What is the difference between carcinoma and melanoma?

the carcinoma and melanoma are the two most common forms of skin cancer. Carcinoma, however, is much more common and less gravity.

Carcinoma: an often superficial and localized cancer

the carcinoma develops from the cells of theepidermis proper. It accounts for 80% of skin cancers. Two types are distinguished:

the basal cell carcinoma, (75% of skin cancers). It develops from the deepest layer of the epidermis, called basal. The characteristic lesion is a small papule of a few millimeters painless and translucent, not painful. Mainly caused by excessive exposure to Sun Where with artificial UVthis carcinoma occurs mostly in people over the age of 50 and grows very slowly, almost never giving rise to metastases. Well treated, the prognosis is very favorable.

squamous cell or squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the more superficial cells of the epidermis, is four times less common than basal cell carcinoma. It appears as an infiltrated lesion (nodule) which may ulcerate. This cancer is more aggressive and produces more metastases than basal cell carcinoma, but with early treatment, the prognosis remains favorable.

Melanoma: a more serious cancer than carcinoma

the melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, but accounts for only 10% of cases. It develops in melanocyte cells or cells pigmentary, when the latter agglomerate in small clusters. In 20% of cases, it appears at the level of a mole existing, but can also arise in an area without a pre-existing pigmented spot. Any change or appearance of a task must therefore be carefully monitored. Favored by excessive exposure to the sun and severe sunburn during childhood, melanoma also has a strong hereditary dimension (the risk is 2 or 3 times higher than the average in the event of a family history). By its strong capacity to produce metastases and by a diagnostic Too often late, the melanoma is more serious than the carcinoma, which generally remains localized. It is estimated that melanoma is responsible for the death of more than 55,000 people per year worldwide.