The Different Types of Skin Cancer

Our skin is constantly exposed to the elements, one of the more dangerous of those elements is the ultraviolet rays produced by the sun. These ultraviolet rays are known to cause skin cancer. Two major types of skin cancers are BCC (Basal Cell Carcinoma) and SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma). Dr. Jay Levin at Atlanta Skin and Aesthetics in Atlanta, GA, is here to help you identify the different types of skin cancer.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is denoted when there is an abnormal and out of control growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. This abnormal and out of control growth occurs when the DNA in those abnormal cells is damaged in a way where the normal growth and stopping mechanisms are no longer functioning as intended. This can lead to a malignant tumor that grows rapidly causing further issues.

How We Can Prevent And Cure Skin Cancer

One of the most common causes of skin cancer is thought to be the harmful ultraviolet rays produced by the sun and UV tanning beds. These rays can penetrate your skin cells and destroy parts of the DNA that controls the behavior of those cells. The good news is that most of the time these rays can be heavily reduced or eliminated with something as simple as sunscreen, or covering your exposed skin with the use of clothing and hats. And if the skin cancer is caught early, your dermatologist may be able to treat it with little to no scarring.

Learn More About Your Skin

Our skin is remarkable, it heals itself, it keeps us protected, and it provides us with our aesthetic appearance. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, as well as the most exposed. Due to this constant exposure to the elements, our skin has to be tough, although sometimes you need to help it and take care of it to make sure it stays healthy. We at Atlanta Skin and Aesthetics understand how important it is to make sure to keep your skin healthy. If you live in or around Atlanta, GA, contact our office at (404) 252-4110 to learn more about skin cancer and how we can help you keep your skin healthy.