Let's face it, nobody wants to spend 2-3 hours under the hot sun, just to get a tan. And if you've ever used the spray stuff, you know the drawbacks of it: Sticky skin, short lasting, and can you say messy? Sure you can have a professional sprayer tan your body, but not only can it be very uncomfortable for the client, it can get spendy.

Meet the tanning bed. A quick 10-15 minute, relaxing session in a tanning bed can not only be therapeutic, but you get a great tan at the same time! Just bring your favorite music, put your goggles and lotion on, and relax. What could be better?

Unfortunately, the benefits of tanning beds do have their disadvantages. Namely the effects on your skin. Both commercial and home-use tanning beds are equipped with high powered, high energy Ultraviolet bulbs that can cause severe damage to your skin cells. Studies have shown that the UVB and UVA rays emitted by tanning beds can damage our skin cells in an irreversible effect. Scientists have proven that these harmful rays damage the DNA in our skin, which has been directly related to the development of skin cancers and damage to the immune system. It has also been shown that the deep penetrating effects of UVA rays can reduce skin elasticity and cause premature wrinkles. Not fun!

What can we do?

Although research has proven that tanning beds can have detrimental effects on our skin, research is limited, and there are precautionary measures we can all do to lower the risk of side effects. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to limit your tanning sessions, especially if you have sensitive / fair skin. 10-15 minutes is usually enough time for the melanin in our skin to soak up the required energy to darken our skin. Any time spent beyond the recommended limit is unnecessary and can cause burning and greatly increase the risk of side effects.

Most, it not all tanning salons are stocked with lotion, lip balm, and goggles. Proper use of this protective gear is crucial to your safety, namely your eyes and lips. The eyes and lips do not contain the protective protein melanin, so any over-exposure to UV rays can severely damage them. And although our skin has a natural defense to the harmful UV rays, tanning lotion with the proper amount of SPF can add a new layer of protection without interfering with your tan.

Armed with the right knowledge and protective gear, tanning beds can be a great and safe way to keep a year round golden tan!

We all enjoy going out on a sunny day, whether to garden, go to the beach, or just for a walk, and we have trained ourselves to slap on the sunscreen before venturing outdoors, but have you ever wondered just how much protection does sunscreen really give? Did you know that the label of your favorite brand of sunscreen does not tell you what amount of protection you are actually getting from it? Well if a newly proposed. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule for sunscreen products is adopted, we will have that information on every bottle, and will be able to understand it in a much clearer way.

One million people in North America will be diagnosed with some type of skin cancer this year, and that is far too many. Excessive exposure to UV radiation is the one most important preventable cause of skin cancer. It is common knowledge that the effects of sunlight damage on our bodies is growing every year, due to lowered ozone levels that allow more of the harmful rays though the earths atmosphere.

The newly proposed rule seeks to establish standards for testing, formulating, and labelling all over-the-counter sunscreen products with ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. UVA light is responsible for tanning and UVB light is responsible for sunburn. Both of these types of light will damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer with over exposure.

Presently, the only way for consumers to find out the level of UVB protection in their sunscreen product is by its SPF or, sun protection factor.

This new rating would establish a scale of one to four stars. One star on the label would represent low UVA protection, two stars on the label would represent medium protection, three stars on the label would represent high protection and, of course, four stars would represent the highest UVA protection that available in an over-the-counter Sunscreen product. The FDA is also proposing that the product, if it does not have at least a low level or one star of protection, that the manufacturers will be required to have a "NO UVA PROTECTION" marking on the front label adjacent to the SPF value.

The FDA is also proposing a required warning statement to be placed in the "Drug Facts" box for all sunscreen product manufacturers. The warning will state: "UV Exposure from the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, premature skin Aging, and other skin damage. It is important to decrease UV exposure by Limiting time in the sun, wearing protective clothing, and using a Sunscreen." The warning is being put on the label to remind people that sunscreens are only a part of a sun protection program.

With over one million cases of skin cancer in North America alone, I feel that these measures will dispel any worries about what exactly the protection is that we are getting in our over the counter sunscreens. This proposal is an excellent step towards letting the consumer take control of the amount of protection that they put on themselves daily. I hope that it goes through and is implemented quickly. The idea of a symbol being used (Stars) is genius, giving people of any age, including children, the knowledge they need to be proactive in the fight against skin cancer. Of course, labeling "sunscreen" that has no UVB protection in it is no-brainer, and an excellent idea. There are many varieties of sunscreen at the market, and being able to simply make a wise and knowledgeable choice about how much protection you want cannot be anything but a good idea.

Melanoma Diagnosis

Biopsy of the suspected tissue confirms the presence of Melanoma. If the tumor is bigger than 1 mm in thickness, lymph nodes may be examined for possible presence of melanoma cells in the nodes. A whole body scan also helps in finding out if the cancer has spread.

Treatment of Melanoma-

The choice of treatment depends upon the stage of melanoma. Melanoma progresses from the primary stage to fourth stage. In the fourth stage, the cancer has spread to different body parts. During the initial stages, surgery to remove the cancerous growth is the first choice. Treatment with Interferon is also used for melanoma that has spread to lymph nodes. For the fourth stage, you may have to discuss the treatment options with your oncologist. It is mostly incurable at this stage.

High Risk Groups-

* Exposure to UV radiation is the biggest risk factor. Most of this exposure takes place during the childhood. Those who are involved with jobs that keep them outdoor for a long time are also at risk.

* Presence of atypical moles (dysplastic nevi).

* White race. People who have fair skin that burns rather than tans, red hair, or blue eyes are at a higher risk.

* Previous melanoma or other skin cancer. Family history of melanoma.

* Other cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.

* Impaired immune system.

* PUVA treatment, which is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

In the first part of this article about Melanoma, we learned about what is Melanoma and what are the causes. In this part we will find out about symptoms of Melanoma.

Signs & Symptoms of Melanoma

Look for changes in the moles. The ABCD system of the American Cancer Society is very easy to understand.

A-Asymmetry. One half doesn't match the other half.

B-Border irregularity, with ragged, notched, or blurred edges.

C- Color. The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Changes in colour distribution, especially the spread of colour from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, also are an early sign of melanoma.

D-Diameter. The mole or skin growth is larger than 6 mm (0.2 in.).

Any other change in the appearance of an existing mole should be looked into for a possibility of Melanoma. Thickening or raising of a previously flat mole, scaling, erosion, oozing, bleeding, or crusting of the mole surface, redness, swelling, etc. in the surrounding skin or sensations, such as itching, tingling, or burning and friability of the mole are symptoms of melanoma. As melanoma grows, the symptoms such as bleeding from a mole or pain may appear.

A melanoma which has begun to spread may include- swollen lymph nodes, colourless lump or thickening under the skin, unexplained weight loss and melanosis(graying skin).These symptoms are not conclusive and are manifested in many other conditions.

Graying of the skin (melanosis). Many other conditions have symptoms similar to melanoma.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

DoctorGoodSkin.com is a popular skin care guide where you can find a lot of information, articles and tips about acne, skin care, STDs, skin diseases and conditions, skin treatments, procedures, skin care products, etc. If you love solving quizzes and tests, visit funquizcards. Myspace users, click myspace comments such as compliments, cool comments, flirty, birthday, holidays, religion, funny, cute, etc.

Malignant melanoma is an accelerated, metastatic type of skin cancer that originates in the cells of the epidermis. In this disorder, pigment-producing cells called melanocytes become cancerous, grow, and multiply at a devastating rate. Although melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, it is the most serious form of skin cancer. Melanoma may be cured, if caught and treated early, but it is rarely curable in its later stages.

Melanoma skin cancer cells are more likely than non-melanoma skin cancer cells to spread or metastasize. This means that they break away from the original tumor, travel through the blood or lymphatic vessels, and then grow within other parts of the body.

The most well documented risk factor for malignant melanoma is exposure to UV radiation.

Melanoma affects equal number of men and women and affects any part of the body. It usually appears after age 50, though it can develop at any age. People with light skin are far more likely to develop melanoma than dark-skinned people.

Melanoma Causes -

Melanoma is commonly caused due to:

* Exposure to UV rays of the sun. Greater the intensity of exposure, greater the chances of developing Melanoma.

* Family history of melanoma.

* Presence of atypical moles.

* Suppressed immunity due to an organ transplant, leukemia, or lymphoma.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Yes I know there are a million and one websites with skin cancer articles and as far as I’m concerned everyone is doing a good job especially when you read that a million or more people each year will get skin cancer. When you think that a small mole or a small blemish on the skin can cause so many problems adding up to that million mark.

I’m sure you know there are many different types of skin cancer, and that the worst of them all is the malignant melanoma type which can have the habit of spreading cancers to other parts of the body.

As with other skin cancer articles the aim is to bring awareness to the problems, and that by taking several simple precautions you can avoid being another in the head count that suffers. If you are fair skinned make sure you have a sun screen of at least the factor of 30 which should be re-applied every two hours. If the sun is very strong be sure to wear a floppy hat or something that will cover your neck.

With most people they tend to be organised when going on holiday, and that a good sun screen is one of the first things to be packed, yet at home the opposite tends to happen. People will go out into the garden to do some general maintenance in a pair of shorts and singlet vest without a thought what the sun may do to them.

After awhile they go back into the house and see their reflection in the mirror, and as they look like a lobster they decide to put on some cream. But by then the damage is done, and that the epidermis layer of the skin is already in trouble.

It is common knowledge that skin cancers can be cured but only if they are caught early enough, yet it only takes a small amount to break off from a malignant melanoma to start a fresh cancer deep inside of you.

If you’re not sure about a mole or a blemish on your body please get yourself checked out at the Doctors as soon as possible, and to keep out of the Doctors make sure you cover up with either clothes or sun screen.

Are sunscreens, effective in protecting your skin against the damaging rays of the sun?

Study after study by dermatologist has proven the most effective way to protect the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays on our skin is simply to stay out of the sun whenever possible.

Since staying out of the sun is not a practical choice for most of us or even one that we would like to make. The next best precaution is to use a sunscreen.

One thing to keep in mind is that a sunscreen, although each active in helping protect the skin does not give one a license to abuse the time spent in the sun.

Sunscreens come in two varieties, inorganic and organic.

The inorganic sunscreens basically work by scattering the UV light using a zinc or titanium oxides to achieve this. They form a reflective shield on the skin.

The organic version of sunscreens work quite differently, they actually absorb the UV rays, by way of complex organic molecules that they are made up of. These molecules are photo protective, which means they actually block the UV rays from penetrating the skin to a degree.

Most dermatologists recommended using a sunscreen of the SPF 30 or greater achieve maximum protection.

Another fact to keep in mind is while sunscreens have been proven effective for limited time in the sun to protect against acute UV skin damage and non-melanoma skin cancers. It's not clear whether or not they do help protect against melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

As most sun worshipers already know, different times of the day represent different health risk for your skin as far as the degree of the intensity of the sun's rays.

I came across a neat little rule for determining when the sun's rays are the most dangerous for your skin it goes like this… “The shorter your shadows, the more dangerous, the rays of the sun are for your skin”.

The example of this would be, at noon when the sun is at its highest point you will have a very little shadow or no shadow at all. This would be the best time to stay out of direct sunlight, if at all possible.

Melanoma and non-melanoma malignancies are the most common of all cancers as a matter of fact, they account for about half of all cancers.

With what we now know about the damaging effects of the sun on our skin it is more important than ever to take proper precautions whenever exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Sunscreens though effective are limited in their ability to keep your skin protected and healthy. Keep in mind that the use of sunscreen is merely a tool and is not meant as a free pass to spend unlimited hours baking in the sun without suffering the consequences.

One last point... The diminishing ozone layer of our atmosphere results in an increase of the harmful UV rays from the sun. What your grandparents may have gotten away with as far as safe time spent in the sun is not relevant to the conditions of today.

Be skin smart! You will look younger and have healthier skin for years to come.

We're about halfway through the summer, and I'll bet you've heard no end of warnings about sun exposure. Stay out of the sun for long periods of time. Avoid the sun during its peak hours. Wear lots of sunscreen when you go out. The litany goes on and on. The dangers of irresponsible sun exposure are real... but they are also misunderstood

It is true that repeated sunburns contribute to skin cancer, but not to the kind of skin cancer that you think. Sunburns can lead to the most common forms of skin cancer-basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. These are superficial cancers, meaning that they don't easily spread within your body. They are also easily treated when you catch them early.

The kind of cancer you think of when someone says skin cancer is melanoma. This is much more serious. Melanoma can spread throughout your body and be very deadly. But the link between sun exposure and melanoma is tenuous.

There is evidence that sunburn does increase the risk of melanoma. But there is also evidence that sun exposure without sunburn will actually lower your risks.

For example, in one study researchers found that people whose jobs force them to get regular sun exposure are less likely to develop melanoma than those who get no sun exposure as part of their jobs. (1)

In another study researchers discovered that people with melanoma had a greater chance of survival if they spent more time in the sun. (2)

As you can see, the connection between sun exposure and melanoma is more complicated than the simple "Sun is bad," mantra that you hear from most dermatologists.

The two best ways to protect yourself from melanoma are to understand what responsible sun exposure means and to know how to recognize melanoma in its early stages—early treatment is key to survival.

Know the Skin You're In

First, here are the keys to healthy sun exposure:

Do get some sunscreen-free sun exposure each week to bolster your vitamin D levels.

Do protect your skin from burning by covering up, finding shade, or using a safe sunscreen with zinc oxide as the active ingredient.

Don't stay out in the sun for prolonged periods without taking measures to protect your skin.

Do take 1 gram of vitamin C before bed if you burn—it will help your body prevent long-lasting damage to your skin.

Do have a therapeutic lotion on hand in case of sunburn—my favorite is just straight aloe vera jelly.

Next, here are the ABCs of recognize a melanoma in its early stages

A. Asymmetrical Appearance: Take notice of moles that aren't symmetrical in shape. This is a warning that something might be amiss.

B. Border Irregularity: Moles that have a rough or uneven border may be cancerous or in danger or becoming cancerous.

C. Color Variation: A healthy mole is usually uniform in color. Cancerous moles often have color variations within the mole, ranging from white to red to black to brown.

D. Diameter: Be concerned about any mole larger than a pencil eraser.

E. Elevation Change: Most healthy moles will not undergo any changes whereas a cancerous mole may change from a flat mole to one that is raised or it may grow in size.

If you have two or more of these ABCs in a single mole, it's time to make an appointment with your dermatologist. It could save your life.

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, so a tumor is usually clearly visible. There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinomas and most 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. Squamous cell carcinoma also can spread internally. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common. For localized melanoma, the 5-year survival rate is 99%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 65% and 15%, respectively.

Skin cancer is an increasingly common condition. This is in part attributed to increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which in turn is thought to be caused by the increased popularity of sun tanning. Solar or actinic keratoses are rough, red or brown, scaly patches on the skin. They are usually found on areas exposed to the sun, and sometimes develop into squamous cell cancer. Moles are clusters of heavily pigmented skin cells, either flat or raised above the skin surface. While most pose no danger, some-particularly large moles present at birth, or those with mottled colors and poorly defined borders-may develop into malignant melanoma. Moles are frequently removed for cosmetic reasons, or because they're constantly irritated by clothing or jewelry. Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. There are varieties of treatments available, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, to treat skin cancer.

The goals of treatment for skin cancer are to remove all of the cancer, reduce the chance of recurrence, preserve healthy skin tissue, and minimize scarring after surgery. Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and size of cancer, your age, and your overall health. Surgery is the most common form of treatment. It generally consists of an office or outpatient procedure to remove the lesion and check edges to make sure all the cancer was removed. Most skin cancer removal can be done using a local anesthetic. Excisional biopsy – The entire tumor along with a margin of tissue that is not a visible part of the tumor is removed. Incisional biopsy – A portion of the lesion is removed during an incisional biopsy, which is usually performed when the lesion is large. In cryosurgery, tissue is destroyed by freezing to -40 ° C or below. Liquid nitrogen, the only cryogen effective in destroying malignant and premalignant skin tumors, is used. Radiation may destroy basal and squamous cell carcinomas if surgery isn't an option. Biological therapy-Interferon and interleukin-2 are under study to treat melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Skin Cancer Treatment Tips

1. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. And 2 p.m. and during the summer months.

2. Excisional skin surgery is a common treatment to remove skin cancer.

3. Mohs surgery (also called Mohs micrographic surgery) is often used for skin cancer. The area of the growth is numbed.

4. Electrodesiccation and curettage is often used to remove small basal cell skin cancers.

5. Cryosurgery is often used for people who are not able to have other types of surgery.

6. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

7. Use a high-factor sunscreen of at least SPF15 that filters out UVB and UVA and reapply it every two hours.

8. Wear protective clothing - a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and loose, tightly woven clothing

Ahh! Fun times in the summer sun!!! Summer and vacation means spending time outdoors in the pool, at the beach, playing tennis, golf, swimming and much more.

However, there is a huge downside to spending all that time in the sun. SKIN CANCER.
I speak from experience and have a happy ending but my story could have ended very badly.

I grew up living in the country with a love of the outdoors and sports. Along with my two sisters I spent many hours a day outside riding horses, playing basketball and swimming in the many lakes that were near our childhood home.

This was way before any of us had heard of SPF anything. Forget #45. Where were numbers one, two or three? We did not have sunscreen or even zinc oxide. As a young child I would have welcomed zinc oxide as it is kind of like face paint for a carnival clown.

Needless to say I spent many, many hours, skin unprotected, frying and burning in the sun. This resulted in bright red skin and huge water blisters and a feverish feeling late at night. Followed days later by pealing and itching, layers and layers of skin falling away. Not fun and not a pretty picture. My mother tried her best to keep me in a hat and long sleeves but enough said.

Fast forward to my college years where I continued my love of sun and sports. I majored in Physical Education and became an Elementary P. E. teacher. In my early years of teaching few elementary schools had gymnasiums. Consequently, I continued to spend year after year outdoors, teaching, coaching track and playing sports recreationally.

One tricky thing about sunburn is that you cannot always see it happening and hours later, when it is much too late to prevent, you see the bright red results of a day in the sun. The same thing is true with skin cancer. You do notsee it happening at the time your skin is baking, blistering and pealing, but years and years later the result becomes apparent.

My trouble spot originated just above my upper lip, slightly left of center. One morning as I applied my makeup I noticed a small red spot. Due to the fact that it did not hurt and more importantly, I was able to cover it with makeup, I ignored the problem. Over time, the spot became crusty but I used concealer to hide it and continued to ignore it. The spot became increasingly difficult to hide and it began to bleed. At that point I made an appointment with a dermatologist.

With just a quick look, before any test or a biopsy, the doctor was sure it was cancer. He had obviously seen many cases before. To be certain, a biopsy was performed and the diagnosis was basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of skin cancer. Melanoma is less common, but more dangerous because advanced melanomas have the ability to spread. If not found early, the cancer cells can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to form tumors in other parts of the body.

Basal cell carcinoma begins as a single point in the upper layer of the skin and slowly enlarges, spreading both along the surface and downward. The tumor often extends beyond what is visible. Although basal cell carcinoma can be locally destructive, it is extremely rare for it to matastasize.

Just days after my biopsy results I underwent a specialized procedure for the removal of skin cancers called the Mohs Micrographic Surgery. The procedure is named after the originator of the technique, Dr. Frederick Mohs.

The surgery begins with an injection to numb the area. This was the most painful part of the procedure as the upper lip is an extremely sensitive area. The visible portion of the tumor is removed and a thin layer of tissue is taken from the surrounding skin. The removed tissue is mapped and sectioned and microscopic slides are made. At this point in the procedure I was bandaged and returned to the waiting room while the slides were examined.

Looking around the room I saw a lady with a bandage on her neck, another lady bandaged on the lower arm and a gentleman with a large bandage on his nose. It was certaintly evident that day that skin cancer is the most common malignant cancer in humans.

Under the microscope, the deep and peripheral margins are examined. If examination reveals the presence of additional tumor the process is repeated until no tumor is found. I went back in for more tissue to be removed, was re-bandaged, and returned to the waiting room once again. After the second surgical stage my margins were found clear.

I was fortunate that the cancer had not spread to the inside of my lip. But, due to the size of the area that had to be removed, I was scheduled for reconstructive surgery with Dr. Rubinstein, a facial plastic surgeon, the following day. That evening I removed the bandage, just to take a peek, and what I saw was a hole the size of a nickel. I did not show the wound to my husband for fear he would faint.

The next morning Dr. Rubinstein performed his magic by stretching the skin on my cheek to cover the nickel sized hole. The facial skin is the same texture and a better color match than using tissue from behind the ear which has a more waxy texture.

With a rather large bandage that could not be missed due to the location, I returned to work. Healing progressed quickly but my first follow up visit revealed a problem. After the surgery, Dr. Rubinstein had sent a sliver of tissue to the lab for evaluation. This is not routine but for some reason he decided to do so. Thank you Dr. Rubinstein!

The lab test revealed cancerous tissue was still evident. The Mohs procedure was not totally successful. So it was back to the dermatologist for more slicing and dicing. At this point the cutting was extremely close to the lip, but again, the painful part was the numbing injections. With a small incision in the shape of a banana the tissue was removed and again I was off to the surgical center for a repeat performance by Dr. Rubinstein, my hero.

The most difficult part of the next two weeks was not being able to play tennis due to sweating into the wound. In no time, the stitches were removed and I was back to my routine. I treated the area with a cream to reduce scaring.

Six years later the scar is not that noticeable and for the most part I forget about it completely. But, what I do not forget to do is use sunscreen, Shade #45, check my skin regularly and I see my dermatologist at least twice a year and more often if I see anything unusual develop.

We tend to spend more time outdoors during the summer, especially with our kids. But the sun's warm rays transmit danger in the form of skin cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation. The ultraviolet light in the sun's rays begins to damage unprotected skin from childhood. It results in an increased risk of skin cancer in adulthood, and the destruction of collagen and elastin in our skin which causes thinning, wrinkling and skin spots (texture and pigment irregularities).

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. Skin is the body's largest organ and our greatest defense against the environment. As such, it's important to protect it from the sun's damaging rays.

Following is a true/false quiz to test your Sun Protection Factor (SPF) IQ:

1. SPF is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to protect my skin from cancer.

False. SPF measures only UVB protection. Light from the sun contains different wavelengths of ultraviolet light. UVA is most closely associated with cancer and aging, whereas UVB rays primarily cause burning.

2. If I use sunscreen labeled "broad spectrum" then I will be protected from UVA and UVB.

False. "Broad spectrum" is not regulated. Read the labels and look for products containing avobenzone or helioplex. The best overall blockers also contain zinc oxide and titanium oxide.

3. I can avoid burning by developing a good base tan.

False. Research on one of the most lethal skin cancers, melanoma, shows that overall sun exposure since childhood causes an increase in cancer risk.

4. Avoiding beach vacations will lower my risk of cancer.

False. Where you live is the most important factor in assessing the risk of skin cancer. Altitude, sunny days and the effects on the ozone are the most significant variables.

5. The windshield on my car blocks ultraviolet rays.

False. UVA penetrates through glass and damages skin not protected with sunscreen.

6. When it's sunny, I need to protect my skin from sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

True. But, even when it's cloudy, we get significant exposure to UVA. And, unless clothing is densely-woven or is treated to be sun-blocking, we still accumulate damaging radiation. A t-shirt tends to provide an SPF of 5 to 8. It's best to apply sunscreen before getting dressed in the morning and before applying makeup to get the best protection.

For optimum protection, apply at least a shot glass full of sunscreen a half an hour before exposure. Reapply as specified on the label depending on your activity level (swimming and sweating reduces the effects of sunscreen). Keep sunscreen with you. Small sunscreen sticks, sprays, wipes and sunscreen contained in makeup products are easy to carry in your pocket, purse, backpack or car.

These symptoms may indicate presence of SCC-

A red bump on sun-exposed skin which does not go away. This will be found mainly on sun exposed areas - the face, head, hands, or shoulders.

A growing irritated or reddish patch and forms a sore.

A new skin growth that looking like a wart.

A sore on the lower lip, that does not heal or an area of thickened skin on the lower lip, especially in smokers or tobacco chewers or those, whose lips are exposed to the sun and wind.
Any diseased area of skin (lesion) can indicate SCC and should be examined if it has changed colour, shape, size, or appearance or has not healed after an injury.

Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Cancer

The SCC tumors may be tender to the touch due to their rapid growth and inflammatory reaction. In the latter of growth they may ulcerate and affect nerves with subsequent pain. A biopsy confirms the presence of SCC.

Treatment of Squamous Cell Cancer

Surgery to remove the cancer is the treatment of choice. The treatment will however depend upon a variety of factors including size and location of the lesion, type of tumor, and age of the patient.

Radiation therapy is an effective option for many tumors, especially large lesions on the nose, lips, or eyelids, and for those who can not undergo surgery. The radiation destroys the tumor cells along with some surrounding healthy tissue. Cryosurgery, is also useful in some cases. This method uses liquid Nitrogen to remove the cancer. The wound created by the procedure usually heals within 4 weeks.

Surgery however is considered the first choice.In surgical excision, a marginof healthy appearing tissue is removed long with the tumor to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. A specialized form of surgery, called Mohs micrographic surgery is sometimes done, especially with large tumors with poorly defined edges or on areas of the body where the scar outcome is more important.

In this surgery, the cancerous cells from the healthy looking margins are carefully removed.

High Risk Groups

Fair skin, age above 40, living closer to equator etc. are some factors. Someone who has had one skin cancer is more likely to develop another skin cancer in the future. The risk of Scc also increases in immuno-supressed people.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

This type of cancer involves the malignancy and proliferation of squamous (flat, scaly) cells. The squamous cell or keratinocyte, is the most abundant cell in the epidermis. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is usually localized, but it can spread (metastasize). It is easily treated and cured when confined to the skin. Most cutaneous SCC develops in individuals with known factors, such as excessive exposure to the sun.

Causes of Squamous Cell Cancer

Light-skinned individuals with excessive sun exposure are at the greatest risk of getting SCC.

Other predisposing factors are:

Excessive exposure to radiation or X rays.

Exposure to arsenic (chemical found in some water wells).

Excessive exposure to tars, soot, and some industrial oils.

SCC is more likely to develop in chronic ulcers and in burn scars and other scar tissue. Scar SCC usually develops years after the original injury.

Individuals who are chronically immuno-suppressed, by medication or disease, are predisposed to the development of skin cancer as well.

Signs & Symptoms of Squamous Cell Cancer

When SCC is confined to the epidermis, it is called squamous cell carcinoma or also referred to as Bowen's disease. When it penetrates through the epidermis and into the dermis It becomes invasive. Squamous cell carcinoma usually grows slowly, but in some cases, it grows rapidly. This cancer can damage nearby tissues and can be disfiguring. It can also spread cancer to other parts of the body.

Common areas of occurrence of SCC are- the face, lips, ears, and hands. The incidence of metastatic SCC varies. The larger and deeper lesions especially on the lips, hands, temples, and ears are more likely to spread to other parts of the body. In the next part we will discuss more about this cancer.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Plastic surgery is known for its ability to enhance and accentuate natural beauty. Performing magnificent and natural-looking transformations can provide powerful therapeutic results for patients. There is more to plastic surgery than liposuction and breast augmentation however. Where those are useful and popular modes of plastic surgery, there are also vital medical and surgical procedures for patients requiring reconstruction from damaging illnesses and serious injuries.

Skin cancer treatment in Cincinnati is expanding in its capability and procedures to serve patients, as patients are increasingly seeking treatment for sun damage. Skin cancer results in devastating destruction and requires skilled surgical hands for reconstruction of tissues.

With more recreational time, thinning of the ozone layer, and more emphasis on the "tanned look," there is has been an increase in skin cancer. The three types of skin cancer are

(1) basal cell cancer,

(2) squamous cell cancer, and

(3) melanoma.

Skin cancers are diagnosed by biopsy procedures performed by your primary care physician, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon. The basal cell cancers and squamous cell cancers appear as localized irregularity of the skin that is often raised, red, irregular, sometimes prone to bleeding. Often the only way to determine their nature is through skin biopsy. Once treated with surgery, these cancers are adequately treated. Melanoma, however, may be more invasive and require much more aggressive surgery and often may require lymph node resection and/or chemotherapy.

Skin cancer reconstruction entails restoring the body or face to the state before the cancer treatment. Skin cancer treatment for those who have endured the significant traumas of cancer can act as a source of both physical and mental healing.