Cancer Types Treated at a Skin Cancer Center in Irving
Skin cancer is a malignant tumor affecting the tissues of the skin. It is the commonest type of cancer in the United States. The term does not include moles which are benign tumors of the skin
There are different types of skin cancer, and these vary based on the tissue of the skin they begin with. The main types of skin cancers include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Each of these start with a specific part of the skin and you will find treatment for them at good cancer care centers in Irving.
Risk factors for any type of skin cancer include sun exposure, blistering sunburns, personal history, family history, tanning, certain medications such as hormones and antidepressants, and skin tanning.
- Melanoma is skin cancer affecting the melanocytes, the cells that make the skin pigment melanin. Over 68,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year. Melanoma could affect any area of skin, but typically it is found in the face, necks, and trunk in men, and commonly occurs on the trunk and lower legs in women.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma – This is cancer affecting the squamous cells of the skin. This is the commonest type of skin cancer in people with dark skin. It usually affects skin areas that are not exposed to the sun such as legs and feet. In people with fair skin, it occurs in the head, face, ears, and neck.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma – This type of skin cancer affects and begins in the basal cell layer of the skin. It is the commonest type of skin cancer in fair people. It occurs in skin areas that are always exposed to sun, the face being the most common area affected by basal cell carcinoma.
Treatment options for skin cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological therapy. Visit any good skin cancer treatment center in Irving for quality treatment of any type of skin cancer.