| Description: | Skin cancer is generally separated into two main categories, melanoma and nonmelanoma. Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer. The nonmelanoma group encompasses all other skin cancers. The two most common forms of nonmelanoma skin cancer, squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, are named for the squamous or basal cells which become cancerous.
The top layer of skin, the epidermis, is made up of basal and squamous cells. The surface of the skin is made of round, flat squamous cells, and below these are the basal cells. Hair follicles and sweat glands are in the dermis below the epidermis.
Treatment of basal or squamous cell carcinoma is usually very successful with no side effects if caught early enough. Since symptoms first appear on the skin, detection of skin cancer in its earliest stage of development is possible if you recognize it. These common cancers can be surgically removed if they have not advanced, making aggressive therapy unnecessary. The danger is in not re |
