--more than 80% of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma. Melanoma can arise at any age, but most commonly occurs after puberty. It is the sixth most common form of cancer in men and the seventh most common in women. Melanoma can appear as a pre-existing mole that changes, or as a new mole on previously unaffected, or clear, skin. Genetics is the most important of the known risk factors, including the familial tendency to develop melanoma, prominent moles, and atypical moles. The ABCDE's of Melanoma are as follows:
Treatment of Skin Cancer The gold standard for the treatment of skin cancer and the easiest aspect of the treatment is removal. It is much more difficult to repair the defect resulting from the removal so that the result appears normal. Dr. Viggiano is extensively trained in the reconstruction of defects due to the removal of skin cancer! |
 772.335.7477 1901 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Office Hours.
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