Skin cancer is a type of cancer which forms in our epidermis and can spread to other parts of the body; this is most common of all forms of cancer. Before you step out into the intense sun this summer, learn about the different types of skin cancer in Arizona and how to spot them.
Melanoma
Melanoma is by far the most serious of all types of skin cancer in Arizona. This type of skin cancer starts out in the melanocyte skin cells. These affected skin cells are the ones responsible for melanin; melanin is what gives our skin color and it also shields the underlying layers of skin from UV damage. Melanoma is most commonly found on the skin but it is possible to have melanoma in the eye – known as unveal melanoma. This is mainly one of the most common types of skin cancer in Arizona because it occurs from overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolent (UV) rays. When you spend too much time in the sun or get sunburnt, the skin cells can mutate and become cancerous, thus causing one of the most deadly types of skin cancer in Arizona.
What it looks like:
Types of skin cancer in Arizona such as Melanomas often present initially as a mole that has changed in size, color, and/or shape. Men often get melanoma on their upper torso, head, and necks. Women often develop melanomas on their legs. People with darker skin commonly get types of skin cancer in Arizona like Melanoma under their fingernails or toenails, on their palms, and on the soles of their feet.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most frequently occurring types of skin cancer in Arizona. A BCC is an abnormal growth or lesion that is uncontrolled and forms in the basal cells, which are in the deepest layer of the epidermis. This form of skin cancer is caused by UV exposure. As opposed to other types of skin cancer in Arizona, BCC is rarely life threatening.
What it looks like:
BCC often looks like a scar, open sore, red patch, shiny bump, or lesion. Unlike other types of skin cancer in Arizona, a basal cell carcinoma can be highly disfiguring but rarely spreads from the initial site.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
When it comes to types of skin cancer in Arizona, SCC is the second most common of all. This form of cancer is a growth of abnormal cells that forms in the squamous cells; the squamous cells make up most of the upper layer of the epidermis. Much like other types of skin cancer in Arizona, SCC is the result of exposure to the sun over time. Although not as fatal as other types of skin cancer in Arizona, this form can be deadly with an estimate 2,500 deadly cases in this country claiming lives each year.
What it looks like:
Squamous cell carcinoma typically appears as scaly and red patches, raised growths, warts, and open sores. SCC can appear on any part of the body, but most common forms on areas with the most sun exposure.
Actinic Keratosis (AK)
This condition is not one of the types of skin cancer in Arizona, but is the most common form of pre-cancer. It is estimated that almost 60 million people in this country and living with AK. Actinic keratosis is caused by damage to the epidermis due to ultraviolent (UV) damage from the sun or tanning beds. This is thought to be the earliest form of squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most common types of skin cancer in Arizona by many experts.
What it looks like:
AK looks like scaly and crusty growths and is highly common in people with fair complexions.