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. 
Skin cancer is amongst the most common forms of cancer found these days. It is also highly preventable and very curable if it is caught early enough.
There are three different types of skin cancers that can be found on your skin.
The first form of skin cancer to emerge is squamous cell carcinoma. These neoplasms typically develop in areas which have been exposed to too much sun, more often than not the face and the ears. A lump or a swelling is often the first manifestation of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. If left untreated, it ulcerates into an unhealing open sore which continues to grow in size. In the later stages it can also spread to other parts of the body.
Basal cell carcinoma is another one of the types of skin cancers. These are generally found on the face, hands and neck and are as many as seventy five percent of all skin cancers that are diagnosed. Basal cell carcinoma is very treatable and can be cured quite easily if it is found early enough. The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma are a sore that bleeds and is irritated. It may also resemble a fresh scar.
The third type of skin cancer is the most dangerous of all of them. It is melanoma and it can be found on any area of the body. It is usually found on the arms and legs in the beginning. It will look like a mole or freckle that has recently appeared on the skin. It can also be from an existing mole that has recently changed its size, shape or color. The border of the melanoma will be indistinguishable and it may have more than one color.
It is imperative that the melanoma type of skin cancer be found and eradicated early to prevent the problems that will come with the later stages of this skin cancer.
There are many steps you can take to prevent skin cancer. Most importantly, try protect your skin from the sun whenever you are outside. It is a good idea to always wear sunscreen no matter what time of year it is. Have enough clothing to keep the skin from over-exposure to the sun. Have a hat handy to keep your face and head in shade.
In a nutshell, if you can keep an eye on your skin and be mindful of early symptoms of cancer development, you would likely keep yourself out of trouble.
As always, your best chance is from prevention and awareness.
Filed under Skin Marks, Symptoms, melanoma, skin cancer diagnosis, types of skin cancer by on Sep 19th, 2009. Comment.
