Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer
By Claire Quaty
Whenever we hear the word ‘cancer’ we are apt to panic. The
term itself has become an umbrella for many different forms of
the disease including skin cancer.
Skin cancer is a form of caner that affects the skin. There are
several different types of and some forms are more
dangerous than others.
The two most common types of are basal cell
carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both of these types of
skin cancer can be serious in terms of changing the appearance
of the skin affected, but they are not likely to spread to any
surrounding tissue in the body.
Another type of that is considered more serious is
malignant melanoma. In terms of occurrence, this type of skin
cancer is rarer than the others. However when it does occur
early treatment is mandatory to ensure the greatest chance of
survival.
Skin cancer has become much more common in recent years. This
is mainly due to the fact that medical research has indicated
that exposure to the damaging rays of the sun can increase a
person’s chances of getting the disease, considerably.
Before the advent of all of the sun screens that offer UV
protection, many people would sit in the sun for hours. Sun
bathing was very popular and people would sit exposed to the sun
rays oblivious to the fact that they might be setting themselves
up for a case of later in life.
Research now suggests that each time a person receives sunburn
or even a dark suntan they are increasing their risk of
developing by 50%. This is troubling to people who
enjoyed basking in the sun when they were young.
There are some things that a person can do to treat skin cancer
early. One is to be aware of any and all markings on your body.
This means regularly checking your skin, including your back,
for any new growths or changes in moles. If you notice any
ulcers
on the skin that do not heal or any discoloration of the
skin it’s wise to seek out a professional opinion.
In the case of basal cell carcinoma, the will
appear as a raised bump on the skin. Although not reddish in
color, in some cases you will be able to see blood vessels
within the growth. If you are suffering from squamous cell
carcinoma than the growth will be reddish in color; it may also
be in the form of an ulcer which doesn’t heal.
The most serious form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, has a
brownish or black color to them. Quite often they appear and you
might consider it to be a new mole. It’s important to realize
that new moles do not grow on adults and if you notice a new
growth that is dark in color it is most likely skin cancer.
Another indication that you have this most serious form of skin
cancer is that an existing mole has changed. The shape of color
of it may be different and in this case it’s important that you
seek out medical treatment as soon as possible.
The minor forms of normally require treatment by
surgery. The affected area is removed during a surgical
procedure. If you have a minor your oncologist will
explain the procedures and the risks involved to you.
If the has gone untreated or you are suffering from
malignant melanoma, the treatment is significantly different.
Skin cancer in this situation may have spread to surrounding
organs or into the lymphatic system.
Your oncologist is the person who is best qualified to explain
and discuss all treatment options with you.
About the Author: Read more of his work at:
http://www.tskin.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=29614&ca=Cancer+Survival
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