There are several skin cancer symptoms, such as ulcers in the skin, crabs or changes in the skin that do not heal, discoloration, and changes in existing moles.
Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer
January 20, 2009
Types of Skin Cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is cancer that begins in thin flat cells that look like fish scales under the microscope. Generally, Squamous Cell Carcinomas are found in sun-exposed areas. Squamous Cell Carcinoma can also spread to other areas of the body.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It is commonly found on sun-exposed areas of fair-skinned, sun-damaged individuals. This type of skin cancer never spread to other parts of the body, but it can cause damage by invading surrounding tissue.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is locally destructive, very rarely metastasizes; and can cause death.
- Melanomas
Melanoma is one of the rarer types of skin cancer but it causes the majority of skin cancer related deaths. It is cancer due to uncontrolled growth of pigment cells, called melanocytes. Melanoma is found more frequently in males and caucasians living in sunny climates.
Skin Cancer
January 19, 2009
Skin Cancer Treatments
Most skin cancers can be treated by removing the lesion, and making sure that the edges are free of the tumor cells. These resections provide the best cure for early disease and high risk disease.
Radiation therapy and cryotherapy can provide adequate control in low risk disease, but both have lower overall cure rates compared to surgery.
Skin Cancer
January 18, 2009
Skin Cancer Prevention
It is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of skin cancer, but the risk of developing skin cancer can be reduced with the following tips:
- avoid sunburns
- reduce exposure to ultraviolet
- wear protective clothing when going on outdoor activities
- avoid sun exposure during the day when the sun is highest in the sky (10 AM to 3 PM)
- use sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation.
- Use sun block with SPF of about 50