Skin cancer is one of the common forms of cancer these days. In comparison with the other forms of cancer, it is less life-threatening because it is more noticeable even at early stages of its formation.
It is relatively easy to detect with self inspection of the skin. Besides, there are obvious ways that people can follow to minimize possibility of skin cancer from even occurring in the first place.
It is a good idea to incorporate as part of a routine physical checkup that your doctor examines your skin for any abnormal growths or discoloration, etc. You should also check your skin regularly at least once a month.
Checking your skin for skin cancer is quick, easy, and painless. When you do your self examination, you will want to take your time to really get a good look at your skin and bear in mind the various signs of cancerous growths. Make sure that you are in a well lit area and preferably with a full length mirror. Get ready a hand mirror as well because there will likely be areas that are not so easy to see with only one mirror. Carefully observe your skin and condition. You would gain a lot better understanding about how your healthy skin would look, and set a comparison to whatever that might look suspicious.
When examining your skin, take note of anything you haven’t noticed before. Start with your face and carefully work your way down the length of your body. Try to pay particular attention to the areas that are often exposed to the sun. Look for changes in the character of any abnormality such as the shape or size of a mole or discoloration.
If you like, you can research for medical drawings or photos online to guide you in the different types of skins cancers.
Early detection is the key to successfully treating skin cancer.
In general, people with lighter complexion might be more vulnerable. There are good ways to protect your skin from harmful UV-A’s and UV-B’s. Consider the like of wearing sunscreen, covering exposed skin, and wearing hats. If at all possible, try to stay indoors and keep yourself away from those extremely sunny conditions.
Over time, you would realize that all these little things would add up to give you a better-looking and healthier skin.
Filed under Prevention by on Nov 6th, 2009. Comment. 
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Filed under News by on Nov 16th, 2009. Comment.
Skin marks like moles, freckles and birthmarks are generally caused by melanocytes and blood vessels within the skin. Melanocytes are cells located in the outer layer of the skin – the epidermis. These cells are responsible for producing melanin — a dark substance to shield the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
Almost everyone would have moles on their body. These moles are basically made up of melanocytes coming together. The color varies between dark brown, reddish, or blue. Most moles are round in shape, and would usually stay the same. They can stick out from the skin, or lie flat, or have hairs growing from them. Sometimes, moles can change in shape, size, and color.
Freckle is another common form of skin marks. Many people have freckles all over their skin. They are caused by darkened melanocytes. When skin is exposed to a lot of sun, freckles can become darker and more spread out. People with fair skin and light hair are the likely ones to develop freckles. To a lot of people, it is comforting to know that freckles could fade or disappear with age.
Birthmarks, also called hemangiomas, show up early in life. Most birthmarks are caused by a collection of blood vessels in one place. Some might appear as sticking out from the skin, or others might be smooth and lying flat. In most circumstances, birthmarks are harmless. They might even disappear as a person grows older.
Would any of the above skin marks be a cause of concern? Generally speaking, no. However, we need to understand that there are a number of reasons that could turn healthy skin cells into cancerous ones. Once skin cells turn cancerous, they could multiple uncontrollably. The worse scenario is that they could spread to different body systems, and eventually causing death.
Bearing this in mind, it is always prudent to keep a watchful eye on any changes on the condition of your skin marks. If anything looks suspicious, refer to the specialist.
Filed under Skin Marks by on Nov 25th, 2009. Comment.
Melanoma (meaning black tumor) is not only the most malignant of all skin cancers, but it is also among the most malignant of all cancers. It can spread to nearly every organ and tissue in the body and can lead to death within a year after it recurs in distant sites.
According to the American Cancer Society, the most recent estimates show that America alone has over 68,000 new cases of melanoma every year, and more than 8,500 deaths annually directly attributable to this type of skin cancer. The lifetime risk of getting melanoma is about 1 in 50 for whites, 1 in 1000 for blacks, and 1 in 200 for Hispanics.
Melanoma is a malignant tumor that originates in melanocytes located in the epidermis. These melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, the pigment that colors the skin, and protects it from harmful ultra-violet rays.
The majority of melanomas are brown or black. However, some are in the same color as the skin, or pink, red, purple, blue, or white. The usual sites of melanoma in white people include the head, neck, trunk, and limbs. In the black people, there is a good likelihood to show up on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and mucous membranes.
These tumors can also show up in somewhat unusual locations, such as under the nail of a finger or toe and on the mucosa lining inside of the mouth, vagina, or anus.
There are two phases of growth of melanoma – radially (outwardly on the surface of the skin) and vertically (deeply into the layers of the skin). Once the melanoma has penetrated deeply into the dermis of the skin, and has reached the lymphatic and blood vessels, the melanoma can utilize the lymphatics and bloodstream to spread to distant locations, most commonly to the lungs, liver, and brain. It is said to metastasize.
For patients with a melanoma less than 1mm thick, the likelihood of death due to the disease is only about 10%. However, this would rise to about 30% for a tumor with a thickness of 3mm.
Though we come across melanoma as a deadly skin cancer, there is a lot of hope for a 100 percent cure if it is detected and treated early. As a matter of fact, more than 90% of patients are alive for five years or more following their first diagnosis of melanoma.
Filed under Skin Marks, Symptoms, melanoma, skin cancer diagnosis, types of skin cancer by on Nov 28th, 2009. Comment.
