Archive for the ‘symptoms of skin cancer’ Category
August 15th, 2009 | 
Author: 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.
Posted in sings of skin cancer, symptoms of skin cancer | 
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 | 
No Comments »
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.
Posted in sings of skin cancer, symptoms of skin cancer |
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 |
No Comments »
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.
Posted in Skin Cancer, symptoms of skin cancer |
Tags: early signs of skin cancer, 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 |
No Comments »
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.