how come skin cancer doesn't spread as easily to other organs as compared to other cancers?

Question

Can skin cancer spread to the internal organs?

Answer 1

It can: It depends on the type. Melanoma spreads to many other sites, and can do so very quickly. Basal cell and others tend to spread slowly. Regardless, cancer of any type, should be monitored closely, and treated promptly.

Answer 2

Depth of invasion: Unlike other skin cancers such as basal cell or squamous cell, a melanoma can spread to many organ quite easily it has something to do with how easy the cancer cells go to lymphatic organs ( lymph gland) or blood vessels to spread and how fast the cancer grows. The depth of penetration/invasion of the cancer is very important for the skin cancer to spread.

Answer 3

It can: Melanoma can travel to any organ in the body.

Answer 4

New, enlarging bumps: Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer. We talk about the abcd's. A-asymmetry, b-irregular borders, c-changes in color, d-diameter over 6mm. If you lesion has any of those findings, get it checked out. There are other skin cancers types as well. If you any concern, go see your local doctor for evaluation.

Answer 5

Skin cancer signs: Something that is new on your skin and doesn't go away in four weeks, something that is old but changes in color, shape, symmetry, irregular border, itches or hurts more than an occasional day, bleeds, or just looks unusual to you...These are all signs of possible skin cancer. Many non-cancerous lesions can show these changes but show it to a dermatologist for early diagnosis, just in case!

Answer 6

New or changes: Get to know your skin by self-exam at least once a month. Look for new lesions or changes in pre-existing ones (color, shape, size, itches or hurts or bleeds). Some skin cancers start out by looking like a pimple but a pimple will go away, a skin cancer won't. If a lesion continues to persist or get bigger over a period of a month or 2, you should get it looked at by a dermatologist.

Answer 7

Varies: There are several different types of skin cancers. Squamous cell the skin begins as a small nodule and as it enlarges the center becomes necrotic and sloughs and the nodule turns into an ulcer. Basal cell patients present with a shiny, pearly nodule. Melanoma patients have an irregularly appearing pigmented lesion.

Answer 8

See a dermatologist: The best way to diagnose a skin cancer is to see your dermatologist. He or she will examine the spot and determine if a skin biopsy is necessary. Often times, a dermatologist can tell by looking at a spot if it is cancer or not. If you have a spot that bleeds, doesn't heal, or grows rapidly, it may be signs of skin cancer. Fortunately, most are easily treatable in the office.

Answer 9

Melanoma ABCD: Melanoma is the most feared skin cancer. We screen with abcd's. A-asymmetry; b-irregular boders; c-varied color; d-diameter >6mm. Any lesion with any of these characteristics should be seen asap.

Answer 10

See your derm: The best way is to have a complete skin examination by your friendly dermatologist.

Answer 11

Only with biopsy: Although only a biopsy can tell you if you have skin cancer, there are warning signs such as fast growth, irregular border, very dark, itching, bleeding, and new hair growing in it. Sometimes none of these symptoms appear so you should always check with dermatologist.

Answer 12

See your skin doctor: A dermatologist can biopsy anything suspicious to get the diagnosis. Short of that, even experienced skin doctors are wrong as much as 10% of the time.

Answer 13

Skin cancer: There are no effective creams, herbs, etc that reliably prevent sun damage. Sunscreens work very well and should be used when you are outdoors.

Answer 14

Astaxanthin: There is some evidence that astaxanthin can prolong the time it takes for you to get a sunburn. Sunburn causes skin cancer. The recommended dose is 4-12 mg per day.

Answer 15

Malignant melanoma: A malignant melanoma may kill with six months of diagnosis.

Answer 16

Yes, melanoma: Melanoma can be fatal in less than six months. Despite our expertise, I have unfortunately taken care of patients like this. Melanoma can be so aggressive and so evasive. This is why melanoma patients should be seen at a center that specializes in this type of cancer.

Answer 17

Skin Cancer subtypes: Skin cancer falls into two categories - melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Depending on the type - some just appear to grow and change and not look like nay other skin lesion that you have on your body. Sometimes they also bleed. Your best bet is to be evaluated by a dermatologist if you are concerned about the possibility of having a skin cancer. http://www.mohspros.com/library/3909/skinc.

Answer 18

Which kind?: Basal cells look like pink patches or tiny shiny bumps like little drops of wax. Melanoma can look like an ordinary mole: dark brown or black spots or larger light brown patches. Squamous cell cancer often begins as an actinic keratosis which is a sharp or spiky pale patch on the skin that feels like it would run a nylon stocking if you ran it over it. They can also begin a non-healing sore spot.

Answer 19

Can vary: Skin cancers come in many types and forms. Three important types include melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, & basal cell carcinoma. Dermatologist are trained to identify theses cancers by clinical examination, but definitive diagnosis for all suspicious lesions remains a skin biopsy, so that it can be checked under the microscope. I highly recommend www.Skincancer.Org for photos and detailed info.

Answer 20

"Ugly duckling": Any new skin lesion that's not obviously like your others needs to be brought to the attention of your primary care physician at your annual physical exam. A bleeding or rapidly-enlarging lesion calls for an office visit. Pigmented lesions suspicious for melanoma are usually those that look different from their neighbors and should prompt a visit. Glad you're proactive -- good for you!

how come skin cancer doesn't spread as easily to other organs as compared to other cancers?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Similar questions

What are the signs of skin cancer?|

How do I know if I might have skin cancer?|

Apart from suncreams and shade. Any alternative creams, herbs etc that have benefits regarding skin cancer?

Is there a type of skin cancer that can be fatal in 6 months of so?

How does skin cancer start out looking like, when it is young and small?

Related questions

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

People also asked

Disclaimer:

Get the free app for Members

Get the free app for Doctors