A Closer Look: Skin Cancer

The largest organ in the human body is the skin. The skin has quite a few functions. It protects our body from injury, light, and infection. It makes vitamin D, cools the body and prevents the body from losing water.

The skin has three layers. They include the epidermis, dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. This layer is also called the hypodermis. The epidermis is a superficial, thinner portion made up of epithelial tissue. The dermis is the thicker connective tissue part. The subcutaneous layer is a fatty layer.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Approximately 1.3 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. An estimated 9,800 will die this year.

There are three types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for eighty percent of the new skin cancer cases. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for sixteen percent and malignant melanoma accounts for four percent. Basal and squamous are highly curable. They are slow growing, can be easily treated and rarely lead to death. Malignant melanoma is the most serious.

Basal cell carcinoma can be found in the lower portion of the epidermis. Basal cells are small and round. If it develops on the face it can cause disfigurement and interfere with the eyelids and mouth. Basal cell cancer is most common in people who spend a great deal of time in the sun.
Treatments for basal cell cancer include curettage and electro desiccation, excision, cryosurgery, laser therapy, radiation and Moh's micrographic surgery. Prognosis is usually excellent. About ninety-five percent of basal cell cancers are cured if they are treated early. Squamous cell carcinoma is normally found in the upper portion of the epidermis. These cells are small and flat and usually will develop into small, flat skin tumors. Sometimes the surrounding area will also become inflames. If left untreated it can spread to other parts of the body. The great majority of patients are completely cured.