Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to shed some light on the most common type of cancer in the United States. Each year, millions of Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer. When caught early, skin cancer can be easily treated and cured; however, failing to detect this prevalent cancer can be deadly. The best way to detect skin cancer early is to schedule a professional skincare screening with a board-certified dermatologist. The second best way is to educate yourself on the warning signs of skin cancer.

To help you know what to watch out for, we have explained the most common types of skin cancer and what their defining characteristics are.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It tends to appear around the head, neck, arms or shoulders as a flesh-colored growth, a pearl-like bump or a pinkish patch of skin. This cancer tends to develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning. If left untreated, BCC can grow deeper and penetrate the nerves and bones, causing permanent damage.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The second most common skin cancer type is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). This kind often presents itself as a firm red bump, scaly patches or as a sore that heals then reopens. It normally forms on areas of the skin that get the most sun exposure including the face, neck, arms, back and chest. If untreated, this type can spread to other parts of the body and cause damage and disfigurement.

SCC can develop from precancerous skin growths as well. When people get too much sun exposure, they can develop dry patches on their skin called actinic keratoses or AK’s. This condition is not skin cancer, but it is a precancerous growth that can develop into SCC if left untreated.

Melanoma

Compared to other skin cancer types, melanoma is the most dangerous and serious kind because it has a tendency to spread. Melanoma appears as dark black or brown lesions in the form of mole already on your skin or as a misshapen dark spot on the skin.

Knowing the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma is critical to help detect and diagnose melanoma early. When looking at a mole or dark spot, you should pay attention to asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolution. If you notice anything unusual, you should seek professional help immediately.

As you just learned, catching skin cancer early can make a significant difference in your health and wellbeing and should not be taken lightly or delayed. To learn more about annual skincare checks or our skin cancer treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dermatology Associates of Atlanta today. Additionally, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more skincare insights and monthly specials.