Skin Cancer Treatment Blog

Archive for the ‘Skin Cancer’ Category

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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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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