Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Skin Cancer Types

A number of factors can cause skin cancer. Exposure to the sun without protection from harmful ultraviolet rays is a very common cause. People who have light-colored eyes and hair, fair skin that freckles easily, a large number of moles, a family history of skin cancer and/or excessive sunburn, and those who have undergone radiation for acne treatments are at a greater risk of developing the condition. Skin cancers and pre-cancerous skin lesions can manifest on the skin in a variety of types, including:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer is the most common; however, it is also typically the least dangerous. Often characterized by slow growth and rarely spreading beyond the area in which it originates, basal cell carcinoma is usually not life threatening. However, this type of skin cancer can cause severe damage to underlying tissue and bone, especially when located near the eye. Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a waxy growth with a central indentation and elevated borders. It can also look like a red, dry, or scaly spot on the skin; a crusted, red lump; a white patch that looks like a scar; and/or a sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal even after a period of weeks.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Body areas exposed to the sun are often the most likely places that squamous cell carcinomas can develop. They are life-threatening skin cancers that require immediate diagnosis and treatment. Typically appearing as a scaly red patch with irregular borders, this type of skin cancer can also look like a wart or an open sore. Squamous cell carcinomas may bleed if bumped or picked at. They often appear on the face, lips, and/or ears. These carcinomas can spread to other body areas and even into the lymph nodes and internal organs.

Melanoma

Melanomas are the most dangerous and life-threatening forms of skin cancer and can occur in any body area. Although melanomas can look like moles, there are some distinctions. Melanomas have irregular borders, and may look uneven in color and wider than six millimeters in diameter. If you notice changes in an existing mole or moles and other skin growths that you do not remember seeing before, it is very important to see a physician immediately. Early detection can often lead to a complete eradication of the cancer.

Other Skin Growths

• Actinic Keratosis – a red or brown rough, scaly patch of skin that has been subjected to sun exposure. This type of growth can sometimes develop into skin cancer.
• Dysplastic Nevi – a skin lesion that is typically an abnormal mole that can frequently progress into a melanoma. Dysplastic Nevi are often asymmetrical, have irregular borders, are larger than the usual mole, and vary in color.