Friday, January 29, 2010

Skin cancer early diagnosis and treatment

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and was released in the incidence of lung, breast and prostate cancer. Although it is the most common form of cancer, they are less often fatal than those and many other cancers because the tumors they produce tend to be visible. This often leads to cancer is discovered in the early stages before it can metastasize. If it goes away, but skin cancer can be deadly. 

There are many different types of skin cancer, some of them more dangerous than others. The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type, and tend to show up in the sun exposed areas of the body, as your face. This is the kind least likely to metastasize and rarely causes death. Basal cell carcinoma can be effectively treated with surgery and radiation. 

Squamous cell carcinoma is less common than basal cell, but still pretty standard compared to other cancers. This is more likely that metastasizing than basal cell carcinoma, but it is still very low. The risk is greater when it is placed on the ear or lip, and patients with weak immune systems. Generally, squamous cell carcinoma treated in the same manner as basal cell carcinoma. 

The rarest of the three common types of skin cancer is melanoma. Melanoma tends to metastasize easily and is deadly when it has spread through the body. Because of its tendency to metastasize, early detection is crucial for malignant melanoma. Early detection and treatment of melanoma can dramatically reduce the risk of metastasizing and causing death. 

The main risk factor is overexposure to UV radiation. This radiation causes mutations in skin cell DNA, which can lead to development of cancer later in life. Regular use of sunblock and products on an adequate sun protection factor (SPF) can dramatically reduce the risk of developing cancer cells in the long term. 

There are also genetic risk factors. People who are prone to develop moles have an increased risk. A particular hereditary condition called Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Syndrome leads to the development of moles on the skin, first appeared several months after birth. These moles tend to become cancerous, but the risk is highest for mole than 3 / 4 "(or 20mm) in size. Furthermore, people who smoke are at a much higher risk of getting skin cancer than nonsmokers.


Signs of skin cancer:


Know signs of skin cancer and what it might look like, will certainly help to identify potential hazards early. If something unusual pops up on your skin, it is always a good idea to clear the matter with your doctor. Prevention is better than cure. 
As it is well known that the signs of skin cancer will be discovered in the form of the five alphabets, ABCDE, as follows. 
Think of the letter "A" for asymmetry. Non-cancerous tumors are generally symmetrical. Therefore, what you typically looking for in a cancerous growth is in the form to be erratic and not symmetrical. If growth appears quickly as well, it would surely be a matter of great concern.


As for the letter "B", we call it as the limit for growth. Sometimes, the threshold for skin cancer can not be separated easily. It is a good practice to regularly monitor such growth on the skin and make comparisons.


The letter "C" stands for color. Here we focus on the color of any new growth on the skin. We will look for a red, brown, black, blue, or translucent growths. This is very important.


The letter "D" is about the diameter. We are concerned about the amount of growth. If growth appears on your skin is more than a quarter of an inch (or roughly 5.5mm) in diameter, you should have it examined by your doctor. Substantial growth can be a problem. It is a greater chance of being cancer.


The letter "E" stands for the altitude. Growth with elevated or uneven edges may be a sign of skin cancer.


Remember these five characters as they are very effective measures to detect potential cancer growths. Use them to monitor the condition of your skin and you will probably put yourself out of trouble. In the fight against skin cancer, you are your own best defense. 
When in doubt, it always pays to check with your doctor and get tests done as quickly as possible.

No comments: