Skin Cancer Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

By Author: jason Morrow
Total Articles: 1
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Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. An estimated one million people a year are diagnosed with it.A person has a one in five chance of being diagnosed with skin cancer during their life. Fortunately,death from this type of cancer is rare.Since most cases are detected early,skin cancer is often treated before it becomes a serious health problem for the patient.

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma,and melanoma. The names for each type come from the layer of the epidermis that is affected by malignant cells.Basal cell and squamous cell are the two most common types.Melanoma is more rare, but is also more aggressive and more dangerous.

Most other types of cancer occur through a combination of genetic and environmental factors. With skin cancer, the cause is mostly environmental, with genetics playing a smaller role. The main risk factor is overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, and/or overexposure from artificial sources of UV light such as sunlamps and tanning booths. Overexposure to UV radiation damages the DNA, causing ...
... cancer cells to grow and divide abnormally, forming tumors. Recent medical research suggests that melanoma is caused by a mutation of the CDKN2 gene on chromosome 9.

Although cancer of the skin can strike anyone at any age, people over the age of 50 with a history of excessive Sun exposure and light hair,eyes, and skin are more vulnerable.People whose immune system is compromised or made weaker through illness or drugs, and those who received treatment with radiation are also more vulnerable.

The first and foremost sign is a suspicious mole and/or skin discoloration. Moles that change in color, size, or become "bumpy" should be examined by a doctor. Changes in the sensation of moles or skin growths and discolorations that become sensitive or painful are another sign of potential skin cancer. People should also be alert for skin discoloration that extends beyond the borders of the mole, especially if they are red in color.

The American Cancer Society has an ABCD system for detecting skin cancer in which the mole's appearance may undergo 4 different kinds of changes:

>> A = Asymmetry: Half the size of the mole or skin growth doesn't match the other half.

>> B = Border Irregularity: The edges of the mole are irregular with ragged, blurred or notched edges.

>> C = Color changes: The color of the mole or new skin growth varies from one area to another area with shades of tan, brown, black, red, blue and white.

>> D = Diameter: A sign of skin cancer is any size increase of an already existing mole or the occurrence of a big mole or new skin growth larger than 6 mm.

Anyone who notices these signs and symptoms, and suspects they may have a suspicious looking mole or skin discoloration should see their doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible.

All the main types of skin cancer can go through a 5 stage process in which the lower number is the least severe.However, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas share one type of staging system, while melanoma has it's own distinct 5 stage process.

Most skin cancer tumors are removed through surgical procedures. The most common is Mohs micrographical surgery where the tumor is removed by removing thin layers or skin. Each time a layer is removed, the remaining area is examined for cancer cells. This procedure can be used anywhere on the body but is favored for use on the face since it leaves the most healthy tissue behind.

Another common surgical procedure for skin cancer is a simple excision where the mole or area is removed, along with a certain diameter of healthy tissue around it.In some cases, tumors may be removed with lasers,liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery), and electric currents.

Radiation and chemotherapy may be necessary in more severe cases of skin cancer. Immunotherapy and photo dynamic therapy are new techniques for treating skin cancer. Immunotherapy is new a field of treatment medicine which uses certain agents to promote the body's immune system to fight cancer cells, or mimics properties of the body's immune system upon administration, to fight off cancer cells.

Photodynamic therapy is a method in which cancer cells absorb a certain type of administered liquid,and then a laser device is focused in the area.Cancer cells which carry the drug then "self-destruct" under the laser.

According to cancer authorities, the number of cases of skin cancer is continuing to increase, despite more public awareness and warning.

Jason Morrow is the founder and editor of OmniMedicalSearch.com where you can see skin cancer pictures and melanoma pictures.