With summer here and people enjoying their time in the sun, now is a great reminder to take care of your skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun, and other activities like tanning booths, can subject your body to harmful ultraviolet rays and make you susceptible to skin cancer. 

Skin cancer comes in several forms, and there are warning signs for each. Ellicott Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at several different forms of skin cancer.

Melanoma Skin Cancer

Most people equate skin cancer with melanoma, and that’s because it’s the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma only accounts for around 1% of skin cancer cases but is responsible for the majority of deaths. That is due to melanoma’s ability to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.

Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

These two forms make up nearly every skin cancer diagnosis, with basal cell accounting for around 80% of those. These spread more slowly than melanoma, so they have a much better survival rate. In fact, some can be simply treated with prescription skin creams.

Other Rare Forms of Skin Cancer

Merkel cell carcinoma, lymphoma of the skin, and Kaposi sarcoma are other forms of skin cancer that are uncommon. Like the other forms, these can be hard to treat if left undetected. 

Regardless of the Type, Early Detection is Key

The best way to prevent and manage any skin issues is by seeing a dermatologist for an annual exam, along with performing self-examinations every month or two to see if you notice anything unusual. Moles that have uncommon shapes or sizes, along with unexplained rashes or discolorations, should be examined. 

To learn more about Ellicott Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://ellicott-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.