preview

Skin Cancer Research Paper

Decent Essays

Types of Skin Cancer Skin cancer can manifest in a number of ways. The three main types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are known as non-melanoma skin cancers, while melanoma is the deadliest of the three. Other, non-major and rare types of skin cancer include Merkel cell tumors and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Basal cell carcinoma is not only the most common of the three skin cancer types, but it is also the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. It is the uncontrolled growth of the skin’s basal cells, lining the deepest layer of the epidermis. BCC is slow-growing and rarely metastasizes, however, treatment is important because of the damage …show more content…

Many of these treatment options are similar to that of BCC, including excision, Mohs surgery, radiation, curettage and electrodesiccation, and photodynamic therapy. Furthermore, laser treatment and chemotherapy cream can also be used to treat SCCs in their earliest stage. In the case that SCC spreads to the lymph nodes, lungs, and other parts of the body, it can be deadly. For this reason, early treatment is recommended, as most SCCs can be cured with good prognosis if diagnosed early.
Melanoma
Melanoma, the last major type of skin cancer, is the most deadly. As a highly metastatic form of cancer, melanoma can quickly spread to different parts of the body if undetected and allowed to grow. These type of tumors grow in the melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis and can grow on both sun-exposed and unexposed areas of the skin. It is crucial to find and diagnose melanoma early - if detected it can be treated and cured, but if gone undetected, it is incredibly …show more content…

After speaking to my parents, grandparents, and several other family members on both sides, I found that not one person in my family has been diagnosed with skin cancer in the past. Coming from a small town in Southern Italy, the majority of my family members share my olive skin and dark eyes. Throughout my life and growing up, I have never dealt with sunburns and nor have my family members. Through writing this research paper, my comprehensive knowledge about skin cancer has largely increased. In researching, I discovered the absolute importance of wearing sunscreen and covering the skin whenever possible - while I have always been aware that UV radiation is not healthy for the skin in large amounts, I had forgotten the importance of covering up. Furthermore, I learned more about each individual type of skin cancer, and was particularly shocked that all three types can be easily treated when detected early. There are few cancers that can be treated and cured effectively, even in early stages. As the most common form of cancer in the United States, it is important to be informed about skin cancer and to know how one can prevent it and how one can detect it in its early

Get Access