Skin Cancer

Many people fear the words skin cancer, and with good reason as it the fastest growing type of cancer. In recent years it has surged past lung, prostate and breast cancers as the most common type. Even in the United States alone it is estimated that over a million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Skin cancer is in essence a malignant growth in the epidermis layer of skin. The fact that a tumor of some sort grows makes it one of the more easily identifiable forms of cancer, and should be caught early enough to treat because of it. There are three main forms of skin cancer;

Protected and Pristine From Head to Toe

Many people love the warmth of the sun on their skin. The sun's rays make us feel good and relaxed. But the long term effects of the sun's rays can have devastating effects to our skin. Exposure from the sun can cause wrinkles and age spots on our face and make us appear older than our chronological age. Most people associate a suntan with good health. People state they look healthy. But skin color obtained from the sun or a tanning booth actually accelerate the effects of aging and increases your risk for skin cancer. The effects of sun exposure causes most of what many think is a normal part of aging.

Are Sunbeds Healthy?

It was only in the middle of the last century that having a tan became desirable. Up until this point, people did not see tanned skin as a positive look but more than likely an indication that the person worked outdoors and was exposed to too much sunlight. As people became more prosperous in the 1950's, leisure time became more of a lifestyle choice. People would spend time at the beach or have social activities outdoors. They had money and vacation time to go to warmer and sunnier climates. Pretty soon an all over tan could indicate affluence or a healthy lifestyle (which is not completely untrue).

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratoses are common, sun-induced, premalignant lesions that increase with age. Light-complected individuals are more susceptible than those with dark complexions. Years of sun exposure are required to induce sufficient damage to cause lesions. Actinic keratoses may undergo spontaneous remission if sunlight exposure is reduced, but new lesions may appear. Patients often present with lesions that were first noticed during the summer, suggesting that the lesions may become more active after sunlight exposure. What are the symptoms and signs of Actinic Keratosis? Actinic keratoses begin as an area of increased vascularity, with the skin surface becoming slightly rough.

The Important ABCDs of Moles

Do you know your ABCDs for malignant melanomas? The average person has about 25 moles and most of these are harmless. However, a change in a mole could be a sign for malignant change. The ABCD is a simple mnemonic for warning signs for malignant melanomas, the most aggressive skin cancer. Look out for: A (asymmetry): one part of the mole does not match the other parts. B (border irregularity): normal moles are round or oval, melanomas have irregular, notched or blurred edges. C (color):when its color is uneven and may consist of different shades of color (mostly brown or black, or even red, white or blue).

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

Staying out in the sun, they say, is bad for you. While it may sound like an old wives' tale, a nt type of cancer which is not very easy to spot. Squamous comes from the Latin word "squama, "possibly deadly skin cancer called squamous cell skin cancer is a very real result of staying out too long in the sun. And when we say "too long, " we mean prolonged exposure to UV rays. A dangerous type of skin cancer, it affects healthy surrounding tissues, and if not caught immediately, may spread to the lymph nodes and prove lethal. Also known as squamous cell carcinoma, it is a maligna which means scales, therefore defining squamous epithelium as skin with a scaly surface.

What Are The Causes And Effects Of Skin Cancer

Like all cancers, skin cancer is caused when the cells are exposed to some external environmental condition. This causes the cells, or more specifically the genes in the cell to mutate and become known as a oncogene. An oncogene promotes tumor growth. In many cases of cancer it is not always clear what the environmental condition or conditions may be. In fact, it may not be just one condition that promotes cancer growth but a multitude of them making it harder to prevent the development of the disease. In the case of skin cancer, the environmental condition is thought to be exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Getting Rid Of Skin Moles

Do annoying skin moles interfere with your daily life? Do you constantly suffer from sore, irritated moles that get caught and snag in your hair, clothes, or jewelry? Millions of adults go through the exact same scenarios day in, and day out. Skin moles prove to be problematic for individuals all over the world. They range from mild nuisances, to large, imposing skin moles that can interfere with daily activities of living. Furthermore, skin moles can effect your self confidence, and even become dangerous to your health. If you live with them daily, you've probably also thought of getting rid of skin moles.

Treatment Should Begin At The First Signs Of Skin Cancer

If skin cancer is detected early, it can sometimes be removed through simple outpatient surgery. This common disease can be detected in its early stages because it appears on the patient's skin, and if early warnings are taken advantage of, difficult treatments with severe side effects may not be necessary. Familiarize yourself with the first signs of skin cancer, and check your skin for irregularities that may require you to see a doctor. The consequences of skin cancer are much more severe if it is not detected in its early stages. It can spread through the lymphatic system, forcing patients to have nearby lymph nodes surgically removed.

Sun s Kiss Isn t Always So Sweet

This past Saturday was an extra beautiful day here in Florida. The sun was shining, and there was not a cloud in the sky. There was a soft and gentle breeze calling out to me, which became irresistible, and I had to answer its call! However, I do err on the side of caution, with good reason. More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year; and the vast majority can blame it on that big ball of fire in the sky! I do not plan on being included in these statistics. On any given day, whether I go outside for a few minutes, or a few hours, I always use a sunscreen.