Skin Cancer: Different Types, Causes, Prevention & Treatments | Dr. Sam Ellis

Skin cancer is THE most common type of cancer in the United States and worldwide. There are many different types of skin cancer, but in this video, I explain the three most common ones: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. You'll learn how to identify these types of skin cancer, what causes skin cancer, and some treatments that dermatologists use to remove skin cancer.

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CHAPTER:
00:00 Intro
00:33 In this Video
00:56 What is Skin Cancer
01:24 Basal Cell Carcinoma
02:31 Squamous Cell Carcinoma
03:20 Melanoma
06:56 Risk Factors
08:37 Prevention
09:59 Diagnosis
10:30 Skin Cancer Treatments
12:32 Final Thoughts

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DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician. Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links (marked with *). Affiliate links help support my YouTube channel so I can continue to create fun, informational skincare videos for you. Also, some products may have been received as PR. Thanks for watching!

[lindajohnson]

I have had 128 Basal cell removed. My Dermatologist told me I have 100’s. The cancers will keep coming out the rest of my life. Grew up in Texas was an outside kid. I’ve had chem/light peels, Mohs, many scraped/burning off. Developed Basal cell in my bladder also, growth on my esophagus. Have growths that have not yet become cancerous four additional places through out my body. Cancer is a scary word but it is in God’s hands. No matter what the lab results are I don’t intent to crawl into the coffin just yet. I choose to live in faith not fear. Cancer is not a death sentence it is actually a wake-up call to live your best life, everyday. In a very real way I am happier now than I ever have been. It is terribly sad to go in for treatment in the various Dr. Offices and see how many people have already given up to fear. Life is a daily decision…..choose love, choose joy, choose peace, choose kindness, choose to forgive yourself and others, choose a life of faith not fear of death and defeat.

[cindylewis]

I am a melanoma survivor. Last one was bad in my lymph nodes. I’d like to let people know this disease sucks. Don’t take it lightly. Make sure to get your check ups.

[liatl]

I had a melanoma at 23. It came out of nowhere. It was on my left upper arm. The first doctor told me it was fine. My mom and my husband before we got married made me go for another opinion. It was a melanoma that was still superficial and not deep yet. Had I took the first doctors opinion, I would have probably not made it. Always follow your gut and get a second opinion. I had an excision of a 10 cm circumference circle cut around from my arm. I have a very cool scar. I’m 39 now and still always worried anything weird on my skin.

[sallykenny]

This video was simple and to the point. Sent it to my daughter, as I have been dealing with skin cancer for about 3 yrs now. I also had a mole that 2 different doctors missed....then had new doctor ck my mole( that I had as a child) it came back stage 2 melanoma. Had the surgery about 8months ago. Just yesterday had a mole removed, and waiting for results. Trusting The Lord....He has me in his hand. 😊

[williamtetrault]

Excellent presentation! As a 76 year old male with several risk factors in my background and a history of all three of the main types of skin cancer, I maintain a regular schedule of exams with an extremely well-qualified and board-certified dermatologist. I cannot over stress the importance of developing a relationship with such a qualified physician. It is a must!

[richarddonnelly]

I am sure others have commented on this - but Doctor - you are an absolutely excellent communicator. The articulation and flow of your explanations seem so clear and easy to follow on such an important common worry as skin cancer. Just wanted say thank you.

[davidcox]

This is a great video! My dad only made it 1.25 years after his melanoma diagnosis. Many people I talked to didn't realize the damage it can do once it metastasizes. Thank you for getting the word out. The public very badly needs this information.

[sooskavee]

My basal cell was the color of my skin and looked like a tiny translucent pearl and 3 doctors dismissed it over 20 years. Luckily it was very slow growing. It was finally biopsied after the dermatologist looked at it for a long time. I had Mohs surgery. Insist on a biopsy even if it doesn’t look typical.

[Familylawgroup]

Why don’t dermatologists have an in office pathologist? It would seem that dermatologist takes more than enough biopsies to support the added employee and equipment costs. As a person with a number of risk factors, I would want to know as soon as possible if I have a carcinoma or melanoma. I know pathologists diagnose more than skin cancers, but that category is likely a bread and butter category. Am I correct?

Can you discuss the technical aspects of suspected skin cancer pathology steps? How do you decide between a shave biopsy and a punch biopsy? I have seen derms also take digital photos of lesions. Do you send those photos to pathology as well, to provide context to an area of concern? If you are testing for possible cancer, do you have to apply any type of preservative solution on the sample? Do you freeze or keep it cool? How much time does pathology have to assess the sample before it goes bad? How long does it take to get results back? Is the delay due to backlog or do some samples need to “sit or cook” before testing is complete? What do they do with the unused path samples?

If you don’t have an in office path lab, do doctors usually work with a preferred one or does insurance complicate this process as well?
Maybe you could do a duet video with a path YouTuber because I know my questions aren’t unique but I can’t find any videos addressing these types of questions?

[dflowers]

My Malignant melanoma was dismissed by two dermatologists. I had it removed anyway and they found it was atypical as it was just a small brown patch that didn’t appear problematic. 5% of mm’s appear this way. Trust your gut, take it off if you’re concerned.

[reneeburich]

I had a small, itchy dry spot above my right eyebrow that wasn’t going away. My dermatologist used liquid nitrogen on two separate occasions and then about a year later decided to do a biopsy. It’s pre-cancerous and I’m using Imiquimod Cream 5% for 5 weeks, 5 times per week. It has gotten better (it has been 3 weeks), so hopefully that’ll take care of it!

[dandevito]

Even though I shy away from most doctors, I go to my dermatologist twice every year for full body checks for over 20 years now. Lots of freon freeze spray, but so far nothing alarming. Everyone should do it!

[tcusack]

Hello from Canada. I am a 2-time melanoma survivor. Last time, Stage 4 metastatic melanoma. It was everywhere. The first cancer was on my back Stage 2A level 4. It was surgically removed, but it came back 3 yrs later to Stage 4. Now, my mom died in 1986 of brain cancer . My oncologist said this most likely melanoma that went to the brain. After studying her pathology it was indeed melanoma. I carry a rare gene that my mom had. I am 6 yrs in remission. That God for immunotherapy. I was given months to live. Now I have regular checks on my skin as well as scans for the rest of my life.

[Love-qlrd]

Thank you so much for this! This was VERY educational. I learned some new things from your video. Thank you for talking about Mucosal Melanoma as well. I was diagnosed last year with a malignant melanoma of the hard palate. This disease is so aggressive and hardly anyone is familiar with it. You are the first person I have seen discuss this disease. Thank you for educating people. BTW my melanoma was amelanotic. So this made diagnosis very long and difficult. I was reassured it wasn't cancer by 5 doctors.

[abolishdrake]

Can you make a video dedicated to ways of sourcing a dermatologist, the perks of having one, what they're trained to do vs what they're not, etc etc?

[Bohemian-Nilda]

Wow! The greatest amount of important info about skin cancer in such a limited amount of time! You’ve thoroughly answered so many of the questions I’ve always had about skin cancer, and more! Thank you so much! ❤

[LS-blfb]

It is rare to watch a video about possibly having cancer and feel okay. You explained so much in simple terms and with care. Thank you! 🙏🏽

[jr-prlw]

This was explained so well. I learned things about melanoma that I had never heard before. Thank you!

[bjpellettier]

Excellent video and advice. I am awaiting a biopsy report on a melanoma I have just had removed. I would advise everyone to see a doctor as soon as you spot an unusual skin growth or skin patch. As many people have pointed out if you are not satisfied with the advice you receive see a good dermatologist and ask for a biopsy. Follow your intuition and do not hesitate. Time is of the essence!

[unclegator]

Thank you for the skin cancer review. I grew up in a tropical climate with very strong sun. I always loved the ocean and the beaches. Very high risk behavior for skin cancer. I always get screened twice a year for skin cancer. I made it to 70 before my first melanoma that was very early. I am very overdue for a checkup. Still an ocean junky at 75 yrs old. Your very professional video served as a reminder. G-d Bless.