Skin Cancer

Cancer of the skin is on the rise and it has been reported especially high in younger woman. Some experts seem to think that it is behavior and UV exposure. Too much sun can be so damaging. More and more young people have become addictive to indoor and outdoor tanning. Many cases of cancer of the skin has been a result of tanning. Too much tanning can cause more harm than good.

Three Common Types of Skin Cancer

Basal cell makes up about 75% of skin cancer that is diagnosed in America. It is the most common type of cancer found in the skin. It is considered very treatable. These sores appear usually on the face, neck, and hand and has an appearance like a scar. These scars normally bleed. This cancer grows slowly and rarely spreads. Again, too much sun exposure is the result of this type cancer.

Squamous cell symptoms includes bumps that usually turn into open sores. These sores are usually a reddish flat spot and sometimes has a crusty appearance. The sores will get lareger in size and will not heal. When they are not treated properly it will begin to spread to other parts of the body. Lots of sun exposure is usually the result of this cancer.

The deadliest skin cancer is melanoma. It causes about 8,000 deaths a year. Melanoma is skin cells that form and makes pigments in the skin. It often appears on the skin as moles type appearances or new dark spots to appear on the skin. Melanoma spreads to the lymph nodes which causes spreading to other parts of the body. Fair skinned men and woman are often diganosed with this type of cancer although it can affect other skin types.

Many people ask the question if this type of cancer is enviornmental or genetic? It is a mixture of both factors. The environment has one of the biggest impact on cancer patients. It is related to the longivity exposure to the sun. Keep the skin protected by wearing protective clothing when spending alot of time in the sun.

Melanoma cancer is more of a genetic cancer than basal and squamous cancer. When you speak of genetic cancer you are usally talking about tumors that are apparent on the skin. The skin consist of multiple cell types and these cells can undergo transformation which can result in maglinant or benign tumors.

Treatments

Skin cancer is detected through examinations of the skin and mucous membrances. A biopsy is also performed when cancer is suspected. This is the only certain way to determine if cancer is present.

When a biopsy reveals that there is cancer on the skin your doctor will determine what type and your treatment options. Your treatments can vary and that depends on the condition, type, and location of the cancer.

Basal and squamous cell carcinoma combined accounts for about 95% of all diagnosed skin cancer. They can be cured with minor surgeries. Mainly inpatient and outpatient treatments.

Basal cell carcinoma is easily treated with surgery or radiation and can be completely eliminated without scarring. Dermatologist often use curettage and desiccation methods which consist of scooping out the cancer by using a spoon like tool called curette. This instruments helps to control bleeding and kills the cacer. The skin heals own its own without scarring.

Squamous cell carcinoma can increase with age. This type cancer may occur in many different organs such as: the skin, lips, mouth, esophagus, urinary bladder, prostate, lung, cervix, and vagina,. It is easily treated by excision or Moh Surgery. Moh Surgery is also known as chemosurgery. A few cases of squamous cell carnioma can be treated with topical medications.

Melanoma can be cured if detected and treated early can be the best weapon in fighting this cancer. The cure rate for this disease has continued to rise. Melanoma treatments is usually performed by incision. The incision is performed by cutting out the cancer. Scars are normally small and improves over time. Chemotherapy is also used to treat Melanoma.

Always have your doctor to inspect your skin carefully in the course of your routine physical exams. You can improve your chances of early detection by doing so. If there is a detection know that modern technology has allowed doctors to perform many surgeries without the patient being affected heavily. In order to stay on the road to healthy skin we must learn how to take care of our skin. By staying on top of it allows you to keep your health.