Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It usually begins in the cells, the building blocks that make up the skin. Normally, skin cells grow and divide to form new cells. Every day skin cells grow old and die, and new cells take their place.
But once abnormality in the process occurs, like forming new cells more than the skin needs, the old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.
Skin cancers are named for the type of cells that become cancerous.
The two most common types of skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). These type of skin cancers usually occurs on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Areas that are usually exposed in the sun.
The least common type of skin cancer is Melanoma. They frequently metastasize and are deadly once spread. And can occur anywhere in the body.
Despite the ability of the skin to protect the internal body from external damage, it is a fragile organ and is subject to damage from ultraviolet radiation and chemicals. Overtime, this damage results in alteration in cellular structure and function, and malignancies of the skin occur.
Skin cancers is most closely associated with chronic inflammation of the skin, which includes:
- Overexposure to UV radiation, which damages directly or indirectly the DNA mechanism that results to skin cancer.
- Chronic non-healing wounds, especially burns. These are called Marjolin's ulcers based on their appearance and can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
- Genetic predisposition, including "Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Syndrome". CMNS is characterized by the presence of "nevi" or moles of varying size that either appear at or within 6 months of birth. Nevi larger than 20mm (3/4") in size are at higher risk for becoming cancerous.
- Human papilloma virus (HPV) is often associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the genital, anal, oral, pharynx, and fingers. It is believe that HPV vaccine might help prevent cancers as well as cervical cancers.
Many believe that avoiding sunlight entirely, or wearing protective clothing while outdoors can prevent skin cancer altogether. However, studies shows that Melanoma Skin Cancer is more common to those who work indoors.
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of skin cancer, the risk of developing such a cancer can be reduced significantly with the following steps:
- Reduce exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in the early years.
- Avoid sun exposure, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Because the sun's rays are strongest during this period.
- Wear protective clothes (long sleeves or hats) when outdoors.
- Wear sunscreen year-round. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Make sure to put generous amount of sunscreen on all exposed skin, including lips, tips of the ears and backs of hands and neck.
- Have regular skin examinations.
The "ABCDE" guide adapted from the American Academy of Dermatology will help us understand the basic signs or symptoms of skin cancer. This is one of the most effective ways of understanding and recognizing skin cancer.
A - is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different looking halves. And differs in texture and color.
B - is for irregular border. Look for moles with irregular, jagged, notched or scalloped borders - the characteristics of melanoma.
C - is for changes in color. Look for growths that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color.
D - is for diameter. Look for growths that are larger than about 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters).
E - is for evolving. Look for changes over time, such as mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding.
By: Sydney
Skin Cancer Recommended Resources:
Health Link - Medical College of Wisconsin
Alexander Wright 21.04.09 at 09:02am minita 16.11.09 at 15:41pm catherine foo 17.11.09 at 03:14am S.Medalie 03.02.10 at 16:41pmA free skin cancer clinic will be opening this spring in
zip code 21286 Towson Md near Baltimore Md
Thank you
sherri 18.05.10 at 10:36amNow on my other upper leg, the same thing is happening, lump under skin, and it just broke into a open sore. I getting wprried, does it sound like SKIN CANCER?
sandra 22.05.10 at 16:04pm
