The Second Most Common Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. Over 2 million cases of this disease are diagnosed each year and if not detected early it can lead to surgery and even death. Every year between 40 and 50% of all cancer cases are diagnosed as skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer; malignant melanoma and non-melanoma. The most common types of non-melanoma cancer are Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma, and approximately 79% of Malignant Melanoma cases relate to deaths. These cancers account for only 4% of all skin cancer cases but are by far the most dangerous. Melanoma is more likely than non-melanoma to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. It is estimated that over 12 thousand people with some type of skin cancer will die this year.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body, measuring approximately twenty square feet for the average adult. It can be considered as the most resilient organ in the human body. The skin is divided into layers; the Epidermis (upper most), the Basement Membrane, the Dermis, and the Hypodermis/Subcutis. It covers the internal organs and bones and protects them from injury and germs, and prevents the loss of too much fluid. The skin is vital in the control of body temperature and it gets rid of some wastes through perspiration. Certain cells in the skin communicate with the brain to allow temperature, touch, and pain sensations.
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells that when left unchecked, spread from the skin to other tissues and organs of the body. More cases of skin cancer are being diagnosed as time goes on. Studies have shown that heavy exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR) lead to skin cancer and other skin problems. These studies have shown that 65 to 90% of melanomas are caused by over exposure to ultraviolet light (sunshine, tanning beds and tanning lights), but it has also been shown to run in families and may also be genetic.
The second most common form of skin cancer is Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and approximately 700,000 cases are diagnosed each year with approximately 2,500 deaths. It is one of the less aggressive skin cancers in that when detected early it may be easily controlled or removed through minor surgery. This cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the Squamous cells, which compose most of the skin's epidermis (upper layers).
This type of cancer is mainly caused by cumulative UVR exposure over the course of a lifetime and may not occur until many years after receiving the original damage to the skin, which makes it necessary to see a dermatologist at its first signs. The most common areas for this cancer are those that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the rim of the ear, lower lip, face, bald scalp, neck, hands, arms and legs. Skin damage can appear as wrinkling, changes in pigmentation, and loss of elasticity in the skin.
Exposure to UVR s the cause for most cases of Squamous cell cancer. The condition develops due to the fact that UV radiation damages the DNA in an individual's skin cells. The more damage to the DNA, the more likely the skin cells will grow out of control and develop a Squamous cell carcinoma. Most cases of Squamous cell cancer may be prevented, and there are several ways to do this; by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding midday sun, limiting your time in direct sunshine, don't use tanning beds or lamps, and checking your skin regularly.
Squamous cell cancer is a easily treatable and preventable type of skin cancer. However, it can still be deadly and needs to be detected and treated early. Squamous cell cancer very rarely causes further problems when identified and treated early. Untreated, it can grow large or spread to other parts of your body, causing serious complications. Call for an appointment with your health care professional if you observe a sore or spot on your skin that changes in: appearance, color, size, texture, or if an existing spot becomes painful or swollen, or if it starts to bleed or itch.

Read More

The Importance of Early Melanoma Detection

We all know it's important to wear sunscreen in order to protect your skin. We have all heard of sun damage, and we have all gotten a burn because we didn't take the time to protect our skin properly. Did you know that sun exposure raises your risk for developing skin cancer? In fact, you are most at risk during infancy and childhood. If you are prone to skin cancer because of family history, then you should be especially careful to make sure you are protected. Of course, even the most cautious are still at risk, but keeping an eye on suspicious moles can aid in melanoma detection.
You are at risk if skin cancer runs in your family. You are also at risk if you have suspicious moles. Your best bet for detection is monitoring moles for any changes. A biopsy can detect whether you have skin cancer, but not every mole is skin cancer. If you feel that you have a lot of moles, you might consider being monitored by a doctor. You can set up regular appointments to keep an eye on changes and biopsy if necessary. Your doctor will take digital images of the moles and note any symptoms such as itchiness, patient noted change, or that it just appeared. The images would be sent out for review. The next time you come back, they would know what size the mole was last, they would note any change or addition in symptoms, and they would be able to determine if biopsy is necessary.
The importance and effectiveness of early melanoma detection cannot be over-expressed. The survival rate for someone in early stages is remarkable. As the disease progresses, survival rates go down dramatically. The average age of someone diagnosed is twenty five to twenty nine years old. If you find you need treatment, the steps you'll need to take will depend on a few factors: your doctor's opinion, the stage, and where the affected skin is. For instance, if affected skin is on your face, treatment may look different from if it's on your foot.
The point, however, is early melanoma detection. Be your own advocate. Use sunscreen, get suspicious moles checked out, know family history, and protect and educate your children. Once you are seeing a doctor, be sure to keep them appraised of any changes that you notice. The good news is that if found, early survival rates are great.

Read More

Dermatologists and Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Patients know that when dermatologists mentions skin cancer, it is time to to sit up and pay attention. Even if they receive reassurances that everything is okay and the issue can be addressed right away, it makes sense to take action before things are able to progress. The first step is diagnosing the issue and beginning the prescribed treatment as soon as possible.
Removal
When dermatologists suspect basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, one of the first options is to have it removed. Then a curette can be used to scrape away remnants. This scraping tool removes not only the cancerous cells but also some of the healthy skin that surrounds it. The goal is obvious to take more than necessary instead of not taking enough and needing to go back and revisit the issue. For smaller areas, the work can be done in the office and a local anesthetic is sufficient.
Dermatologists can also choose to freeze the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen. While the technical term is cryosurgery, it is a fairly simple procedure. Once the area has thawed out, the dead tissue comes off easily. This procedure can also be done in the medical office and handled in just one appointment. It may be necessary to come back in for a follow up to recheck the area.
Other Surgical Procedures
Sometimes skin cancer reoccurs in the same area despite all of the effort to remove it. When that happens, it may be time to take more serious action and set up and appointment for something like a Mohs surgery. Instead of just scraping out the entire area, dermatologists can pull off each layer of skin and take a closer look to ensure that there are no abnormal cells left. There is no need to take out any healthy skin, making it a very precise operation.
Chemotherapy
When patients hear about chemotherapy, they have a very specific image in their minds. Today's treatment for skin cancer often involves creams or lotions that can be applied to the area. This will only be effective on a specific area. If the cancer spreads, a more aggressive form of chemotherapy may be necessary and dermatologists often have to refer their patients to other specialists for help.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
A popular alternative to other treatments is photodynamic therapy. It can treat a large amount of skin all at the same time. With a mix of lasers and medication, the skin cancer cells are destroyed. While patients feel confident that they have a clean bill of health once the treatment is complete, the skin remains sensitive to light and it requires that individuals limit their direct sunlight for at least six weeks.

Read More

Actinic Keratosis Can Mimic Psoriasis!

Actinic Keratosis has been confused with psoriasis because of the similarities in the outward appearance on your skin. Both conditions are marked by dry, flaky, raised, scaly, rough, red skin. Of course, not all those symptoms need be present, but very often most of them are. As you know, psoriasis is the result of a defect with your immune system. Hence it is classified as an auto-immune disorder, whereby your body turns against itself. On the other hand, actinic keratosis is the most common precancerous condition of your skin. If left untreated, it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma which is the second most common type of skin cancer behind basal cell carcinoma.
While there is no way to avoid psoriasis, it is entirely possible to avoid actinic keratosis. That is because the former is probably in your genes and out of your control while the latter is self-inflicted! By that I mean it is the result of long-term exposure to ultraviolet light commonly found in sunlight. People who work outdoors and those who enjoy much time in the sun need to always be aware of wearing skin protection. Fair skinned individuals are even more susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun. As such, they need to apply a quality sun screen as well as re-applying it after spending much time in the sun.
The actual color appearance of the lesions in patients with actinic keratosis is not only limited to a red color. The lesions which are often felt before they can be seen, may also appear pink or grey. Some people say they have sun spots or age spots, but the bottom line is that these spots, if left untreated can become fatal which can be avoided in the first place if you use a little bit of caution before going outdoors.
The treatment options for psoriasis consists mainly of ointments, creams, lotions, some internal medicine, photo therapy and the newest class of medications called immuno-modulators which work to calm down the immune system. Treatment for actinic keratosis utilizes several of the same modalities as does psoriasis but the actual medications are often different. Physicians use cryosurgery, photo-dynamic therapy and topical medications that are more aggressive than what is usually used in psoriasis. The three most popular agents are imiquimod, diclofenec and fluorouracil.
The use of any agent on the skin for long periods of time can bring about a whole new set of problems such as side effects and other allergic dermatology reactions. Therefore, the goal of any therapy is to make sure that the positive benefits outweigh any potential unwanted effects. Fortunately, actinic keratosis can usually be avoided in the first place. Just be sure to stick to the age-old adage when going outside: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

Read More

Can Tattoo Inks Cause Skin Cancer?

It seems today most people obtaining tattoos are more concerned about the quality of the tattoo and the effect of aging altering the tattoo, than any potential long term health risks. The health dangers associated with being injected by hundreds of needles into the dermis or the inner layer of the skin are widely publicised and most tattoo artists take these issues very seriously. We have all heard about Aids and Hep C, but are you aware of the current debate on the possible skin cancer risks associated with tattoo inks?
Recent years have seen an increase in stories associated with the potential of getting skin cancer from tattoo inks. Limited studies taken to date have not confirmed a direct link between cancer and tattoo inks..
Phthalates and other chemical ingredients used in tattoo inks have raised questions about the long term risks on our health such as skin cancer.It has been reported that some forms of phthalates are believed to have the potential to disrupt testosterone or mimic estrogen. Phthalate exposure has been identified to possible sperm defects and altered thyroid hormones. The phthalates in tattoo inks are believed to be cleared from the body within hours unlike many other forms of phthalate exposure. A study reported that Phthalates applied to the skin in a lotion were absorbed and metabolised and the same thing is likely to happen with the phthalates in tattoo inks. It would be well advised for pregnant and nursing women to avoid any exposure to phthalates.
Injecting tattoo inks, containing exogenous pigments, into the dermis creates a unique situation, due to the large amount of metallic salts and organic dyes remain in the skin for a lifetime. The potential carcinogenic risks of tattoo inks remain debatable. Several studies have identified the presence of potential carcinogenic or procarcinogenic products in tattoo inks.One chemical commonly used in black tattoo ink called benzo(a)pyrene is known to be a potent carcinogen that causes skin cancer in animal tests. As tattooing injects inks such asbenzo(a)pyrene directly into the dermis damaging the skin. You could conclude it may contribute to skin cancer.
Scientists and health professionals continue to debate the possible link between tattoo inks and cancer. In the last forty years there have only been 50 documented cases of squamous cell carcinoma, malignant skin melanoma or basal cell carcinoma with possible connections to tattoos, compared to the millions of tattoos obtained. Epidemiological studies on the effects of tattoo ink could be taken, although they would not be easy. A large number of tattooed people would have to be monitored over a long period of time to see whether they developed problems such as skin cancer near their tattoos. The low number of reported skin cancers arising in tattoos could be considered coincidental.
Further in depth studies will need to be carried out to give more conclusive evidence on the effects of tattoo ink and the cancer risks associated. The FDA is growing more concerned about the ingredients in tattoo ink. In the early 2000's, the FDA received a large number of complaints associated with giving and receiving tattoos. Since then the FDA has commenced more research into the chemical components of tattoo inks. The FDA is investigating how the body breaks down the tattoo ink as it fades over time. Is the body absorbing the ink or is it fading from sun exposure? A common pigment in yellow tattoo inks, Pigment Yellow 74, is believed to be a risk of being broken down by the body.
When skin cells containing tattoo inks are killed by sunlight or laser light, the tattoo inks break down and could possibly spread throughout the body. It is believed that tattoo inks could spread into lymph nodes whether this has unknown health concerns or not is still unknown. Our lymph nodes filtering out disease-causing organisms any interference in that process could have devastating effects on our health.
It is recommended not to have a tattoo placed too close to a mole. Changes occurring in a mole such as asymmetry, border, color, size, shape, texture are all warning signs of a possible melanoma or another skin cancer. Ensure all moles are left completely visible to prevent possible delays in detecting any changes. When a melanoma is discovered early it is usually curable where as more advanced melanomas are far harder to cure. A tattoo covering a mole could delay detection and be extremely dangerous even life threatening. If you get a tattoo, make sure it is placed a good distance from any mole. This is especially important for people who have multiple moles or dysplastic nevus (atypical mole) syndrome, due to the increased risk of developing melanoma, potentially within one of their moles.
It's imperative to be extremely diligent in caring for our skin correctly after a tattoo and monitor any changes that may occur to the skin. Our skin is the largest organ of the body and has many important functions. It protective us against injury and disease, regulates our temperature and maintains our bodies hydration. There are three layers to our skin the first layers is the epidermis the outer layer of the skin. The second layer is the dermis or the inner layer and the third layer is the subcutaneous fat layer.
Cancer is a disease of the body's cells. Normally the body's cells grow and divide in an orderly fashion. Some cells may grow and divide abnormally growing into a lump, a tumour. Tumours can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Benign tumours do not spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells in a malignant tumour have the ability to spread to over areas in the body, if left untreated. These cells can destroy surrounding tissue and break away from the original cancer, affecting other organs in the body. These cells can then form another tumour referred to as a secondary cancer.
Skin cancer begins in the basal layer of the epidermis. There are three main types of skin cancer basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanomas start in the pigment cells while basal and squamous cell carcinomas develop from the epidermal cells. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common but least dangerous type of skin cancer. They grow slowly but if left untreated, a deep ulcer can occur. Fortunately they very rarely spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinomas are most commonly found on the face, neck and upper trunk. They appear as a lump or scaly area and are pale, pearly or red in colour. Squamous cell carcinomas are less common but more dangerous. They typically grow over a period of weeks to months. These cancers may spread to other parts of the body if not treated immediately. Squamous cell carcinomas appear on areas of skin most often exposed to the sun. They have scaling, red areas which may bleed easily and ulcerate, looking like an unhealing sore. The major cause of these skin cancers is sun exposure for years. Melanoma is the rarest but most dangerous skin cancer. It is often a fast growing cancer which if left untreated can spread quickly to other parts of the body to form secondary cancers. Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body. The first sign of a melanoma is usually a change in a freckle or mole, or the appearance of a new spot. Changes in size, shape or colour are normally seen over a period of several weeks to months. Melanoma typically appears from adolescence onwards, most commonly seen between 30 and 50 years of age.
Any sign of a crusty, non-healing sore, a small lump which is red, pale or pearly in colour, or a new spot, freckle or mole changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of several weeks to months. Any spots that range from dark brown to black, red or blue-black should be checked by a doctor immediately. A very high per cent of basal and squamous cell carcinomas that are found and treated early are cured.

Read More

Types, Symptoms and Treatment of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects individuals throughout the world. Like all other types of cancer, it is better to diagnose this condition early. This is because early diagnosis and treatment could mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, most people do not know the types or symptoms of this type of cancer and they always realize that they have the disease when it is too late.
There are three main types of skin cancer based on the layer of the skin that the cancer affects. The first type is Basal cell carcinoma or BCC which attacks the basal cells of the epidermis. The second type is the Squamous cell carcinoma or SCC which affects the epidermal layer of the skin. The third and most dangerous type is the melanoma which affects the melanocytes present in the lower part of the epidermal layer.
The symptoms of cancer also vary depending on the type of cancer. Sometimes, the individual may notice a scaly patch on their skin which is itchy or very uncomfortable. Such patches are usually more common in areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight most of the time. These patches may sometimes begin to bleed or develop into an ulcer. Such a symptom should never be ignored as this could be the early stages of SCC cancer development. Anyone who notices this on their skin should quickly visit a hospital in order to ensure that the ulcer is treated before cancer develops.
A symptom of BCC cancer is the development of lumps and bumps on the skin which become infected. These bumps may form crusts that begin to bleed and this could be a sign of cancer development. The patient should not hesitate to visit a doctor as soon as they notice these symptoms so that they can begin treatment immediately.
Melanoma is the severest form of skin cancer and it can prove to be deadly. One of the earliest symptoms of this cancer is the development of a mole on the skin. These moles may be brownish or red in color. An individual who already had a mole on their skin may notice that the asymmetry, border, color or even the diameter of the mole has changed. The area around may become itchy or painful and this should be a cause for concern. If there is redness, itchiness or tenderness around skin markings, the individual should visit a practitioner in order to rule out the onset of cancer.
Treatment of cancer also depends on the type of skin cancer that the patient is suffering from. SCC and BCC are less severe and they are not likely to spread to other organs in the body. Therefore, the individual can be able to receive localized treatment that will help them to get rid of the cancer cells. However, melanoma is quite severe and the treatment is more systematic. This is because melanoma is very dangerous and there is usually a chance that the cancer will spread to other internal cells and organs in the body. However, for all types of cancer, the patient who is able to get to a doctor during the early stages will have a better chance of treatment. Therefore, individuals should take note of the symptoms so that they can stop the development of cancer cells before they take over their skin.

Read More

My Terror in the Blackness of Hell

Four weeks after my cancer surgery, I reported to the office of radiotherapy. I soon learned this apparatus had nothing to do with listening to the radio. Inside it felt like darkness of hell.
The technicians built a plastic mask to support my head in a specific place on the beam, The beam moved my body inside the radiation chamber.
The mask was a plastic sheet 3/8th inch thick with square holes half an inch wide. The border was 3/8th inch wide between the holes.
This meant I could see the light when the beam was outside the radiation chamber. I could not see anything inside the chamber.
They put my favorite CD on a music player to calm my nerves. I also had a blanket to keep me warm inside the chamber.
Those aides made me feel secure.
When the technicians moved the beam into the chamber, everything was black. I could see red and yellow lights blinking. The beam went in and out of the chamber. Sometimes it went sideways. This made me nauseated. The yellow plastic mask went over my head. They clamped it on to the beam I was laying on.
I had two situations with this procedure:

1. The mask put too much pressure on my face. I could not breathe through my nose. The pressure of the mask against my face caused great anxiety.
2. I had much difficulty breathing through my mouth. The mask pushed my neck against the beam. Then saliva accumulated in my throat. Eventually I learned to swallow the saliva so I could breathe.

I feared I would vomit. This would clog all my breathing passages. I would suffocate in short order.
Two technicians observed the procedure outside the radiation room. An eighteen-inch thick lead door opened to let the technicians into the radiotherapy chamber. The door was so huge it moved very slowly. Before they could enter the room, the gun that discharged the radioactive into my head turned off. Let's just say, I felt concerned.
My other fear concerned an itch on my nose. I could not scratch it.
I did not vomit but my nose did itch. All I could do was scream inside my mind. Eventually the itch disappeared and then returned.
The first day I panicked. I asked the technicians to let me kiss my wife before I died inside that contraption. The boss called my wife and I had to kiss her. They asked if I wanted to suspend the treatment. "No," I replied, "I will do it".
They gave me a tranquilizer 15 minutes before starting the treatment. I do not think it helped.
I soon learned when the machine made a special sound it finished the treatment. This meant that the beam with me on top would come rolling out of that inferno.
The technicians released the mask and helped me to my feet. I lost my sense of direction and wobbled like a drunkard in every direction.
They held me upright until my wife arrived to help me walk to our auto.

Find more information about the interesting experiences I and other Ezine authors have had with skin cancer. Skin cancer is not as simple as it may seem. My site http://fat-ape.org. has more valuable information.

Read More