Skin Cancer Treatment Blog

Archive for August, 2009

You may be wondering “What is skin cancer?”  There are three primary types of skin cancer and they are called Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma.  It is a disease that millions of Americans suffer from and is the most common form of cancer in humans.  Its primary cause is too much exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet light.  It usually presents itself in the following manner:  A change in the skin’s appearance or as a sore that will not heal.  If either of these conditions last longer than two weeks, it is advisable to seek medical attention.  Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are more common and less dangerous than Malignant Melanoma.  The more common forms are easy to cure as long as they are diagnosed early.  Treatment depends on the patient’s age, general health condition and where the cancer is located.

There are precautions that can be taken to prevent developing skin cancer.  Avoiding any exposure to the sun is recommended for fair-skinned people.  Monitoring skin conditions, by self-examination and during routine physical exams, is another way to prevent the disease from spreading.  People who have already had the disease should be especially cognizant of their skin condition because the disease tends to reappear.  Any susceptible individual should have regular medical checkups.

The best recommended ways to prevent skin cancer are by limiting exposure to the sun, avoiding the sun around noon, wearing wide-brimmed hats and other protective clothing while outdoors in the sun, using a SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, seeing a doctor regularly or when changing lesions or growths appear on the skin, and avoid using tanning beds.   Artificial tans are something that many people want before going on vacation to get that  tropical look without the sun and to get a slight level of protection from the sun.  However, the protection is SPF 6 and only helps slightly in the protection again the sun’s ultraviolet rays.  Freckled people sunburn easily and are very susceptible to developing skin cancer so they need to be especially mindful in applying adequate sunscreen.  It is very important to remember to apply sunscreen at least every two to three hours for the best protection.  Swimming and other physical activity weaken the effects of sunscreen.

The answer to your question, “What is skin cancer?” has been easily answered because this type of cancer is very common and easy to diagnose.

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The leading cause of skin cancer is the result of a lifestyle that includes exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light and spending a lot of time outdoors.  Many people ask, “What does skin cancer look like?”   Looking at the definition of skin cancer and at some of the most common warning signs are ways to answer this question.   Because the disease is so prevalent, it is important that everyone be aware of any changes in their skin, such as scaly patches, unusual moles and sores that don’t heal properly.

The three types of skin cancer – Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma – have different and unique characteristics.  The disease usually strikes areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun.  However, other areas of the body that get no sunlight can also be affected.  Early detection is the best way to cure the disease.  The disease tends to re-occur quite often in people who have had the disease in the past.  It’s important to bear in mind that almost all types of skin cancer can be completely avoided if exposure to the sun is limited and if a person recognizes changes in the condition of his or her skin.

Many people want to be able to recognize a cancerous condition if they notice something odd on their skin.  Anything that appears on the skin that is unusual should be taken seriously and reported to a medical professional.   Things such as pimples, scars, moles, blemishes, skin pigmentation and so on should be looked at as potential cancers.  The manifestation of skin cancer warning signs depend on several factors:  the stage of the cancer, the severity of the disease, the person’s own body type, and the type and location of the cancer itself.  Actually, any skin abnormality should be looked at by a doctor because all skin cancers present themselves in different ways.  The person’s own physical makeup and lifestyle determine just how their particular cancer will appear on the skin.  This makes the question, “What does skin cancer look like?” difficult to answer because there are so many variables involved.

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There are two groups of skin cancer and they are known as non-melanoma and melanoma.  The two most common forms of non-melanoma skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.  These two skin cancers are least dangerous but they still need medical attention.  Recognizing the symptoms of skin cancer is something that every person should know because more that 1 million people will be diagnosed with the disease this year.

The symptoms for non-melanoma skin cancer are quite easy to recognize and any changes to the skin should be monitored closely.  A small, shiny, waxy, pale and smooth lump or mole appearing on the skin’s surface can be an early warning sign.  A firm red lump or mole is another sign.  Individuals should also watch for a sore that bleeds or becomes crusty and for any sore that does not heal.  Another warning sign that might indicate skin cancer is rough or scaly patches on the skin’s surface.  These areas might be red or brownish in color.  And, any new growth appearing on the skin might indicate that a cancerous skin condition is emerging.

Anyone can get skin cancer and there are certain traits that make people more susceptible to the disease.  People who have fair skin tones and freckles tend to contract the disease more easily than others.  People who sunburn easily are also more susceptible.  Light eye color (green or blue) makes skin cancer more likely, especially if the person also has red or blond hair.  People who spend lots of time outdoors also run a greater risk.  And, a family history or personal history of skin cancer puts the person at a greater risk for developing the disease.

Anyone who is at all concerned about developing skin cancer should consult with their medical provider.  The doctor will talk about the symptoms of skin cancer and evaluate whether or not the person is prone to the disease.  He or she may make recommendations on how the disease can be prevented and/or perform a biopsy on questionable moles or skin areas.  The best cure for the disease is early detection and being able to prevent and recognize skin cancer symptoms.

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There are several skin cancer warning signs that you should be aware of and all of them need to be taken seriously until a definite diagnosis is made.  Any growth on the skin that tends to be increasing in size and is pearly, translucent, brownish or multicolored is a signal that skin cancer is present.  Also, a mole, birthmark or any brown spot that shows a change in color, increases in shape or size, has a texture change, is irregularly shaped, is larger than 6mm or appears after age 21 are several other warning signs.  A sore that itches, crusts, scabs, hurts or bleeds is something else to watch out for.  And any sore that does not heal within three weeks is a possible candidate for skin cancer.

Most skin cancers occur in body areas that have been exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun.  The cancerous growths occur more often in light-skinned individuals who have blond or red hair and are blue- or green-eyed.  There are also pre-cancerous conditions known as Actinic Keratoses which need to be identified early so that future problems can ruled out and prevented.

Society today is much more intuitive about health hazards from exposure to the sun.  It is highly recognized that ultraviolet light is harmful and can cause devastating skin cancer.  Individuals today are very cognizant about using sunscreens and tanning beds to lessen the chance of developing skin cancer.  However, previous exposure to the sun while growing up also is an indicator that a person is highly susceptible to getting the disease.  In previous years, the long-term effects of sun exposure were not recognized and people were not careful about protecting themselves or their loved ones when they were outdoors in the sunlight.  Unfortunately, these people have had to deal with getting the disease years later, even if they have been extremely careful to follow an anti-cancer regimen.

There are four main ways to identify a mole or lesion that might be cancerous.  First of all, half the mole is different in shape from the other half.  The border of the mole is irregular and might appear curvy.  The color varies throughout the entire mole.  And, the diameter of the mole is larger than a pencil eraser.

There are many ways to prevent skin cancer and they include:  1.) Avoid sun exposure between the hours of 11am to 2am, 2.)  Always wear sunscreen, 3.) Use an umbrella, sun hat and/or protective clothing, 4.) Use self-tanners, not tanning beds, and 5.) Check your moles on a regular basis.  By following these prevention tips, you may very well avoid having to deal with skin cancer warning signs.

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There are many types of skin cancer and they all fall into three main categories: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma, which is the most serious. Basal Cell and Squamous Cell carcinomas are also known as nonmelanoma and they are less dangerous. All of these cancers need immediate attention from a medical provider to make sure that they don’t become life threatening. Knowing the symptoms and warning signs are important for everyone so that any skin changes are looked at by a medical professional.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is very common and accounts for almost 90% of the skin cancers reported in the United States. It is almost always treatable and curable because it grows very slowly and rarely spreads to surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a little more serious than Basal Cell Carcinoma because it has a tendency to spread throughout the body. However, the spreading occurs slowly so early detection is a must. Surrounding lymph nodes are the first to be invaded by Squamous Cell Carcinoma and they are often removed to prevent further spreading of the cancerous cells.

Malignant Melanoma is a very serious skin cancer because it spreads quickly via the lymph nodes or blood and often attacks internal organs. It can be life threatening if not treated quickly and aggressively. Malignant Melanoma is a rare form of skin cancer, which is a disease that prevents cells from dividing and growing normally.

A tumor is often formed when this type of cancer invades a lesion, mole or surface of the skin. A skin tumor is considered to be benign if only a fell cell layers are involved and no invasion has occurred to the surrounding tissues. If this happens, then the tumor becomes malignant and is much more serious. However, it is important to remember that most skin cancer is benign and is usually treated successfully. Malignant Melanomas metastasize and spread to other parts of the body quickly without warning.

All of the above types of skin cancer should be taken seriously until a final diagnosis is made by a physician. Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas are very curable and have a high success rate. On the other hand, Malignant Melanoma skin tumors can be deadly and need immediate treatment so that they have a better chance of being eliminated.

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Skin cancer requires immediate attention and there are several skin cancer treatment options available including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. These are the most common treatment methods and have been used successfully for a number of years. The patient’s general health condition, patient’s age and severity of the cancer determine what treatment method or combination of methods will be most effective.

Surgery is performed for many reasons which include preventative, diagnostic, staging, restorative and curative surgical techniques. Surgical removal of the skin cancer is often the method of choice in treating the disease. Once the cancerous tissue is removed, the severity and type of cancer can be determined. Skilled surgeons are able to effectively remove the cancer itself and also remove any surrounding tissue if required.

Another way that skin cancer can be successfully treated is by using radiation therapy. It also is helpful in relieving some of the symptoms associated with the disease and is often used in combination with other treatments. As medical technology becomes more advanced, radiation therapy is becoming more effective because higher radiation levels can be directed into the cancerous site without effecting normal surrounding tissue. External Beam Radiation is commonly used today and involves directing an external beam of radiation into the cancerous skin lesion. The procedure takes about eight weeks of daily radiation doses to get the desired results.

Some skin cancers respond well to chemotherapy, which is a drug regimen that destroys cancerous cells and prevents them from growing. They are administered intravenously via injection and in some cases are given orally. Chemotherapy often is accompanied by side-effects such as loss of hair and vomiting. The chemotherapy protocol is adjusted as necessary by attending physicians. Fractionated dose chemotherapy involves breaking the total chemotherapy dosage into smaller amounts and administering it over a period of approximately five days. Standard chemotherapy treatment involves administering a single large dose and is more likely to cause adverse side-effects.

Skin cancer is curable if treated early. Cancer specialists work in tandem with their patients to determine what options are best for the patient. Skin cancer treatment is necessary if the medical diagnosis indicates that cancerous tissue is present or if there is even a chance that cancer may be present.

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Skin cancer is a frightening disease and affects millions of people each year.  Being aware of your own body is very beneficial in noticing if there are any significant changes occurring anywhere on your skin.  Examining your skin periodically should be as routine for you as doing your own breast exams.  It is important to watch closely for any unusual moles, sores or blemishes and for discolorations to your skin’s surface.  Initial warning signs that you should be aware of are 1.) A sudden grown of skin that increases in size and looks pearly, translucent, or is brown, black, tan or multicolored. 2.) A sudden change in an existing mole that alter its consistency, color or texture.  3.) An itchy, hurting, crusty or ulcerated lesion or growth.  4.) A sore that does not heal or heals and then opens up again.  These are just some of the most common skin cancer symptoms.

Malignant Melanoma is a very serious skin cancer disease and your survival rate depends on early detection.  The moles associated with this form of skin cancer are shaped irregularly. Malignant melanomas often have irregular shapes that border them.  Their color is usually variegated and ranges from tan, brown and black.  They often contain white, red or blue areas within them.  If a mole is larger than six millimeters, it often indicates Malignant Melanoma is present.  Early skin cancer treatment is absolutely necessary when this type of skin cancer is indicated.

You are at risk for developing skin cancer if someone in your immediate family has had the disease, you have fair skin, blue eyes and blond or red hair, you sunburn easily, you received sunburns as a child or you have a compromised immune system.  Malignant Melanoma is the number 1 cause of cancer deaths in women between the ages of 25 to 30 and is prevalent among the general population as well.  Anyone can get it and gender doesn’t seem to play a role.  Skin cancer treatment is your only option if you are diagnosed with this terrible disease.  If you experience any of the preceding skin cancer symptoms or warning signs, be sure to discuss your concerns with your medical provider.

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At least 1 million new cases of skin cancer are reported each year. This disease is the most common form of cancer and the number of diagnosed cases is increasing each year. If you are over the age of 65, your chances of developing the disease is high and an important reason for you to keep a watchful eye out for the warning signs of skin cancer. You even have a chance of developing the disease more than once in your lifetime. Because the disease is so common, knowing some facts about it are important for your well-being.

You need to be concerned if you notice any change in the appearance of your skin. This change could simply be a rough patch or growth or a sore that does not heal. The type of skin cancer you may develop can be Basal Cell Carcinoma, which is the least dangerous form, Squamous Cell Carcinoma or Melanoma, the most severe and spreads quickly throughout the body. The two most common forms are Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma and are referred to as non-melanoma skin cancer.

It is important for you to know what the two most common forms of skin cancer look like. Basal Cell Carcinoma appears on the skin as a small bump, often dome shaped and is sometimes covered with superficial blood vessels. It may look pearly (or dark rather than shiny) and is sometimes mistaken for a mole. Doctors generally recommend that a biopsy be performed to rule out a malignancy. They are found most often on the back or chest and grow slowly. They very rarely spread to other parts of the body but can damage surrounding tissue. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is less common than Basal Cell Carcinoma and is predisposed to people having fair skin and a history of exposure to the sun. In its early stages, rough red bumps appear on the scalp, ears, face and hands. The skin surrounding them is often mottled and sun-damaged. They are sometimes sore to the touch and can invade other organs of the body.

Knowing the warning signs of skin cancer is important for everyone, especially if you have reached the age of 65. Taking preventative measures, such as avoiding exposure to direct sunlight, is one way to avoid the disease. It is important to remember that nonmelanoma skin cancer has a much better prognosis than the more deadly form of Malignant Melanoma.

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One of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer is Malignant Melanoma.  It requires more aggressive treatment than the non-melanoma skin cancers because it tends to spread quickly to other parts of the body.  Immediate attention by a medical professional is necessary when this type of skin cancer occurs.  Melanoma treatment involves using certain surgical, chemical and radiation treatment methods to be successful in a patient’s fight against skin cancer.

Standard treatment of melanoma is categorized into four types of surgical techniques.  Some treatment options are currently in the clinical trial stage and are showing some positive results.  The four types of standard treatment for patients with melanoma are as follows.  1.) Removing the melanoma and its surrounding tissues.  2.) Making a wide local excision and either removing or leaving the lymph nodes.  3.) Removing the lymph and examining them for cancerous tissue.  4.) Injecting a radioactive dye into the tumor site and then removing the sentinel lymph node to see if cancerous cells are present.  If not, not further lymph nodes will have to be removed.

Chemotherapy is also used in the treatment of Malignant Melanoma to stop the growth of cancerous cells.  Drugs taken orally or intravenously enter the bloodstream and reach any cancerous cells present in the body.  Anticancer drugs to treat melanoma can also be given as a hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion.  This treatment method to stop the cancer is done by placing a tourniquet around a limb and then a warm solution containing anti-cancer drugs is put directly into the blood of the limb.

Other types of melanoma treatments being used in the fight against skin cancer are:  1.) Radiation therapy that uses high-energy x-rays or other radiation to kill cancerous cells or to at least stop their growth. There are two types of radiation therapy that are used.  External radiation uses an outside machine to send radiation to the patient and internal radiation uses substances sealed in needles, wires or catheters and places them directly into or near the cancer.  2.)  Biologic therapy uses the patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer.  Artifical substances made in a laboratory are used to boost, direct or restore the body’s own defense system against cancer.

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If you someday become diagnosed with skin cancer and survive, one of the most worrisome issues you will face will be preventing a recurrence of the cancer. After successful treatment, your doctor will continue to schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure that you remain skin cancer-free. Even regular medical attention is no substitute for exercising good skin care habits.

First, make sure to avoid any kind of prolonged exposure to the sun. This means that you should avoid the prime daylight hours of ten in the morning to two in the afternoon. If you must be out, always wear an appropriate sun block, and avoid direct exposure to the sun by wearing long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and light colors that help reflect the sun away from your body. Most importantly, to prevent a recurrence of skin cancer, you must conduct regular self-examinations, and consult your doctor immediately if you note any discolorations or suspicious moles or lesions.

But, that is not always enough and sometimes the unthinkable happens. So, if you are diagnosed with skin cancer you should know what your alternatives are.

The most important objective in skin cancer treatment is to eliminate the growth and then contain the spread of the cancer. There are many alternatives that will be used depending on what the diagnosis is.

Kaposi’s sarcoma is very serious and must be treated by the use of chemotherapy.

Melanoma, if it has spread, which is one of the dangers of this type of skin cancer, will be treated the same way once the initial growth has been removed.

If Paget’s disease is the type of skin cancer that must be treated then a mastectomy is likely the only alternative.

Nutrition

What about other alternatives to ensure that there will not be a reoccurrence? Some people believe, and studies have shown some evidence to collaborate this belief, that if you use other treatments alongside the standard medical procedures there are potentially better outcomes. Nutrition is believed to be a big factor in recovery.

Research shows that using proteins, antioxidants and folic acid that are found in a variety of foods, including fish, carrots and broccoli, a person is able to potentially protect their body from further damage by the cancer cells. Vitamin C is also thought to be a very useful fighter when is comes to skin cancer and its potential spread.

Green Tea

Some people faced with the worries of skin cancer choose to get the advice of health care providers who practice medicine differently like naturopathic doctors. Often their advice is on what herbs can be used to treat the cancer. They’ tell you that green tea is believed by many to be a healthy drink because it contains polyphenois compounds. These are very storing antioxidants.

There is research to support this and studies have shown that polyphenois may not only prevent skin cancer but may play an important role in the treatment of diminishing skin growths. Some treatments suggest unusual action be taken like coffee enemas several times daily or castor oil intake, or restricting calories while eating lots of fruit and vegetables.

Other studies have shown that a certain enzyme that is found in a variety of foods; including, but not limited to broccoli, cauliflower, celery and cabbage are very beneficial. The enzyme those vegetables contain is called indoles. Indoles and lectins, found in beans, are a powerful combination against cancer growth. Although still in the experimental stages of research, with the high success rates of their experiments there is good reason to hope that eating foods high in these enzymes will be helpful in the fight against cancer.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action. If you still have unanswered questions about skin cancer, you may find what you’re looking for in our website: http://www.skincancer-infoguide.com

Nishanth Reddy
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/alternative-treatment-options-for-skin-cancer-62425.html