Skin Cancer Treatment Blog

Archive for the ‘sings of skin cancer’ Category

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.

Technorati Tags: early signs of skin cancer, effective skin cancer treatment, Melanoma Treatment, signs of skin cancer, Skin Cancer Symptoms, Skin Cancer Treatment, skin cancer warning signs, symptoms of skin cancer, types of skin cancer, what does skin cancer look like, what is skin cancer

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.

Technorati Tags: early signs of skin cancer, effective skin cancer treatment, Melanoma Treatment, signs of skin cancer, Skin Cancer Symptoms, Skin Cancer Treatment, skin cancer warning signs, symptoms of skin cancer, types of skin cancer, what does skin cancer look like, what is skin cancer