A Closer Look Skin Cancer
The largest organ in the human body is the skin. The skin has quite a few functions. It protects our body from injury, light, and infection. It makes vitamin D, cools the body and prevents the body from losing water.
The skin has three layers. They include the epidermis, dermis, and the subcutaneous layer. This layer is also called the hypodermis. The epidermis is a superficial, thinner piece made up of epithelial tissue. The dermis is the thicker connective tissue part. The subcutaneous layer is a fatty layer.
Skin cancer is the most common get of cancer in the United States. Approximately 1.3 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. An estimated 9,800 will die this year.
There are three types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for eighty percent of the original skin cancer cases. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for sixteen percent and malignant melanoma accounts for four percent. Basal and squamous are highly curable. They are tiresome growing, can be easily treated and rarely lead to death. Malignant melanoma is the most serious.
Basal cell carcinoma can be found in the lower section of the epidermis. Basal cells are limited and round. If it develops on the face it can cause disfigurement and interfere with the eyelids and mouth. Basal cell cancer is most favorite in people who spend a great deal of time in the sun.
Treatments for basal cell cancer include curettage and electro desiccation, excision, cryosurgery, laser therapy, radiation and Moh’s micrographic surgery. Prognosis is usually excellent. About ninety-five percent of basal cell cancers are cured if they are treated early. Squamous cell carcinoma is normally found in the upper allotment of the epidermis. These cells are small and flat and usually will develop into small, flat skin tumors. Sometimes the surrounding area will also become inflames. If left untreated it can spread to other parts of the body. The tall majority of patients are completely cured.
Melanoma is the third type of skin cancer. It is very serious. Cancer cells are found in the melanocytes. These are the cells that color the skin.
Melanoma can be best treated if detected early. It can metastasize or spread quickly to other parts of the body through the lymph system or the blood. Treatment of melanoma includes removing the tumor followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy. The method of treatment depends on the age of the person and how advanced the cancer has progressed.
Under normal circumstances the skin cells divide and grow normally. When skin cells lose that ability skin cancer may develop. Tumors may obtain when the cell grows out of control. These cancer cells destroy healthy cells. If a skin tumor is runt to a few cell layers it is benign, which is non cancerous. If it spreads to the surrounding tissues it is considered malignant or cancerous. Uncontrolled cell division cannot be stopped by the body’s natural defense system.
The onset of skin cancer begins as a new growth on the skin or a change in existing skin growth. It could be a sore or pimple that will not heal. All moles and growths are not cancerous. A lot of people have birthmarks and moles that are not cancerous.
Skin cancer may be found by doing a self-exam. These are the ABCD’s of melanoma detection.
1. Assemetry-one half unlike the other half.
2. Border irregular-scalloped or poorly circumscribed border.
3. Color varied from one area to another.
4. diameter-larger than 6mm.
If a growth is found normally a biopsy will be performed. A biopsy removes the lesion and the layers beneath it. Once the depth is determined prognosis and treatment may begin. Most growths are painless.
Most skin cancer cases occur in people over the age of fifty with fair skin. A person that has light skin, light color of eyes and sunburns easily has a greater chance of developing skin cancer. Ultraviolet light from the sun and environment play a big role. Heredity is important too. If a person has skin cancer before this increases their chances of getting it again. Most people receive eight percent of their lifetime exposure to the sun by eighteen years of age.
Skin cancer affects many people but there are things that can be done to minimize the risks. Sunscreen should be used. Avoid the sun during ten o’clock and two o’clock when the ultraviolet rays are the most damaging. Wear protective clothing such as a hat, long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Sunglasses should be worn to protect the eyes. Do a self-exam using the ABCD method monthly. A doctor’s checkup every three to four years is advisable. She may spot a growth that you cannot see. Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.
There are many great foundations such as the American Cancer Society that continue to do research. They are dedicated to helping everyone who faces cancer by providing patient services, treatment options and education. Hopefully by educating the public about the dangers, skin cancer cases will decrease in number.
For more information or to donate to find a cure please visit the sites below:
www.cancer.org
www.melanoma.com
www.skincancer.org
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