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Skin cancer is
the most common of the cancers; it affects an estimated 1.3 million
Americans each year. Skin cancer diagnosis's are on a rising rate of 4
to 5 percent annually, with this kind of rise skin cancer continues to
be a genuine epidemic. There are three different types of skin cancer
that comprise this category of sun-induced cancers: the basal cell, the
squamous cell carcinoma, and of course malignant melanoma. Ultraviolet
exposure and sun damage is the leading factor to developing skin
cancer. Damaging rays create cellular DNA damage and ultimately skin
cancer. Skin has a repair system that literally cuts out damaged DNA
and replaces it with new, healthy code. Too much UV damage may simply
overwhelm the system. Some people are more prone to developing skin
caner then others, for example people with lighter skin, red hair,
blond hair, and blue eyes. A lifelong history of sun exposure places
one at higher risk. Regardless of race anyone can develop skin cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma will affect an estimated 800,000 Americans this
year. Even with that high a statistic most people have never heard of
this kind of cancer. This type of cancer earns its name from the
location deep within the epidermis in which they form the basal or
basement level of cells. Basal Cell Carcinoma presents itself as slowly
growing tumors that look pearly. These types of tumors can grow quite
large and invade the spaces to which they are adjacent; however they
rarely metastasize to other areas of the body. Pink or flesh-toned
bumps slowly rise above the skin's surface. It's the pearlescent
quality that gives it away. Over time it may go on to form a central
ulceration (sore). In the early stages it resembles reddish dry skin
patches that simply won't heal over months or even longer. Diagnosis of
the BCC involves a skin biopsy, basal cell carcinoma is fairly easy to
diagnose. Squamous Cell Carcinoma affects
approximately 200,000 people in the US per year. Squamous is the most
dangerous form of skin cancer, it is associated with a small risk of
spreading to other areas of the body. There are approximately 2000
deaths a year associated with this type of cancer. The more sun
exposure, even cumulative sun acquired from regular "tanning" is
associated with a high risk of developing SCC. SCC may also form on
areas of the body that have been exposed to chemicals, thermal burns,
radiation, and occasionally within vaccination scars. Typically SCC
looks like hard, sometimes scaly or crusty red bump or nodule, SCC
continues to grow in height and diameter until removed. From these
spots ulceration, itching, and bleeding may develop. This type of
cancer may arise from precancerous skin conditions known as actinic
keratoses that resemble chronic reddish brown scaly patches of
sun-exposed skin. Due to the high risk of this cancer spreading to
other parts of the body a total removal is the best treatment option.
Melanoma is by far the most lethal of theses skin cancers; melanoma is
responsible for 7400 deaths a year in the US. Melanoma is associated
with moles; the vast majority of moles are visible on the skin, and
brown in color. Gradually moles go through a series of changes, some
faster than others, known as dysplasia. The faster the change the more
likely the mole may turn into melanoma. Melanoma is almost 100%
curable, so early detection is the key. Although it is easy to detect
many symptomatic moles go ignored. According to The Melanoma Research
Foundation, every hour of every day of the year an American dies of
malignant melanoma. There are 4 signs to know to detect melanoma, these
signs are; - Asymmetry, the mole is not
completely even in appearance.
- Border, the
margins should be even and smooth, without ratty or projecting edges.
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Circumference, the mole should be nice and round, without jagged or
sharp edges.
- Diameter, the size of the mole
should not be more than 6mm measured across the mole. This is the size
of a pencil eraser.
The above signs
and symptoms do not automatically mean the mole is malignant, but they
are definitely a reason to seek out a dermatologist for evaluation.
Other signs to pay close attention to are rapid mole growth, formation
of a sore, and itching and bleeding within the mole. The prognosis for
melanoma is based upon the depth of the mole. Further work up and
treatment are based upon this very important measurement.
I hope that this information has been helpful and remember saving your
life is easier than you think. If you suspect something or just want to
be rest assured then contact a dermatologist or visit one of the
thousands of free skin cancer screens held throughout the US during
May, which is Skin Cancer Awareness month. |