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Skin Cancer - Skin Cancer symptom, treatment, causes

Skin Cancer is a condition in which malignant neoplasms (abnormal tissue growths) of the skin are the most common form of cancer, and the incidence in Australia is estimated to be the highest in the world. The major cause of skin cancer is over exposure to sunlight. All skin cancers occur predominantly in exposed skin, mostly on the face, the backs of the hands, and the upper rim of the ear. Melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, described under MELANOMA MALIGNANT. There are two other types. Basal cell carcinoma (abbreviated BCC and often called rodent ulcer) usually begins as a small, raised, shiny nodule that grows slowly, usually becoming ulcerated and crusted with a raised, pearly border. Without treatment the cancer can extend through skin to destroy underlying muscle and bone.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often develops in the persistent scaly patches known as sun spots or solar keratoses, which enlarge and become raised or warty before eventually ulcer-ating. This kind of cancer cell invades under-lying tissues. and SCC is more likely than BCC to spread to other parts of the body. Diagnosis of BCC and SCC is by biopsy, and treatment is by cautery (heat), cryotherapy (freezing), surgicalexcision or occasionally, radiotherapy.

Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes including repeated severe sunburn or long-term exposure to the sun. But this common form of cancer also can occur on areas of the skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis , the outermost layer of skin, so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are slow growing and highly treatable, especially if found early. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It affects deeper layers of the skin and has the greatest potential to spread to other tissues in the body. All three types of skin cancer are on the rise but most skin cancers can be prevented by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and by paying attention to suspicious changes in your skin. If caught early enough, most skin cancers can be successfully treated.

Skin cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells are found in the outer layers of the skin. Some form of skin cancer is diagnosed in more than 1 million people in the United States each year. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once. The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in both men and women. The two most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. (Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the cells that cover or line an organ.) Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers in the United States. It's a slow growing cancer that seldom spreads to other parts of the body.

Causes of Skin Cancer

The common Causes of Skin Cancer :

• Non melanoma skin cancers are more common after age 40. Thus, it affects mainly to old aged peoples.
• If there is a history of skin cancer in your family , you are probably at a higher risk.
• sunburn can damage your skin, and this damage can lead to skin cancer. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important factor in the development of skin cancer.
• Having many moles , freckles or birthmarks may also indicate the occurrence of this disease.
• People with light-colored skin, hair, and eyes are more prone to get affected by skin cancer.
• Occupational exposure to coal tar , pitch , creosote , arsenic compounds , or radium may also cause skin cancer.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Some common Symptoms of Skin Cancer :

• A simple mole that changes in color or size.
• A waxy bump , may also be seen in skin cancer.
• Skin cancer may lead to the changes in texture of skin .
• A large brownish spot with darker speckles could occur in skin cancer.
• A sore that does not heal is the early symptom of skin cancer.

Treatment of Skin Cancer

• It is an effective remedy for skin cancer, with high-energy rays (such as x-rays) to kill or shrink cancer cells. The radiation may come from outside the body or from radioactive materials placed directly in the tumor.
• Biological therapy tries to get your own body to fight cancer by using materials made by your own body, or made in a laboratory, to boost, direct, or restore your body's natural defenses against disease.
• It is often used as a treatment for skin cancer. There are several types of surgery depending on the stage and location of cancer.
• Photodynamic therapy uses a certain type of light and a special chemical to kill cancer cells.
• This may also help by using a narrow beam of light to remove cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy of melanoma involves injecting a medication to boost the body's own immune system, helping it to slow the growth of the cancer.
• Is done directly onto the skin rather than being given by mouth or injected into a vein.