Skin Cancer Tips And Information

Exactly What Are the Actual Facts Regarding Skin Cancer

2010-06-25T06:17:00.003-07:00

One of the most common forms of cancer nowadays is skin cancer, or more accurately, the three cancers associated with the skin since there are 3 major types of this cancer.

The most commonly seen and least harmful is what is known as a rodent ulcer ( or basal cell carcinoma). Then we see a skin cancer named Squamous cell carcinoma. Last but not least we come to what I would have to say is the most recognized type of skin cancer referred to as malignant melanoma. This third form is the most lethal but mercifully also the rarest sort of skin cancer.

Despite the fact that malignant melanoma is rare, considering that it is the most hazardous, it is worthwhile having a brief look at precisely what it is. This particular kind of cancer is responsible for approximately 1% of cancers and is a tumor in the cells which create melanin and which are known as melancytes. Melanin is the pigment which produces your sun tan and which gives your skin the color it has usually. It is additionally the agent that accounts for the color of your hair and eyes which means that malignant melanoma can also affect the eyes and not just the skin.

It is comforting to discover that for now at least skin melanomas are very rare in children but, because 50 % of all the sun exposure which the skin receives occurs before the age of 18 and, considering the time it needs to grow, it is critical to prevent your kids from getting too much sun.

Because of rising pollution, the diminishing ozone layer and additional knowledge about what UV rays can actually do, there is a growing acknowledgment that exposure to the sun can be extremely bad for us and that we really need to safeguard ourselves from these UV rays. It is clear that it is the sun that is leading to these problems since the number of individuals with skin cancer varies based on country. For example, tropical countries with a large Caucasian population show the highest occurrence of skin cancer. Countries like South Africa and Australia, together with the southern American states, with lots of sunshine and Caucasian populations display skin cancer incidences that are directly proportionate with the amount of sunlight and the size of the Caucasian population.

Deeper skin types like those found in individuals with an Asian or African American background receive more protection against the sunlight on account of their darker skin coloring.

UV light is part of sunlight and it is that element that causes the problem. UV light comes in different forms although they are all basically harmful for light skin and especially for babies and children who are very much at risk because their skin is thinner than adults.

Over the past 40 years the instances of skin cancer have doubled every 10 years. This fits with the arrival of cheap vacations to sunnier parts of the world and now that such vacations are so widely available and sunbathing has become such a popular past time, cases are going to continue this rise unless individuals start to take the appropriate safeguards to prevent getting burnt by UV rays from the sun.

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Skin Surgery - How to Prepare Yourself

2010-06-25T06:17:00.001-07:00

Knowing how to prepare for skin cancer surgery, from biopsies and surgery to chemotherapy and radiation treatments, may be instrumental in minimising the time it takes to heal.

Being prepared both physically and mentally for skin treatments can reduce hindrances and recurrences, and possibly amend your chances for survival.

How to Prepare Yourself for a Skin Treatment

The first thing you should do is inform your doctor before a biopsy of any condition that may modify the results, like pregnancy or presence of anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisone. Taking aspirin too can alter a test result, as it can thin the blood of your body.

The next thing is starting an exercise plan before beginning any skin treatment for cancer. By improving your strength and endurance skills, you can easily increase the chances of a quicker recovery, as well as fewer complications involved in it. It has been proved that walking is beneficial.

You must consult your doctor whether or not to take large doses of vitamin C during your exercise regimen. Vitamin C can beef up your blood vessels and can add to general skin health. Besides this, many people feel that vitamin C may speed up the healing process as well. Request a vitamin C drip in your IV during surgery, which can be very useful.

By reducing the pre-treatment stress by doing deep-breathing exercises is also helpful in making you feel relaxed.

You must opt for an herbal cleanse in order to prepare yourself for a skin cancer surgery. There are many people who feel that a colon or parasites cleanse can help in reducing the harmful bacteria from your body, which can otherwise cause infections during treatment.

It is useful to consult your doctor before taking any herbal medicine; however, some may interact with prescription medication.

You should follow up with your healthcare team after the treatments and should let them know which preparations benefited you the most, so that they can share the information with other patients as well.

Talk to various experts and learn from them what will benefit you the most and what to avoid. Besides this, you can also talk to people who have already undergone this surgery.

Not just this, friends, colleagues or neighbours who have gone through this treatment will let you know about the treatment in the best way.

Apart from this, who can ignore internet sites that let you know each and everything? Check various testimonials and talk to people online who have undergone the surgery or know people who have undergone the same.

Preparing yourself mentally is the most important thing before undergoing the skin treatment. Though it will take a lot of time and guts in order to prepare your mind, but once you are able to control your mind, no fear can ever stop you from anything.

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Skin Cancer - Different Types, Different Coverage

2010-06-25T06:16:00.001-07:00

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, affecting millions of people yearly. Like many cancers, however, it comes in multiple varieties. Of the three primary skin cancers-basal-cell carcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, and melanoma-only melanoma is typically lethal. Knowing what type of skin cancer is crucial both for treatment and for paying for your medical bills.

The most common skin cancer is also the least deadly: basal-cell carcinoma. It rarely spreads or causes serious health issues, but doctors remove it to be on the safe side. The removal procedure is far less complex and expensive than treatment for serious cancers. If you have insurance, your insurance will likely cover the treatment. If you do not, and if you are eligible for health or retirement benefits from Social Security, you may be able to receive help for your medical expenses.

Squamous-cell carcinoma is less common than basal-cell and slightly more dangerous. Although it has been known to spread through the patient's body, that happens very rarely and is still much more easily treated than many other cancers. Even when it spreads, squamous-cell carcinoma is not as aggressive as many cancers.

Melanoma, by far the most lethal kind of skin cancer, is the rarest. Yet when it does develop, it can be one of the most difficult to treat and deadliest cancers. If it is caught early, melanoma can be removed surgically and medications can prevent it from spreading. But if a patient wants too long, it can spread and quickly become terminal. For melanoma, as with all cancers, early detection is key.

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Does Removing a Mole Decrease Skin Cancer Risks?

2010-06-25T06:15:00.002-07:00

One of the most talked about risks for developing skin cancer besides excessive exposure to the sun is having moles. Many people are afraid that because they have moles they are at a higher risk for skin cancer.

It is true that having more than the average amount of moles, or having atypical moles (dysplastic nevi or moles larger than a pencil eraser) does increase your risk for skin cancer it's not all that comes into play and there are steps you can take to decrease certain risk factors you have.

While you cannot change your skin type (fair, medium, or dark skinned,) your family history of skin cancer, or reverse the sunburns you've had in the past you can take safe, effective steps and decrease your risk.

One of course is limiting your exposure to the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day. But if you're concerned with having a large number of moles or atypical moles is there anything you can do?

Yes, there is. Consider having moles removed by a professional or by using all natural mole removal methods. If you have lots of moles that are regularly exposed to the sun or a few larger ones that are exposed to sunlight often you may want to consider all natural mole removal methods to get rid of them.

It is important to explore all of the all natural mole removal methods out there, weigh the pro's and con's of removing the mole or moles, consult with a health care professional about the moles of concern, and then choose the method that you think will be best for you. (Remember, once the mole is gone the newly exposed skin will be sensitive to the sun too so protect it especially in the beginning.)

Many of the all natural mole removal methods and products on the market today are extremely effective in safely removing moles without leaving scars or producing nasty side effects.

If you are concerned about moles increasing your risks of skin cancer there is something you can do. While you can't change many of your risk factors this is one you can change. With proper research, valid information, and diligence you can remove your moles and decrease your risk for developing skin cancers.

I have personally struggled with moles and skin cancer and I'm only 25. Moles and skin cancer are risks for any age group and should always be checked out by a medical practitioner on a frequent basis. I am trying as best as possible to get more information out there about moles and their treatment. Either by a qualified dermatologist or with natural methods that you can do at home.

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Causes of Skin Cancer - How to Think Sun Smart For Skin Cancer Prevention

2010-06-25T06:15:00.001-07:00

The Causes Of Skin Cancer - How To Think Sun Smart

The primary or number on cause of skin cancer is UV exposure or sun exposure. The sun creates powerful radiation rays that can damage the skin over time. Contrary to what you might have heard about needing to have been sunburned to develop skin malignancies, this is only part of the story. You don't need to have ever been sunburned during your life to develop this type of cancer. Being out in the sun on a regular basis causes changes in the skin that build up over your life time, and this is the cause of most skin malignancies.

The occurrences of skin malignancies especially melanoma have increased significantly since the 1070's, whether this is because of more people living more active lifestyles, global warming, or other factors it is a frightening trend.

Tanning beds which artificially mimic the suns deadly UV rays are another cause of cancer. New studies show that a person's risk of developing some forms of skin cancer soared upwards of 75 percent if they began using tanning beds for browning their skin before the age of 30. Secondary causes of skin cancer can be related to hereditary conditions that may run in families. This is not very common, but is due to the inheritance of abnormal genes.

Sun Smart Tips: Skin Cancer Prevention

Many people are exposed to ultraviolet rays on daily basis, and don't really think much about it. You jump in your car to run an errand, go out to the mail box to get the mail, walk the dog, pull a few weeds in the yard, stand by the window talking on the phone in your house, and you can shake your head yes now, most of you don't ever apply any sunscreen. These little daily doses of sun can really add up. That is not to say you should never go out in the sun, keep the drapes drawn, and garb yourself in a head to toe robe. The sun is miraculous and feels great, but you just need to think sun smart!

Prevention starts with being aware of your sun exposure on a daily basis. When going out in the sun it is important to remember that when outdoors you will be exposed to 2 types of solar ray UVA and UVB. Protecting yourself from both types can help prevent skin cancers, and early prevention now can: help prevent skin wrinkling, help prevent cataracts in your eyes, save you facial, body disfigurement, or loss of your life down the road.

Check the UV Index for the UV forecast Daily (Available Online or Newspaper)

1. Apply Sunscreen Daily Even For Short Trips In The Car
2. Carry Extra Sunscreen In Your Car, To Reapply Throughout the Day
3. Try To Limit Your Exposure During Midday Peak Hours
4. When Outdoors Find A Shady Spot
5. Choose & Wear Clothing Made From Tightly Woven Fabrics (No White T-Shirts). Choose Long-Sleeved Shirts And Pants, Or Clothing Designed For Outdoor Wear
6. Sporting Or Wearing A Hat With A Wide Brim That Protects The Eyes, Face, And Neck is not only cool, but can ward off wrinkles in the future.
7. Wear Sunglasses That Provide 100% UV Protection, and help prevent cataracts
8. Always Apply Broad Spectrum Sunscreens With SPF of 30 or Higher
9. Apply At Least A full Handful of Sunscreen On Any Part Of The Skin That Is Exposed To The Sun: (Face, The Back Of The Neck, Ears, Hands, Feet, Arms, Legs, Trunk of Body)
10. Don't Forget Your Lips Use A Lip Balms Containing Sunscreen.
11. Don't Rely On Umbrellas As They Offer minimal UV Protection Unless They Stated to be Made From SPF Materials.

This type of cancer which can be deadly if not treated early and correctly. If you have any lesions that are new, or have changed size, color, itch, or resemble sores that will not heal please see your doctor or make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Your skin is one of your most important assets, keeping it healthy should be a top priority!

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Walking Hats to Prevent Head Skin Cancer

2010-02-08T06:34:00.001-08:00

It is a great feeling to have the wind blow through your hair and have the sunshine fall on your face. Several years ago when I lived in Denver I worked for a dermatologist. The mile high city is closer to the sun than the sea level cities. I can not tell you how many ladies came in with skin cancer on the top of their heads because they were out gardening, walking, taking their kids to the park, and so forth. And of course, back then, hairspray was used by everyone. When they got head sores or a little bump on the top of their heads they would come to the dermatologist for treatment.

Men, who played golf or had outdoor jobs, experienced the same symptoms. They were surprised to learn they had skin cancer and needed treatment immediately.

Walking early in the morning or in the evening should be safe for us to get our Vitamin D from the sun without the fear of skin cancer. However, in the heat of the very hot summer months everyone needs to protect their heads. Men who are privilege to have bald heads must be aware of protecting their skin from the sun at all times. It is an easy fix. Wear a hat!

If you are out walking and you think "I think I will go an extra mile today". I would encourage you to put in your backpack a head cover so it is there when you need it. There are many styles of walking hats and some are made to protect the back of your neck from getting sunburn. Do not put on a cotton fabric hat because your head will sweat. Look for the hats that breathe in a sports store or the sport department of your favorite store.

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Melanoma - Rate Not Increasing and Some Sun is Good

2010-02-08T06:33:00.004-08:00

We are constantly being told to avoid the sun as much as possible. We are told to cover up and nearly every skin product that we buy seems to contain sunscreen. However, now there is some evidence that a small amount of sun exposure may actually be healthy.

There are two most frequent reasons that we are told to avoid exposure to the sun are skin cancer and aging. This article is going to discuss some new studies on melanoma, how the situation may not be so straightforward, and some evidence that a small sensible amount of exposure to sunlight may have health benefits.

There are a number of types of skin cancer, with melanoma being the one that scares us. Other precancerous and cancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are much more common. These other types of skin cancer, particularly if they are detected early, are in most cases very treatable.

Is the rate of melanoma increasing or not?
An increasing rate of melanoma is often given as evidence for not getting sun exposure. Data collected has suggested that there has been quite a significant rise in the number of cases of that have been diagnosed.

However, a new study (Br. J. Dermatol. 161:630-4, 2009) suggests that the rates may not really be rising. This study found that diagnoses of Stage 1 have risen by about 50%, but the number of people with late stage, and number of deaths from melanoma has not risen significantly.

The authors conclude that the apparent increase in early stage diagnoses is due to more benign (non-cancerous) lesions being diagnosed as Stage 1. They think that there has been "diagnostic drift" and there should be development of better diagnostic criteria for deciding what is or is not Stage 1. Additionally, this suggests a second opinion may be a good idea upon diagnosis with melanoma.

If the incidence of melanoma is not rising as the research suggests, what effect does this have on recommendations for sun exposure?

Why do we need vitamin D? How does this vitamin impact melanoma?
When skin is exposed to moderate to strong sun, it makes pre-vitamin D (D3, cholecalciferol). This process is very tightly regulated, once enough has been made, the body will break down the extra in the skin. The pre-vitamin is converted, as required, to the final form by the liver and kidneys. Generally our diet, even when eating fortified foods does not contain sufficient of this vitamin.

Vitamin D is important for a number of body processes. A deficiency results in a weaker immune system, higher blood pressure, osteoporosis and a range of other poor health conditions. As discussed below, Vitamin D seems to play a role in cancer prevention.

Additionally, new research compared the level of vitamin D, at the time of diagnosis, to the outcomes of those diagnosed with melanoma. Those with higher levels of the vitamin had thinner tumors and a better survival rate. (J. Clin. Oncol. Sept 21 epub ahead of print; Newton-Bishop et al.) This researchers did not differentiate between those who got more sun exposure and those who took supplements. However, this is certainly another piece of evidence for the benefits of not being vitamin D deficient. Hopefully the researchers are analyzing their data further, to establish if the source of vitamin D is important.

Does some sun exposure equal less overall cancer risk?
It has been known for many years that there the overall rate of many cancers cancer drops moving closer to the equator, from the more temperate latitudes. Cancers for which there is a lower incidence include breast, colon, ovarian and prostate. This suggests that those exposed to sun on a daily basis may have more protection against cancer.

Interestingly, when looking at populations in countries at different latitudes there are often similar ranges of vitamin D levels in the bodies of those with high levels of sunlight and those who live in regions with less sunlight. (This could be due to the supplementation of foods in the higher latitudes.) However, there is still the gradient of cancers. This suggests that is not just vitamin D that is key but the making of the vitamin is made by the body is important (PNAS 105:668-73, 2008).

In Australia for many years there has been a very aggressive campaign to get people to get much less sun exposure. The campaign is called Slip-Slop-Slap, which is slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat. The campaign was started in 1981 and is now part of the culture. However, the (apparent) incidence of melanoma has continued to increase (though the incidence of squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas have decreased). This increase is thought to be due to more of the population becoming vitamin D deficient since now many are getting little or no sun exposure on the skin.

Sensible sun exposure
If you get little or no sun, should you start to get more? This is for you to decide. If you decide that you want to get your vitamin D from the sun, the key is sensible sun exposure. The current guidelines suggest 10 to 15 minutes, twice per week, on part of the body, in the summer when UV levels are high, and proportionally more in the winter. The body parts can be arms, back, tummy, legs - it does not have to be the face. Sitting out for extended periods in the sun is definitely more harmful than getting no exposure at-all. Make any sun exposure that you get sensible.

In conclusion
The incidence of melanoma may actually not be rising. The apparent increase may be due to more benign lesions being classed as Stage 1.

Perhaps, the current advice that any and all sun exposure is bad, may soon be revised, and medicinal doses of sun prescribed.

An increasing number of pieces of evidence suggest that we may actually be healthiest if we get small amounts of sensible sun exposure.

Judith Airey, PhD, is a biomedical researcher who is interested in all aspects of health, and additionally how some of them relate to aging.

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Clothing For UV Protection - A Reliable Defense For Premature Aging and Skin Cancer

2010-02-08T06:33:00.003-08:00

Why do we need special clothing for UV protection? UV or ultraviolet radiation is part of the sun's radiation that we receive as sunlight here on earth. Ultraviolet rays which are of concern to us as human beings can be separated into UVB and UVA. Until recently UVB rays were recognised as the strongest part of ultraviolet radiation and mostly responsible for producing sunburn and skin cancer. However, recent studies at Sydney University in Australia, found that UVA rays, that penetrate more deeply into the skin do more harm. This is more likely to be the cause of skin cancer. UVA has long been known to cause premature aging of the skin. This is caused by reducing its elasticity and strength, resulting in wrinkles, thinning, variations in pigmentation and broken capillaries. Both UVB and UVA rays can cause damage to the skin. Wearing clothing for UV protection is one of the best ways to avoid the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays.

It is known that a certain amount of exposure to the sun is necessary to synthesise vitamin D within our bodies. This is for the prevention of rickets, for healthy bone growth and, in its active form, is an important hormone in regulating cell growth. It is also known that short term and long term exposure to UVB and UVA radiation can have serious consequences for human health. A good suntan was and is still looked upon as a sign of good health, whereas, the opposite is probably true. Over exposure to the sun can cause sunburn which is a mild form of radiation burn. It is estimated that one third of the time it takes for sunburn to occur, can significantly inhibit the action of the immune cells in the skin. This could compromise the body's immune system and its ability to fight skin cancer.

What precautions can we take to protect ourselves from UVB and UVA ultraviolet rays whilst at the same time having sensible exposure to synthesise vitamin D within our bodies? Many forms of protection are available. It is thought that a combination of measures is best.

* Wear clothing for UV Protection with a certified UPF label (Ultraviolet Protective Factor). UPF 30 will protect the wearer against 97% of destructive rays.

* Avoid sun exposure in the hottest part of the day 10am to 3pm. This will effectively reduce the amount of sunlight received by up to 60%

* Use shade as much as possible but be aware of reflected sun rays from sand, water, snow and concrete buildings etc.

* Use a "broad spectrum" sunscreen with an SPF 30 (Sun Protective Factor). That way you will be protected against both UVB and UVA rays. Reapply every 2 hours.

* Wear a wide brimmed hat (4 inches is good) and sunglasses (for UV protection of the eyes) that have a certified UPF label. Wrap around sunglasses may provide greater protection.

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Doing More to Prevent Skin Cancer

2010-02-08T06:33:00.001-08:00

Skin cancer is a killer. This is a proven fact which is borne out by the millions of deaths that occur each year on account of it. The problem of global warming has indeed depleted the ozone layer which means that the harmful UV rays of the sun percolate in and affect people who are exposed to these rays for extended periods of time. It is true that the problem of world pollution has reached such alarming proportions that one can really not go to the beach and sun oneself for long periods of time, without having a fear that one would get skin cancer.

As the sun is the largest source of skin cancer, it follows naturally that preventing exposure to the sun would naturally be the most effective means of preventing skin cancer. For instance experts say that it is advisable to avoid going into the sun without adequate protection between 11 am to 4 pm when the sun's rays are most direct. Similarly, one has to be generous with applying sun tan lotion which keeps the sun's UV rays out decisively. There are so many kinds of lotions that are available in the market nowadays. One should be careful to ascertain that the sun tan lotion that one is using is as good as it is touted or advertised to be.

When you walk out on a cloudy day, you may think that the sun's rays are hidden. But the UV rays of the sun do percolate or filter through even the cloud cover, which can lead to a sun burn on an ostensibly cloudy day. When you move out during the say, do make sure to use hats or even umbrellas to protect yourself from the direct and strong rays of the sun as these can be very harmful for your health.

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How to Check Yourself For Skin Cancer

2010-02-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

If you spend time in the sun it's wise to check your body occasionally for signs of skin cancer. This is the number one cancer affecting millions of people each year. A at home self check is easy to do and early detection is the best way to prevent this cancer from spreading. You'll learn a few different methods to do this as you keep reading.

Starting The Exam

It's simple, you start with a full length mirror and also a small hand mirror. The first thing you want to do is look at yourself in the mirror and note any freckles, blemishes or moles that currently exist. Next sit down and check your legs, thighs, back of legs and feet. Be sure to check the bottoms of your feet too. Use the hand mirror to view places your not able to clearly see like the back of your legs.

Check your lower back, scalp, upper back and other places that sun exposure is prominent. It's good to note on paper the markings on your skin so your able to compare this to future check-ups.

What To Look For

The cancerous cells most commonly found on the neck, head, arms, hands and face are called Basal and squamous cell cancers.

Basal Cells - these cells have two distinctions, one can look flat and firm with small pale areas and the other can be raised. They have a pinkish red color, a bit shiny and may tend to bleed. They also may have blood vessels that look abnormal, such as discoloration with blue, brown or black areas. You might also find enlarged basal cells with unusual crusted areas.

Squamous Cells - these cells are more distinguished by looking like growing lumps. These too have 2 appearances, one can be rough, scaly or crusted or they may look reddish and flat.

Commonly these cells start as flat blemishes that don't look abnormal until you do a self exam and notice the changes. That's the whole point to these self exams, knowing your body.

Over time your skin will have imperfections for various reasons and most times there is never any change, but skin cancer cells can change slowly. They can also spread and become a serious problem if you don't do a periodical self exam.

For more information about skin cancer.

Go to the Skin Cancer News for more information and alternatives on this subject. You can get a bigger picture about cancer at the Cancer Network

It's time to take back your Health. It's time to enjoy life again and it's your time to find out about all the choices you have for Good Health.

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Don't Ignore Skin Cancer Warning Signs

2009-12-13T02:55:00.001-08:00

As we move toward beach season, we'll all be spending more time outdoors and raising our chances of joining the ranks of the 1 million people the American Cancer Society tells us are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, which is why it's vital not to ignore skin cancer warning signs.

Experts firmly believe many of these cancers are sun related, which means there are things you can do, even in the summer or at the beach, to protect yourself and those you love from this most common of cancers.

Our skin is actually the largest organ of the body, covering the internal organs, protecting them from harm and offering a barrier against infection. Skin also helps regulate your body temperature and gets rid of extra water and salts.

Some skin cells are known to communicate with the brain to help sense temperature, touch and pain.

When it comes to skin cancer, there are three classifications - basal cell, squamous cell, or the more serious (and deadly) melanoma.

Both basal and squamous cell cancers are found mostly on parts of the body regularly exposed to the sun - the head, neck, earlobes and such.

They happen most often in those who spend, or have spent, lots of time in the sun.

While these forms of skin cancer aren't fatal, you still need to have them taken care of because they can invade, and disfigure, nearby tissues.

Melanomas are another story.

These cancers can show up anywhere on the body - more likely on the trunk and legs.

Those with darker skin tones can have this form of cancer on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands where the pigment is lighter.

The danger of this form of skin cancer is that it often goes too long undetected, and so has a chance to spread.

Your best bet when it comes to avoiding skin cancer is to stay out of intense sunlight for long periods, and be sure to practice sun safety no matter what season it is.

This doesn't mean you can't enjoy time out in the sun, but avoid the most intense hours from 10:00 in the morning to well after 2:00 (some say as late as 4:00) in the afternoon.

A bit of sun is fine and needed to boost your levels of vitamin D, but too much is when trouble can start.

When it comes to sunscreen or lip balm, look for SPF of 15 or more, and use a generous amount when you first apply. Be sure to reapply your product every 2 to 4 hours, or after you go swimming, towel dry or sweat profusely.

Experts warn that you should never skip sunscreen on hazy or overcast days - UV rays go right through clouds.

When you're considering sunscreen products, look beyond the SPF number at the expiration dates of any product you buy and make sure you follow the application directions.

If you'll be in the water a lot, the waterproof formulas are better than water resistant brands. And remember, a higher SPF number relates only to UVB rays and can work just as well as a lower number, applied properly.

You may see products that claim to provide both UVA and UVB ray protection, but according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "At this time there is no standard system for measuring protection from UVA rays."

Beyond wearing sunscreen and avoiding the most intense hours of sunlight, here are some other helpful suggestions for protecting yourself from skin cancer.

- Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from cataracts, as well as melanoma of the eye or skin caner at the temples. Look for UVA/UVB protection of 99 to 100%.

- Look for shade that casts a shadow, or cover up with a tee or sweats.

- Consider sun protection clothing that's tightly knit and is typically coated with substances able to absorb UV rays.

- Do a skin check once a month that covers your whole body and look for anything skin change, or a mole that's Asymmetrical, has irregular Borders, Color or Diameter. Being familiar with the blemishes of your body helps you spot changes, and get treatment early, when cure rates are high.

- Stay away from using tanning beds (or sun lamps) on a regular basis, the lamps used in the beds send out UVA (and UVB sometimes) rays in concentrated doses, accelerating the total UV radiation. What happens is that you end up with skin cancer at an earlier age. This increases the risk of getting skin cancer at an early age.

If you're determined to have that sun kissed look, self tanners are a safe, effective way to get it.

These products often contain SPF as well, so you get a bronzed glow that has you looking thinner and healthier, while also offering good protection for your skin, and hopefully keeping you and your loved ones free of skin cancer warning signs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirsten_Whittaker

Melanoma Skin Cancer - If You Thought Moles Were the Only Symptom, Then You Had Better Read This

2009-12-13T02:54:00.002-08:00

Malignant Melanoma can be cured in 95% of cases if detected early (this is what I have been told). That last part is the real kicker. EARLY!

I am here to tell you that moles are not the only source of this deadly skin cancer. I am not a doctor, that will spill out all kinds of facts and figures and percentages, but a grieving sister.

I lost my brother this past April to Melanoma Skin Cancer, and I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep a check on your own body. After all we are responsible for our own health. My brother was only 48 years old, but was a redhead with fair skin, he knew about the signs and symptoms and risks of melanoma, and how to watch for changing moles.

But what happened to him, was a little different. He noticed a small thin cut on his thigh while in the shower. He couldn't remember cutting himself, but he said it was almost like a thin paper cut. The next day, it started to form an ugly scab. He thought nothing of it, until the scab got a bit more 3D looking, and dark, then it came off and started all over again.

He ignored this as a cut that was having trouble healing.. he just kept spraying it with antiseptic spray, after all, it didn't even hurt and had no redness. He left it for a very long time, until finally he got fed up with his jeans irritating it and went to the doctor to get antibiotics for what he thought was an infected cut.

The doctor sent him immediately for a biopsy, and that is when he found out about melanoma and how cuts that don't heal are another sign, he always thought it was just moles. His came back stage 4, and after further tests, the melanoma had already spread to other internal organs. Melanoma cancer does not respond to typical cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, and there was not much that could be done at this stage.

If he had of gone within that first month, he may have had a chance.. but we will never know now. He burned a lot as a kid, and like the rest of us from that era, we burned and baked to get that "glow". It is important to use sunscreen, and check your skin regularly for changes.. In the end, your skin health is up to you and no one else. and it is not just moles... ANY changes in your skin are worth investigating further.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Palmer

The Lowdown on Skin Cancer

2009-12-13T02:54:00.001-08:00

Skin is our largest organ and one that is not immune to developing cancerous cells. Skin cancer develops when damaged cells start growing and dividing uncontrollably in the skin. This form of cancer is the most prevalent with more than one million cases in the United States diagnosed each year. Here we will cover some of the commonly asked questions.

What Are The Different Forms of Skin Cancer?

There are different types of skin cancer with three forms accounting for almost all of the diagnosed cases. They are:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)- Accounting for nearly 80% of skin cancer, BCC develops in the basal cells which are located in the lowest layer of the epidermis. It is commonly found on areas of the body regularly exposed to the sun such as your face, head and upper body. Signs of BCC include skin that appears as a sore that repeatedly heals and re-opens, a slightly elevated pink growth, patch of irritated skin that is red in color and/or shiny translucent skin. This type of cancer does not commonly spread but should be treated to protect surrounding tissue.

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)- Found in the uppermost layers of the epidermis, SCC cancer affects squamous cells. Long term exposure to the sun can result in this form of cancer in middle to elderly aged individuals. The skin may appear to have an inflamed base with a crusty or scaly area over the base. While this cancer is most commonly found on areas of the body exposed to the sun, it can be found anywhere. Early detection and treatment can prevent this form of cancer from spreading.

• Melanoma- The most dangerous and lethal form of skin cancer, this form accounts for only 4% of diagnosed cases. Melanoma readily spreads to other areas of your body such as your lymph system or other internal organs. Most commonly found in moles either pre-existing or new, melanoma has a 95% cure rate if caught in time for treatment. It is important that you are aware of any moles on your body and what they look like so you can spot changes in existing moles or the appearance of new moles. Undetected and untreated, melanoma becomes very difficult to treat and can result in death.

Who Gets Skin Cancer?

To be quite honest, anyone can get any type of cancer. There are however certain individuals who are at a higher risk than others. The following factors play a role in the likelihood of developing skin cancer:

• Individuals who are fair-skinned or burn easily.

• People who use tanning devices.

• Genetics or family history of the disease.

• Certain occupational exposures, i.e. coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic or radium.

• Excessive exposure to UV radiation.

Exposure to the sun is the leading cause of cancer which makes protecting your skin from sun exposure vitally important.

Can You Prevent Cancer?

Yes, you can take precautions that lower your risk of developing skin cancer. Take all effort to reduce your exposure to sun and other controllable risk factors. This includes wearing SPF 15 or higher sunscreen everyday in addition to sunglasses and brimmed hats to shield your face from the sun. If at all possible avoid exposing your skin to sunlight during the peak of the day (10am-4pm) and give up tanning beds as they can also damage your skin.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tisha_Kulak_Tolar

Non Melanomatous Skin Cancer in Ireland

2009-12-13T02:53:00.000-08:00

Skin cancer can be divided into two main groups:

Malignant melanoma and
Non-melanoma skin cancer.

Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the rarest, but most serious form. It affects the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) found in the skin and can appear as a new mole, or arise from an existing mole on the skin. Malignant melanoma has the potential to spread to other sites or organs within the body but is curable if treated early. Each year about 235 females and 150 males are diagnosed with malignant melanoma in Ireland.

Non-melanoma skin cancers (Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma)

Non-melanoma skin cancers are far more common but less dangerous than malignant melanoma and rarely fatal. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma frequently appear on sun-exposed skin after many years of exposure. This exposure also causes premature ageing of the skin. Non-malignant skin cancers are easily treated by minor surgery. If left, non-melanoma skin cancers will grow and disfigure - therefore early treatment is recommended. Each year about 7,500 people are diagnosed with non-melanomatous skin cancers in Ireland with 3445 in females, 3889 in males.

Basal cell carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas

Solar keratoses (actinic)
Solar keratoses develop on skin which has been damaged by long term sun exposure. Usually many are present and can appear as hard, scaly lumps. Some become unsightly as they slowly grow larger. The skin underneath solar keratoses can vary in colour from a normal fleshy shade to pink or red. Sometimes these skin lesions can become itchy. Common sites are the face, backs of hands, forearms, ears, scalp and neck. Solar keratoses are not skin cancers. However, a very small percentage can develop into a skin cancer in later life. Some specialists regard solar keratoses as precursors to skin cancer, therefore it is important to seek medical advice on treatment.

- Solar keratoses appear as hard scaly lumps on the skin. They may crust but do not heal.
- Solar keratoses can be rough, scaly irregular patches which are easily felt but not clearly seen.
- Often they are not troublesome in anyway but do not heal.
- Some are very troublesome, if present on the lips or nose as they tend to bleed spontaneously.

Solar keratoses are most frequently treated by freezing using Liquid Nitrogen (Cryotherapy) or by applying a treatment cream. Some larger lesions may be removed by minor surgery under local anaesthesia. Treatment is usually carried out on an out-patient basis with the minimum disruption to your daily routine. All treatments aim to cure. The most appropriate treatment depends on the size, site and number of solar keratoses. Solar keratoses seldom recur following treatment but others may develop over the years.

Who is most at risk of developing skin cancer?.

People with very fair skin are most at risk of developing skin cancer. Those who cannot develop a tan are most at risk of malignant melanoma, but everyone is at risk of being sunburnt, especially indoor employees, children and babies. Malignant melanoma is more common in females. Non-melanoma skin cancers are most frequently seen in older age groups and outdoor workers who have a continuous all-year tan. The incidence of skin cancer is rapidly rising in the young adult population.

Are skin cancers treatable?

Both malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are curable if treated in the early stages. A minor surgical procedure is all that is usually required to remove cancers of the skin. Regular inspection of skin and moles at home helps in recognising any abnormal skin lesions or changing moles. Change in size, shape and colour of a mole are the early warning signs of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of these skin cancer, because it can quickly metastasise to other parts of the body. However, if is detected soon after if first develops, it is curable by simple surgical excision. In Ireland, over 375 cases of melanoma are reported each year and up to 60 Irish people will die of this disease.

The most common form of skin cancer in Ireland is basal cell carcinoma BCC, of which over 3,500 new cases are reported each year. These numbers are almost halfed between male and female and the incidence shows a small increase over the past six years. This cancer very rarely spreads to other organs but if left undetected, will continue to grow slowly, and may invade the underlying tissues. Again, this tumour is curable by surgery or radiotherapy. The third type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma SCC, which often develops from a solar keratosis or sunspot. If it is not treated early, it may spread to other parts of the body, but is again curable before that occurs by either surgery or radiotherapy. About 600 females and 1,000 males develop squamous cell carcinoma in Ireland each year. The other cancers include those of baso-squamous (mixed) carcinomas and other morphologies.

Sunshine is the single most important causative factor for all skin cancers.

Ultra-violet rays contained in sunshine are known to be harmful and can cause skin cancers. The increase in skin cancers in Ireland has been linked with the desire to have a tan, with repeated sunburn, fair skin types and genetic factors, such as number of moles.

Malignant melanoma is associated with frequent high intensity sun exposure. Whereas non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by long-term exposure to low intensity sunshine. The amount of sun exposure during childhood and frequency of sunburn are now believed to increase the risk of developing skin cancers in adult life. It is therefore most important to protect all children from intense sunshine. Hats, T-shirts and sunscreens are recommended at home, at school and on holiday.

Providing protection against the sun

Sunscreens are vital whenever exposed to strong sunlight, at home as well as abroad. Always reapply sunscreens after water sports, games or exercise. Children play outdoors during the hottest part of the day whilst at school, therefore it is wise to apply an SPF 15+ to your children before they go to school. Emulsions such as Anthelios XL contain aluminium hydroxide and can be used with infants and with highly intolerant skin. ROC make a rnumber of products in the MINESOL™ range, including mineral sunblock cream SPF 40, which is recommended for babies in case of inevitable exposure. This particular 100% mineral screen cream has a pleasant and almost invisible texture. During sunny periods liberal sunscreen application should become a daily routine each morning before dressing or 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Heatwaves in Ireland are not uncommon, therefore sunscreens are useful in handbags and first-aid boxes. It is important to apply sunscreens as recommended by the manufacturer. Most sunscreens identify a sun protection factor (SPF) which can range from SPF - SPF60+. The SPF is calculated by each manufacturer for their own particular product so it is important to remember that SPF may differ between brands of sunscreen. All sun protection factors are based on how long it takes for unprotected skin to burn (average length of time = 10 minutes). For example, if you use SPF 15+ the protection offered would last approximately 2-3 hours i.e. (10 minutes X 15 =150 minutes). The SPF is a rough guide only, therefore care and attention should be given to skin type, the strength of the rays or sunshine, time of day, season and latitude from the equator. Many products including Antherpos or Uvistat Lip screen or MINESOL™ Sun stick SPF 20 offer lip protection especially in people who are prone to recurrent herpes labialitis.

Sunbeds and solariums

Ultraviolet radiation (UVA rays) emitted from sunbeds and solariums is now known to have harmful effects on skin. Suncreams and Lotions such as Uvistat contain chemical agents and titanium dioxide and are UVA protectants. Excessive use of sunbeds can cause rapid ageing of the skin, long term damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. There is no such thing as a safe tan. Many people today use sunbeds to develop or maintain a tan. Some people believe that a suntan from a sunbed is a safe tan. Skin specialists say a tan is a sign of skin damage and advise everyone to avoid the use of sunbeds and solariums. This is especially important for the very fair skinned and persons under the age of sixteen. Likewise, persons with skin cancer or those with a family history of skin cancer should never use sunbeds or solariums.

NMS cancer statistics for Ireland

* Average of 7334 new cases per year, 1994-96: 3445 in females, 3889 in males.

* Average of 40 deaths per year: 10 in females, 30 in males.

* Age-standardised incidence rates about 48% higher in males than females.

* By far the most common type of cancer in both females and males.

* Recorded incidence rates higher in Republic of Ireland (RoI) than in Northern Ireland (NI), by about 16% for females and 26% for males, but this possibly reflects differences in registration practice.

On average each year, 3445 new cases of malignant non-melanoma skin cancer (NMS) were registered in females, 3889 in males, in Ireland as a whole. NMS cases (primarily squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas) were by far the most common category of cancer in both females and males (29% of all malignant cancer cases).

European-age-standardised rates were significantly higher among males than females, by about 48%. On average, females were estimated to have a 1-in-12 chance of developing these cancers by age 74, males a 1-in-8 chance. Median age at diagnosis was 72 years for females and 70 years for males. In the period 1994-96 only 10 deaths among females and 30 deaths among males were attributed to non-melanoma skin cancer each year. This represents about 1 death for every 200 incident cases, reflecting the fact that these cancers are rarely fatal. Reported mortality rates (EASRs) were significantly higher in males than females, by about 370% (95% confidence limits 200-645%), but inaccurate certification of causes of death may possibly contribute. On average, females were estimated to have a 1-in-6600 chance, males a 1-in-1600 chance, of dying from these cancers by age 74.

Comparison of incidence rates within Ireland

Recorded incidence rates of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMS) were significantly higher in RoI than in NI for both males and females. However, these differences may possibly reflect, in part, higher case ascertainment (completeness of registration) in RoI than NI, as a result of a more targeted effort to collate all NMS cases in RoI. Involvement of other factors cannot be excluded however.

Dr. Patrick Treacy is a cosmetic expert. He is Medical Director of Ailesbury Clinics Ltd and the global Cosmetic Medical Group. He is Chairman of the Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors and is Irish Regional Representative of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. He is European Medical Advisor to Network Lipolysis and the UK's largest cosmetic website Consulting Rooms. He practices cosmetic medicine in his clinics in Dublin, Cork, London and the Middle East.

Dr. Treacy is on the Specialist Register in the UK and Ireland and holds higher qualifications in Dermatology and Laser technology and skin resurfacing. He was amongst the first doctors worldwide to use the permanent facial endoprosthesis BioAlcamid for HIV Lipodystrophy patients. He was also the first person to introduce many techniques such as Radiofrequency assisted lasers, Fibroblast transplant and Contour Threads to Irish patients.

Dr. Treacy is an advanced aesthetic trainer and has trained over 300 doctors and nurses from around the world. He is also a renowned international guest speaker and features regularly on national television and radio programmes. He was invited to speak about stem cells and cosmetic medicine at the World Aesthetic Conference in Moscow this year.

The Irish College of Cosmetic Doctors
The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors
The British Medical Laser Association
The American Society for Aesthetic Medicine
The American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery The European Society of Laser Dermatology
The European Society for Dermatological Surgery (ESDS)
The International Society for Dermatologic Surgery
The International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Treacy

Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer His Letter to a Younger Brother

2009-11-24T08:12:00.001-08:00

I was told today I have Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer in my chest. That is all I know. They are wanting to operate as soon as passable, said something about April. That is all I know, tomorrow I'm going to start checking and talking to other Dr.'s, etc. Probably will not be anything, but I've had this on my chest for over a year.

I'm writing and sending you this information, hoping it will serve you and because you hold a very warm spot in my heart. To quote "God," The choice is yours and yours alone." With that, I'm sending you this information.

To sum up my philosophy of life, all that needs to be said, is strive to gain, "KNOWLEDGE." And through knowledge we work to develop "FAITH." These two ingredients, knowledge and faith, are all you really need to be happy in this life. It is my belief that these two things are what give us the quality of life we enjoy.

The past year has been one of the most demanding, both physically and mentally, I have ever experienced. Last June of '08, I was in an accident and smashed my neck, pretty bad. The rehab. has been the hardest thing I've ever experienced. Just when I started to get a handle on this thing, I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma cancer on both my arm and chest.

Through my knowledge and faith that I have developed through the years, I have chosen what some would consider an unconventional approach to curing my cancer. I provide all of this as a path, if it works and I'm cured than you will have it, if you need it.

If it turns out to be B.S., then you have lost nothing but some good reading time and the $19.95 price of a book. It is my hope that this information is brief, but a informative path to follow if you so decide, more of a "how to" direction on how I'm attempting to cure my cancer.

For me, this is a path of what I consider "KNOWLEDGE," started during my Ph.D. program with the study of Indian Medicine, my father's death of malignant melanoma cancer, and the individuals who have used this cure.

Let me first start, by sharing my feelings when I was told I had a malignant melanoma cancer. "It was identical to waking up my first morning in Vietnam as a combat marine, knowing I was in a life and death fight."

Cancerous cells are thought to have a special property called malignancy. This belief is based on scientific experiment, which show that when cells are cultured in a laboratory, they become malignant in an orderly progression from initiation. Transformation is irreversible. The tissue is now "malignant" and cannot be changed back.

This is accepted as a medical belief, today. Therefore, you have to cut it out or radiate it to death or chemically destroy every cancerous cell in the body since it can never become normal again.

Yes and NO, to me this is not an absolute. Through my studies and belief, cancer is caused by the "human intestinal fluke."

This parasite typically lives in the intestine where it might do little harm, causing only colitis, Crohns disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, or perhaps nothing at all. But if it invades a different organ, like the uterus or kidneys or liver, it does a great deal of harm.

If it establishes itself in the liver, it causes cancer. It only establishes itself in the liver in only some people. These people have "isopropyl alcohol" (often abbreviated IPA) in their bodies. All cancer patients (100%) have both "isopropyl alcohol and the intestinal flukes in their livers."

The solvent, isopropyl alcohol, is responsible for letting the fluke establish itself in the liver. In order to get cancer, you must have "both" the parasite and isopropyl alcohol in your body. In other words, purge the parasite "cure the cancer." There are clearly three things I must do:

1. Kill the parasite and all its stages.
2. Stop letting isopropyl alcohol into my body.
3. Flush out the metals, common toxins, and bacteria from my body so I can get well.

Again, I believe this to be the cause and cure to my cancer.

However, due to malignant melanoma cancer, being one of the most aggressive and fast moving cancers, I have chosen, to first use, what is called "Black Salve" from the "Bloodroot." As I mentioned I have two cancers, that I know of. One on my left forearm and one on my chest, left side.

I first placed a liberal amount of the Black Salve on the two affected areas. Covered with a piece of plastic material cut from a zip-lock bag and taped it down on the edges. This seemed to help get the process started a little faster by sealing off the air.

I let it remain covered for 24 hours. Most of the time, if there is a malignancy, you will feel a burning sensation with only one application. If no malignancy, then it will only slightly redden the skin. At the end of 24 hours remove covering and clean well with hydrogen peroxide on cotton (not ever rubbing alcohol).

.Repeat treatment every 24 hours. protecting it with a band-aid or what ever is appropriate for its size. When if forms a boil-like sore with a whitish or grayish circular area around the core then further treatment should not be nece3ssary. Keep it moist with Vaseline or Cloverine or any non healing salve.

At some point in time, five days or even two to three weeks the core will begin to loosen and it is essential that it not be disturbed to cause it to break loose prematurely. If it does it will leave live cells which will regrow at that site. The core will come loose by itself when the process is complete and there will be no sign of broken tentacles, etc., only a cavity the size of the tumor.

REMEMBER this is now an open wound, so watch for infection. The cavity will fill in very quickly and in most cases with little or no scarring. remember that you are not curing your cancer.

You are only removing a symptom just as the medical profession does, except that you are doing it less invasive in a more natural manner. Surgically removed tumors and flesh will not fill back in without plastic surgery.

However successful this removal might be, it has not cured the cause. You, and only you, can do that by a change of life-style, eliminating the toxins from wrong foods, foods contaminated by pesticides, preservatives and other harmful additives, water polluted with chlorine and fluoride, household cleansers, pharmaceutical drugs, formaldehyde impregnated materials in your home and clothing's, etc. and the list goes on. Read the book by Clark.

The formula for the "Black Salve:" 1/4 Powdered Bloodroot, 1/4 Galangal root, also powdered and 1/2 zinc chloride. Put zinc Chloride in bowl to liquefy - may take 3 or more days - can be sped up by adding a little distilled water.

Mix all ingredients along with enough flour to make a sticky mixture, and whatever amount of water necessary, in a small amounts, to obtain a spreadable sticky mixture.

If Black Salve gets too dry in container then just add a little distilled or otherwise pure water, a drop or two at a time until desired consistency.

Most really good Health Stores will have Black Salve behind the counter, not on shelf, just ask them for it.

One thing you need to know, I have a very close friend who is an MD, who has been monitoring me during all of this. I have had a good laugh or two watching him when he would examine me.

He did not know much about "Witch Doctoring". The two cancers have now dropped off and he is very impressed with the results. I hope you never need to apply any of this, but if you do, at least you will think of me. If I'm wrong, well we will see.

The Dr. was a little freaked by what my Black Salve had done. He said the Salve took about 3/4 more than he would have taken, which to me, meant he would "not" have gotten it all, so I'm very pleased with what I did and its results. If I had of let him do it, I would of had a situation just like Dad's.

The spot on my forearm looked okay, also. He did and I'm required to have full body scans every six weeks now. The next step is to get a cat scan of my liver, lungs, & brain. Once I have the cat scan and if shows okay, then I'll be working on the cure, info in book that I sent you title of. I really hope you get this book and read it.

There are two little 9 volt battery machines that are simple to build and I know you could do that and the cure, which I have run a cross in New Mexico and the Cherokees in North Carolina used the herbs that I'm going to use.

They are nothing more than the green Rhine juice from the Black Wall nut, like we would get our hands stained with as kids that is #1 herb, Wormwood Herb, you grow yourself, and fresh cloves. That is all, it is that simple.

I'm real worn out, with the neck injury and about 14 hrs a day of research since this cancer stuff started. I know you don't go to the MD/Dermatologist, probably at all, so watch all your moles, scaly spots, or discolored spots. Scaly or discolored spots that seem to change, you need to check out.

The easiest way would be to get some Black Salve, some good health stores might have it if you ask, or I'll get you some and send it to you. They keep it behind the counter. Take a kitchen match, shave it flat then spread a little of the Black Salve on it.

If it is cancer, it will form a small puss circle around the spot. Just follow the info I sent last time on Black Salve. Well that is about all I've got.

Sorry Brother, shit just happens and it is okay with me. I'll probably be okay, but just in case. I'm not afraid and I think I can beat it, but if I don't, your going to have to take care of mom. Again I'm not afraid and I'm pretty sure I can handle this, I'm hoping we got it soon enough. I'll let you know more when I know more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Red_Hendoo

What Are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?

2009-11-24T08:11:00.002-08:00

When recognizing what are the symptoms of skin cancer, it is always advantageous to do so in the early stages than in the late stages. Early recognition can be a life-saver.

There are many symptoms associated with skin cancer. This is one of the most common, yet most dangerous types of cancers that an individual may experience. It has been established that each year in the United States there are over one million diagnoses that are directly related to skin cancer. If you were to combine all the individuals who are diagnosed with breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and even lung cancer, and compare that number to the individuals that are diagnosed with skin cancer, you would find that the skin cancer patients out number the patients of the other types of conditions. For this reason, it is important that you learn to identify the symptoms associated with skin cancer.

Early Stages of Skin Cancer

In the early stages of skin cancer, there are many distinct symptoms that may make themselves known. You should pay special attention to the following:

• You should pay special attention to the moles that you have on the body. It is essential to make a note of any changes that may occur on this skin marks. This includes changes that affect the overall size, changes that relate to the color, as well as changes that have to do with the shape.

• There are guidelines that you can use to determine if there is a cause for concern when it comes to moles. It is the "ABCD" model. This stands for "asymmetry", "borders", "color", and "diameter". If you notice any changes relating to moles and other skin markings that are affected in such a way that any of the areas that are part of the "ABCD" model are affected, it is essential to seek medical care.

• You should always pay special attention to the height or the overall elevation of a mole. This is especially true if that same mark on the skin had been flat in previous incidents.

• There are changes that may possibly occur on the actual surface of a mole that could indicate the onset of skin cancer. If you notice that the mole has a crust like substance, has breakage, bleeds, or releases a clear substance, you should be concerned.

• Many individuals may begin to notice that the area in and around a skin mole starts to experience a burning sensation. Many may also notice tingling and may even be tempted to scratch due to itching. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may need to consider setting up an appointment with your doctor for an examination.

• It is important to pay special attention to moles and other markings of the skin when it comes to skin cancer, but it is also important to ensure that you consider the areas around the marks as well. Be sure to watch for redness and tenderness. You will also want to be careful when it comes to changes as far as coloring is concerned.

Late Stages of Skin Cancer

In the late stages of skin cancer, there are many symptoms that one should pay special attention to. This is true even if you have never been diagnosed with skin cancer. It could just be that the early symptoms were not quite noticeable. The following represents the symptoms that you may discover:

• Many may notice that they experience pain in the location of where a mole is located on the skin. This pain may or may not be accompanied by skin breakage, bleeding, and even the oozing of a clear substance.

• The lymph nodes located in the area of the neck, groin, and even in the armpit may become swollen.

• Many may discover that they develop a persistent cough that may or may not be accompanied with mild to severe weight loss.

• Headaches are often an indication of a serious underlying issue if any other symptoms of skin cancer are present. This is especially true if they are accompanied by seizures.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toby_Johns

Skin Cancer Symptoms of Malignant Melanoma Caused by Too Much UV Light

2009-11-24T08:11:00.001-08:00

There is a definite relationship with skin cancer or a more serious form called malignant melanoma to excessive sun tanning, and not using protective lotions that block harmful UV light rays from damaging your skin. This can lead to cancer of the skin especially if excessive amounts of sun tanning takes place throughout your life. How does your body tan? This is the skins natural way of protecting itself. Before we continue, you should know that there are two main types of skin cancers: basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer.

Severe cases of malignant melanoma don't happen after one or two sessions of sun tanning. This skin disease takes place as exposed areas of your skin are continually subject to the harmful effects of UV light rays. It make take 15 to 23 years before you begin to experience the damaging effects of the sun or start showing signs and symptoms of melanomas.

When you see pictures, you will notice different photos each depicting what this type of cancer looks like. The most evident may be the changes in the coloration of the skin. Sometimes symptoms of skin cancer may surface by the appearance of a sore, a lump under the skin, or a scaly rough skin surface.

This form of cancer is more common in people with light colored skin. These are people who have generally spent more time sun tanning. Melanoma is a more sever case of skin disease where malignant cells invade the normal cells that protect the skin called melanocytes.

Because the skin is made of two layers, the epidermis which contains melanin that causes the skin to have color (the outer surface) and dermis the (inner layer), it usually starts on the outer surface affecting the ability of the epidermis to protect the body i.e., neck, arm, legs, back.

This type of cancer in a more advanced stage called malignant melanoma, and when diagnosed early, you have a greater chance of survival and success. Malignant melanomas symptoms may show as changes in a mole size, shape, or color; bleeding moles, or moles that itch, or feel sensitive to the touch. Most doctors will examine the mole by cutting a piece of it out. This procedure allows the physician to examine the suspected tissue for cancerous cells.

Typical Treatment May Include:

The most common treatment is a surgical process in which the doctor has to remove the cancer. However, if it has become mastastic, spreading to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments to include the use of chemo, immunotherapy, and radiation treatment. Once the affect area of the skin has been removed, the patient may have to undergo a skin draft for medical and cosmetic purposes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darrell_D_Price

Skin Cancer News

2009-11-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

Everyone is at risk to develop skin cancer. Recent publication of new research has raised concern about those of us who spend a great deal of our time outside in the sun for fun or work. Dr. Darrell Rigel of New York University looked at a select group of adults with out door summer jobs three years in a row.

The staggering news was that we are 5 to 20 times more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, with more and more time in the sun. They were able to identify six risk factors that led to greater sun exposure and greater risk of skin cancer. It is very simple. The more of these risk factors you have the greater the risk.

Risk factors that the study identified were:

1. An outdoor summer job.
2. History of blistering sunburn
3. Having naturally red or blond hair
4. Freckling of the upper back
5. Personal history of previous melanoma
6. History of actinic keratosis

The study participants were 18 to 70 years of age, a good sampling across a broad range. Having fair skin or a past history of two or more episodes of blistering sunburn confirm our previous understanding of how those innocent events lead to greater risk of skin cancer. Actinic keratosis is a form of sun damaged skin that can be a precancerous condition. The skin remembers or accumulates sun damage over a lifetime in many small installments. The average lifetime risk of developing a melanoma is relatively low at 1.5%.

Having even one of these risk factors increased the odds by more than twice to 3-5%. Dr Rigel's study actually looked at over 40 risk factors but these six were the only ones that correlated closely with more frequent skin cancer. An interesting note is that age alone without a history of excessive sun exposure was not a risk factor. Editorial comments by Dr Rigel summarized that the real risks are simply "genetic susceptibility and exposure to ultraviolet light".

These findings emphasize the need for preventive measures when spending time outdoors. Liberal and frequent use of sunscreens and appropriate clothing to minimize the damaging effects of excessive sun exposure is critical. In the future there may be other more sophisticated ways to decrease our susceptibility. For now basic common sense and consistent use of inexpensive tools like sunscreens and sun block can make the difference in a life free of skin cancer.

As a physician with over thirty years of clinical experience in the fields of general/family practice, occupational medicine, and urgent care, I have an interest in promoting healthy living and inspiring people to reach their life goals.

"The Owner's Manual for Allergy Relief" is intended to be a primer for people who struggle with allergy issues. It explains in easy to understand terms how to recognize and understand allergies. It discusses common triggers that evoke symptoms in the hypersensitive individual in order to prevent and manage their symptoms. This is the first of a series of concise Owner's Manuals with practical tips for healthy living. I've authored a mystery novel "Turnabout by Bruce Kaler M.D." that follows a surgeon whose life is turned upside down by a wrongful death malpractice lawsuit brought by his vengeful ex-girlfriend. He struggles to find the truth for which he is ill prepared.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Kaler_M.D.

Skin Cancer May Be Fought With Green Tea

2009-11-18T07:03:00.003-08:00

In a new scientific study conducted on the green tea that is available in stores right now, researchers at the Murcia University in Spain have discovered that phytochemical from the green tea is very capable of actively combating the spread of skin cancer, and regular applications may also keep it in check. Investigations have revealed that the green tea has proven unexpected benefits for the skin, some of which have not even been suspected at first.

The current practice of introducing phytochemicals to support the immune system or fight against diseases is based on centuries old traditions. Nutrimed support is a recent advancement in the domain of diet-based therapies; green tea and its constituents are one of the important components of these strategies to prevent and help cure various malignancies with standard treatment prescribed by your oncologist.

As melanoma is being seen in younger and younger people, in their 30s and 40s, there is a longer window for the cancer to return and a greater desire to avoid disfiguring surgery. While more study is needed to understand how the green tea works and which patients are likely to benefit from it, we are optimistic that it may prove to be a good option for some patients. This may be an effective first line treatment as prevention . Since melanoma takes up to 15 years to develop, during that time a host of treatments could be applied to stop the evolution of the disease. However, as experts have pinpointed, no medical procedure could beat good protection against the medical condition, which could, after implementation, lead to tumors and to the spread of other organs as well.

Have your mole checked every year by your doctor and in the mean time drink green tea. Want to find out more about green tea go to functional food green tea.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yanick_Bertrand_Ph.D.

Independant Study Out of LSU Suggests Protandim May Serve As Cancer Prevention

2009-11-18T07:03:00.001-08:00

Recent independant research out of LSU suggests that the nutritional supplement, Protandim, may help in the prevention of skin cancer. Protandim was shown to decrease skin tumor incidence in the study involving mice according to a recent peer review out of LSU.

This research supports early findings from Dr. Joe McCord who studied and found that Protandim, according to the company website, "actually signals the cells in your body to produce its own antioxidants enzymes, which provide thousands of times more antioxidant power than any food or conventional supplement". And it's this power that's helping to prevent oxidative stress as we age.

Oxidative stress is known to as a major contributor to cancer development, heart disease, and diabetes. The cause of oxidative stress comes from free radicals in our cells. These free radicals "latch" onto healthy cells and destroy them causing oxidative stress. Up until the age of about 18 we are able to fight these free radicals from our own bodies production of antioxidants but as we age the formation of antioxidants starts to diminish. Hence the aging process begins and the resulting health issues(cancer, heart disease, and diabetes) which comes from getting older.

Protandim has been clinically proven to slow the aging process and resulting health issues. They are not saying that Protandim is a cure for these diseases but independant studies are showing real promise for this nutritional supplement. According to the study those promises may not be far away from reality.

Protandim is a NOT a consumable antioxident. It's phytonutrients which are designed to signal your cells to produce powerful antioxidant enzymes which neutralize more free radicals than consumables.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Estigoy

Skin Cancer Warning Signs - Five Signs and How to Prevent Skin Cancer

2009-11-18T07:02:00.000-08:00

Why is it important to know the five signs of skin cancer? It is important to know them because once you know the skin cancer warning signs, you can save yourself from getting worse. And if you do not have the signs, you should learn how to prevent it. This article will tell you what the five skin cancer warning signs are and how to prevent skin cancer.

The Five signs:

* You see a sore or spot on your skin for more than a month straight without healing
* You see a spot or experience a sore that itches, hurt, scab, crust or bleeding more than a month
* You see or experience an area of the skin that ulcerates or broke down without any obvious cause and does not heal in a month
* You see a shiny pink or red lump on your face, scalp, ears, hands, shoulders or back
* You see pink lumps that may bleed easily and ulcerate. It is often found on the face, neck and limps

These are some skin cancer warning signs and when you know it, you should really get a treatment. However, if you are NOT seeing any signs that you are having cancer, it is always important to prevent it and save yourself and decrease the likelihood. We all know that prevention is better than cure. Read on to learn how to prevent yourself from cancer.

What can you do to prevent cancer?

Studies have shown that those who take Resveratrol have better skin health. Resveratrol is a food supplement that has helps many people in achieving a healthier and better health. It can also help one to lower their blood sugar level significantly. Resveratrol has also been featured in the Oprah program and on other TV programs as well. It is also perfect for anyone who wishes to lose weight. Read below to find out more about what are the health benefits of Resveratrol.

What are health benefits of Resveratrol:

* Increase lifespan
* Prevent likelihood of having cancer
* More athletic nature
* Radiation protection
* Reduce Neurodegenerative Disease

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_K_James

Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

2009-11-18T06:58:00.000-08:00

One of the most preventable (and often very treatable) cancers is that of the skin. There are ways to prevent skin cancer and enjoy being outside. By taking care of your skin and checking it often for suspicious growths you should have no trouble from the effects of skin cancer.

First and foremost, try to avoid the sun as much as you can. Seek the shade provided by trees, beach umbrellas or buildings wherever possible. Wear hats and lightweight clothing to cover your skin, protecting it from the sun's rays that could cause lesions leading to skin cancer.

Be aware that even when the sky is cloudy that you can still suffer from the effects of the sun. It is possible to burn your skin when it is cloudy outside. The same is true with swimming pools. Even if you are in the water, you can easily be sunburned.

One of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer is to apply sunscreen. You should make sure to be wearing at least SPF 30 when in the sun, or stronger sunscreen depending on how easily you burn. Also, be sure to reapply after swimming, or if you are sweating heavily.

Children's skin is even more delicate than your own and therefore must be looked after carefully. However, it is important to remember that children who have not reached 6 months of age cannot wear sunscreen on their skin yet. With that in mind be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight at all times and remember to always keep their skin covered. Warn older children that prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun's harmful rays can eventually lead to skin cancer and that they would be safer in the shade.

Skin cancer can be treated but it is important for you to pay attention to any changes to existing growths or new abnormalities that appear suddenly. It is most important to watch for any changes like increase in size or irregular shapes. Watching for transparent or multicolored growths on you skin is a must. And furthermore, it you have any cuts or wounds that don't appear to be healing, consult your doctor promptly.

You should make it a point to have your skin checked on a regular basis when visiting a doctor. Ensure that you examine your skin every month. This is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer early. Make sure to be watchful of your skin and health and if you develop any problems, consult a doctor for immediate treatment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._B._Roberds

Basal Cell Carcinoma - The Most Common Type of Skin Cancer

2009-11-04T02:32:00.003-08:00

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer found in humans. It occurs mainly in fair-skinned people with a family history of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is a disease in which the cancer cells appear on the basal cells of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. It is estimated that approximately one million Americans are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma each year.

Basal cell carcinoma usually appears on the face, ears shoulder and neck where the skin is exposed to sunlight. However, it can also appear on other parts of body such as the abdomen, leg, and scalp exposed to sun's ultraviolet rays. BCC, if untreated, can damage the skin and cause an ulcer known as a rodent ulcer. In few cases, contact with arsenic, exposure to radiation, open sores, lesions that do not heal, inflammatory skin conditions, and complications of burn scars, infection, vaccination, or even tattoos are contributing factors.

This type of cancer is characterized by small tumors in its early stage that can be cured with simple surgeries. However, neglected it can invade vast areas of skin. These types of cancers can also spread along the bones, cartilages, muscular tissues and more rarely, nerve tissue. Some tumors may eventually extend to eye or brain or become large enough to disfigure entire face. Very few basal cell carcinomas spread to distant organs or metastasize.

It is usually diagnosed with a skin biopsy (where tissue is taken for pathological analysis) is done using local anesthesia. Small basal cell carcinomas are removed with electrodessication and curettage method while larger basal cell carcinomas are removed by standard surgical excision. This carcinoma present on the head, scalp, face, neck, ears is treated by Mohs surgery or Mohs micrographic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

What Are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?

2009-11-04T02:32:00.001-08:00

Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found on the epidermis (the outermost layers of skin) so the tumor is usually clearly visible. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

The most common symptoms of any type of skin cancer include changes in the skin that do not heal within 4 weeks, a spot or sore that continue to itch, blood, discolored skin, and changes in existing moles such as ragged, notched or blurred edges of mole or enlargement of mole.

Signs and symptoms of Basal cell carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a small, slow growing shiny pink or red lump. Sometimes small blood vessels can be seen within the tumor. They usually appear on face, scalp, ears and shoulders. If left untreated, they tend to bleed frequently. This form of skin cancer is least deadly and with proper treatment, it can be completely cured within short period of time.

Signs and symptoms Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma is usually pink, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. If left untreated, it tends to become crusty, ulcerate or bleed and it may develop into large mass. Squamous cell is second most common skin cancer; it is fatal but not as fatal as melanoma.

Signs and symptoms of Melanoma: Most melanomas are brown to black looking lesions with irregular border. Signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in diameter, shape, color or elevation of a mole. Other signs are the appearance of a new mole during adulthood on trunk, neck or head or pain, itching, inflammation, ulceration or bleeding in existing mole.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

Self-Examination For Skin Cancer

2009-11-04T02:31:00.000-08:00

Skin doctors promote regular self examination of skin because research shows that self-skin exam can lead to early detection of skin cancer. Skin cancer detected and treated in its early stages is 95 percent curable disease. Even melanoma one of the most deadly form skin cancer if detected and treated early is highly curable.

Self examination for skin cancer means checking your own skin every three to six months for any abnormal growth or unusual changes in the size, color, shape or texture of your skin. It is important for you or your partner to look carefully whole body as skin cancer can occur anywhere. Be sure to check your back head, face, scalp, elbow, arms, underarms, palms, soles and skin between soles and palm. Use a mirror to examine hard-to-see areas such as your back, buttocks and genitals.

When you perform skin self-exam, look for new skin markings (moles, blemishes, colorations, bumps). Note changes on your skin, such as color or texture of your skin or mole that have changed in size, texture, color, or lesions that bleed continuously and will not heal. Look for small lumps or mass that are smooth glossy and waxy, or red or reddish brown. Be alert to flat red spots that are rough or scaly and have diameter larger than 3 millimeters. You can also maintain a diary or a journal to keep notes of skin changes.

The self-skin exam takes no more than 8 to 10 minutes, but that 10 minutes could save your life. The best time to do self-skin exam is at the time of taking bath or after a shower. If you are concerned about developing any form of skin cancer, consult your primary health care provider or dermatologist as soon as possible.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

Stress May Amplify Malignant Skin Cancer Growth

2009-11-04T02:29:00.000-08:00

An innovative study by US medical researchers at the Ohio State University (OSU) has revealed that stress amplifies the progression of malignant melanoma, a particular form of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer that is becoming increasingly common worldwide.

After two years of research, medical researchers came to a conclusion that there is a link between stress hormones and cancer. The stress hormone, norepinephrine also known as "flight or fight" hormone, produces enzyme that stimulates blood vessels to grow in melanoma tumors, accelerating the progression and spread of tumors, the researchers explained. These findings were published in the February 2009 issue of the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity.

A research team including Eric V. Yang a research scientist at Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR), and Ronald Glaser, a professor of molecular virology, immunology and medical genetics observed effects of stress hormone, norepinephrine on three different types of proteins released by melanoma cells -1) Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); 2) Interleukin-6 and; 3) Interleukin-8 all proteins active in growth of tumors.

The three malignant tumor cells lines, i.e. VEGF, intereleukin-6 and interleukin-8, were introduced to the norepinephrine and all the three showed increase in levels expressed, particularly in the most advanced line which showed a 2000 percent increase in levels of interleukin-6 thus establishing the fact that stress has worse effect on aggressive and advanced stage malignant melanoma.

The researchers believe their findings would help slow down the progression of malignant melanoma and offer new hope for prolonging the lives of patients suffering with advanced stage malignant melanoma.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

Types of Skin Cancer - Warning Signs of Skin Cancer to Watch Out For

2009-10-21T23:20:00.003-07:00

You might not realize it yet, but exposing yourself unprotected to the sun can lead to different types of skin cancer. That stubborn itch or redness can be something more than just an irritation. It's important that you arm yourself with the right knowledge, so you won't have any regrets later on.

If you live in a tropical country, you have a greater chance of getting different types of skin cancer. Of course, this doesn't automatically mean that countries located away from the equator are exempted. As long as you have skin and are exposed to the sun, it's better to learn as much as you can.

1) Basal Cell Carcinoma

Among the different types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common. It starts from the basal layer of the skin-the deepest layer of your epidermis. You can just imagine how deep the sun's UV rays can reach your skin!

While normally not dangerous, Basal Cell Carcinoma can take different forms. Sometimes, it can even be confused with psoriasis. This type of skin cancer normally occurs in sun-exposed parts of the body like the face and neck.

2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is usually found on sun-exposed parts of the body.

Compared to Basal Cell Carcinoma, this type has a higher risk of metastasis-the spread of a disease from one part of the body to another. Symptoms include ulcer, a reddish plaque and even cyclical bleeding from the tumor (usually on the lip). Squamous Cell Carcinoma can also lead to head and neck cancer.

3) Melanoma

Children, males and Caucasians have a higher risk of getting Melanoma. While considered one of the rare types of skin cancer, this accounts for 75% of skin cancer related deaths. Symptoms include moles that grow to 6mm, melanomas (usually black but can be multi-colored), asymmetrical skin lesion and irregular border of lesion.

These are the three different types of skin cancer. They are usually caused by overexposure to the sun or UV rays. If you are fair-skinned or are exposed to the sun for most of the day, don't forget to slather on some sun block before leaving the house.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lee

What Does a Cancerous Mole Look Like - And is it Melanoma? - Nurse's Guide

2009-10-21T23:20:00.001-07:00

If you have a skin mole on your arm or leg or body now or maybe you have a few of them or even many of them you may be wondering what does a cancerous mole look like. And is it melanoma? I'll show you how to tell if that mole on your arm, leg or body is cancerous.

Of course anyone who has a mole may be worried that they have a cancerous mole. That they have malignant melanoma or a skin cancer, but many people go through a lifetime with dozens of moles and do not get malignant melanoma. Never-the-less one always wonders but there is a good way to evaluate and decide for yourself whether you should have a doctor take a look at your mole or moles right now. Of course if you're in the doctor's office for anything else you can always have them take a look at your moles.

For many years doctors have always preached the rule of ABCD. A mole could be melanoma if it's A for asymmetrical (uneven), B for the borders are irregular (not smooth), C for variation in color, and D for the diameter - which would have to be larger than the eraser on a pencil. But a couple of years ago or so the doctors who invented the ABCD rule decided to add a third letter- E. The E stands for evolving; the evolving means the mole is changing over a period of time. The cancerous mole or skin cancer can change in size, shape and color. And new symptoms of bleeding and itching can develop.

Any changing mole or lesion should be a cause for concern and should be checked out right away. Most moles do not change their size shape, color and symmetry. You would be able to tell there is something different going on.

In tests the doctor inventors of the ABCDE rule discovered that people with melanoma had as many as 70% of their lesions evolving. So if you have a changing mole you need to get checked out now. You are the one that is going to notice your mole changing or skin cancer first. If you have any of the signs of A, B, C and D and it in not evolving you still need to get your moles checked out for there is a good possibility it's melanoma.

An evolving mole is a big concern. So see your doctor if you have any of these signs of skin cancer or cancerous moles. If you catch melanoma early you will be able to treat it effectively. Don't wait. It can sneak up on you. Melanoma is systemic; it is not confined to the area on your skin. Your immune system and body will be involved. Your doctor will decide on whether to remove the mole or not. It doesn't hurt to do all the research you can so you'll know exactly what to look for and know what questions to ask your doctor when you do go in.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helen_Hecker

Skin Cancer of the Foot and Ankle - An Epidemic

2009-10-21T23:19:00.001-07:00

Skin cancer of the legs, ankles, and feet are some of the most overlooked cancers.

They are found in locations where most people consider skin cancers unlikely. Over 90% of skin cancers appear on sun-exposed skin, usually found on the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands, but an alarming number are also found in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Why does sun cause skin cancer? Overexposure to sunlight damages the top layer, or epidermis of the skin. The most dangerous skin cancer is called melanoma, meaning a tumor of pigment producing cells. Melanomas can spread early to the lungs, liver, and brain making it a rapidly fatal cancer. It is expected that something over 8,500 people will die from skin cancers this year! Most melanomas can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas occur commonly on the forehead, lips, and hands but they can be found on the arms hands, legs, and feet. These cancers can spread and early diagnosis and treatment is critical.

Basal Cell Carcinomas rarely spread to distant structures, but, if untreated, can destroy large portions of the face, scalp, nose, ears, and vast areas of skin. They can result in gross disfigurement if not treated early. Fair-skinned people are at greater risk for these cancers.

My heartfelt advice:

1. Please, have your moles and skin lesions checked. To put off doing so could be fatal. Ask your primary care physician or dermatologist to do a yearly skin check, all over. Don't be modest about this. Your life could be at stake. I routinely check patients for suspicious moles and lesions on their legs, ankles, and feet. You need at least a yearly check-up with your podiatrist.

2. Use sun blocks to protect exposed skin, even in winter and don't forget your legs and feet if they will be exposed!

3. Learn the ABCDs of skin cancer:

Asymmetry - The sides don't match.

Border - It looks uneven or ragged.

Color - It has more than one color. These colors may have an uneven distribution.

Diameter - They appear wider than a pencil eraser. Also, look for ulceration, craters, donut-shaped edges, bleeding, or slow healing if the lesion is ulcerated. Any mole on the toes or the bottom of the foot is suspicious. If you notice a mole on a friend or family member that meets any of these criteria, gently encourage them to get it checked "to be safe".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronald_Worley

Worship Your Skin, Not the Sun

2009-10-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

Your mother is right, you must protect your skin from the strong rays of the sun, especially while you are young. Now, how did she gain that knowledge? Perhaps through a painful lesson, perhaps the health news on TV or in magazines. Trust her - most skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation occurs before age 20. Fair skinned people who tend to freckle, go red, or burn in the sun are at higher risk than black or brown skinned people. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the leading cause of most skin cancer.

It is never too soon, or too late to begin protecting your face and neck daily with a moisturizer which contains sunscreen - you will be covering two important facets of skin care with one product.

Most cosmetic companies offer a moisturizing product which contains SPF 15 or more. The 'Sun Protection Factor' is very important even if you do not "plan" to be sunbathing. Merely being outside for a 15 minute walk could cause damage to unprotected, delicate skin. Getting in the habit of caring for your skin is very important in the prevention of skin cancer.

Babies and children are at high risk of sunburn on their delicate, new skin. Special childcare sunblock cream, lotion and spray-on's are readily available and should be on hand in every household, and applied as frequently as the directions suggest. Children may be in and out of the house dozens of times per day so an application of sunscreen is absolutely necessary - even on overcast days.

If you feel you "must" sunbathe, in spite of the risks, start slowly - don't roast your skin the first day in the sun. Take on your healthy seeming glow in degrees, thus decreasing the serious harm a severe sunburn causes. Tanning is the melanin in your skin darkening to protect it from the sun's rays. In fact tanning is a sign you are injuring your skin. Protect the most sensitive skin areas; face, neck, shoulders, hands and arms with shade providing hats, and beach umbrellas. Areas of skin which have been badly burned have an increased risk of developing skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). More bad news - regular use of sunlamps and sunbeds increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Self-tanning products are the only 'safe' way to obtain a sun kissed glow.

Many clothing companies are introducing sun blocking light weight fabrics in their sun and swim apparel and these are simple solutions to implement for all children and at-risk adults. The new fabrics offer quick drying, comfortable, lightweight protection in stylish hats, shirts, pants, coverups and aquasuits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_West_Smith

To Suntan Or Sunburn - That is the Question!

2009-10-05T07:03:00.001-07:00

So you've got to get tan, right? Never in history has a suntan been more popular or had more impact on attractiveness. Some people have taken this tanning thing to a new extreme. Personally, I think that the popularity of having very dark tans is too extreme.

If you want to tan you can do it without your skin becoming a shriveled up piece of jerkey. Everyone looks better with a little color, it is proven. Also everyone knows what causes skin cancer; sun exposure. One severe sunburn can increase your risk of developing a cancerous melanoma by 50%, especially if you are young. If you must have that bronze look there are many ways that you can minimize the effects of ultraviolet damage to your skin. This damage includes faster aging, skin cancer and melanoma, and severe blisters and infection from sunburn.

Tanning occurs when the skin absorbs UV rays and gets damaged. Therefore, there is no real way to "safely tan" as a sun tan is the body's response to the skin being damaged. This damage tells your body to protect itself by creating melanin which in turn darkens your skin thus raising your tolerance to the sun's rays. A myth that is rampant about sun tanning is that a sunburn will turn into a suntan after it has faded. This is very incorrect, as many bad sunburns will peel and flake until you are the same color as you started out as, pale.

The 3 Ways to Tan:
Salon Tanning vs. Natural Tanning vs. Fake Tanning

Of these 3 choices, the one that is by far the best is fake tanning. In recent years, spray-on and fake tanning products have become very popular. They are quick and can create a very real looking tan the first time that you receive the treatment. The health benefits are easy to see, this form of tanning requires zero sun exposure therefore eliminating all of the adverse effects of tanning. This form of tanning can last very long with topical products designed to keep your tan glowing year round. It is also very fast as a treatment lasts less than 30 minutes and in most cases they can be cheaper than tanning at a salon.

Which one is better you ask, Sunbathing outside or going to a tanning salon?

Salon Tanning and Natural Tanning are very close. The Salon will have just about the same degree of UVA and UVB rays as the sun, it is just more intense. People use the Salon to save time and to get a nice, even tan. This can be hazardous for a few reasons. Generally people that tan in a salon environment get addicted to the process and usually get exposed to more UV rays than they should. According to the BPG which is the British Association of Dermatologists, one should not surpass 10 sets of 30-minute sessions semi-annually. 10 hours per year is used by many people in a few months of tanning regularly in a tanning salon. This does not mean that tanning outside is safer than a tanning bed, only that a person is more likely to take in more dangerous UV rays if they regularly tan in a tanning salon.

If you are planning on tanning outside or in a tanning salon, take baby steps, especially if you have a pale complexion. Also make sure that you have some type of sunscreen on, not a sun block if you are actively trying to tan. Sunscreens should not impede your tanning progress excessively but should help you from not getting a sunburn. A sunscreen with aloe should protect you from the damaging effects of UV rays while still allowing your body to produce melanin. Slowly you can build up your time being exposed to the sun without risking your skin's long term health. Also, if you are beginning a tanning regimen, try to do it when the sun's potency is low, say before 11am and after 3:30 pm.

Always wear sunglasses while tanning, in bed or sun.

This is very important to maintain long term eye health. Sun exposure to the eyes has been known to cause many health defects, such as cataracts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dustin_Cole_Armstrong

Sensitive Skin and Cancer

2009-10-05T07:02:00.002-07:00

Cancer is caused by changes (mutations) in a cell's DNA. Some of these changes may be inherited from our parents, while others may be caused by outside exposures, which are often referred to as environmental factors.

Most epidemiologists and cancer researchers agree that environmental factors contribute to cancer risk of about 80-90%.

By environmental factors they mean improper diet, lack of physical activity, usage of tobacco and alcohol, exposure to radiation (cosmic rays, radon, X Ray), infectious agents, chemicals in the air, soil and water (pollution), household and work place chemicals.

Substances and exposures that can lead to cancer are called carcinogens. These substances not necessarily change the DNA structure but rather modify the cells' metabolic rate. These modifications ultimately can lead to changes in DNA structure.

Exposure to radiation or chemicals of different sort can build overtime a sensitivity of your body towards cancer by elevating the percentage of free radicals. Free radicals are very reactive molecules, which can oxidized a high range of organic molecules from our metabolic pathways. Being oxidized, these molecules cannot be recognized by their subsequent enzymes leading to changes in metabolic reactions. As strange as it seems chemical skin care regimen can also increase the concentration of free radicals in skin and from there through the body. The first alarming skin issue that you have to face your self is skin sensitivity. The skin completely "refuses" to accept chemicals through its pores and react by redness, tingling, irritation and itchiness.

This is a moment that everybody has to say: Enough I'm going to change my lifestyle!

This starts with a proper diet plenty of vitamins and minerals from fruits and colored vegetables, especially those who are plenty of natural antioxidants (protectors against free radicals) such as: carotenes, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, flavonoids. Studies suggest that people who eat vegetables and fruits my lower their risk to different type of cancer. The same regimen has to be applied to your skin: nourishes it with natural vitamins, minerals and apply creams plenty of natural antioxidants. Sun exposure especially to UVA rays has to be minimal. Recent studies showed that UVA contribute to skin cancer formation.

Another cause of sensitive skin is due to the treatment of cancer patients. Radiation and other cancer treatments make the skin become dry and irritated, followed by rashes, itchiness and blotching. You need to use gentle formulations specially designated for sensitive skin, away of harsh chemicals. Don't use chemical preservatives with longer self life . They can not break in small compounds and subsequently eliminated. They can be deposited in your skin and poisoned it. Look for gentle formulations skin care products, which are made of a mixture of vegetable oils and organic herbs. The products will not only deep moisturize the skin but also will soothe and comfort the skin. The skin will benefit from their minerals, vitamins and natural antioxidants. As the antioxidants are easily absorbed through your skin your entire body can take advantage from them. In addition, herbal extracts contain a lot of flavonoids, which are very beneficial for cancer patients. In case of strong radiation treatment a natural wound healing cream for your skin side effects would be beneficial.

In conclusion: Sensitive skin when appears due to an improper diet, environmental factors, or cancer has to be treated with natural products free of chemicals. In this way is more likely to achieve a healthy skin free of active radicals and chemical deposits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claudia_Budu_Ph.D.

Myths Revealed About Skin Cancer and Age Spots

2009-10-05T07:02:00.001-07:00

Age spots, liver spots, sun spots or whatever they are called are very often counted to be a sign of skin cancer. People are not always even aware of what different skin marks are - moles, warfs and lentigos are often mixed up with liver spots (Melasma). I will reveal here some of the myths about skin cancer and look quickly into other skin marks also.

Skin Cancer Types

There are three types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are generated by direct DNA damage while malignant melanoma is generated by indirect DNA damage. Melanoma is the most dangerous of all skin cancer types with the mortality rate of 15-20 % and it causes ca. 6500 deaths every year in the US while the two first have the mortality rate of only 0.3%.

* Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Sometimes small blood vessels can be seen within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor frequently develops. It is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal. This form of skin cancer is the least deadly and with proper treatment can be completely eliminated with not so much as a single scar.
* Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. When SCC is not treated, it may develop into a large mass. Squamous cell is the second most common skin cancer, it is dangerous, but not nearly as dangerous as Melanoma.
* Most melanomas are brown to black looking lesions. Signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole. Other signs are the appearance of a new mole during adulthood or new pain, itching, ulceration or bleeding.

Age Spots Are the Sign of Skin Cancer

It is a very common myth that age spots would automatically be a sign of skin cancer. That is definitely not the case. Age spots themselves are very very rarely cancerous. In fact, scientifically thinking the liver spots do not pose any medical problems (except psychological) and are not dangerous in any ways. But the same skin cells can get more damaged and get cancer later (as any other skin cells). This myth is busted.

Age Spots Cause Cancer

I have often heard that skin cancer is stated to be generated by age spots. This "fact" is said because the liver spots have been diagnosed as non-cancerous at first but then later there has been melanoma. It would be easy to say that age spots have caused this cancer but the origin of the cancer is somewhere else - it just happened to be in the same skin cells. This myth is also busted.

If You Have Age Spots Have a Higher Risk to Get Skin Cancer

This myth is true but the answer is not that straight forward. Sun spots and skin cancers can form the same way - sun's UV rays cause changes in DNA. So if you have got sun spots, you have been to sun. And if you have been to sun too much, you have a higher risk to get cancer. Also the areas with sun spots have a higher risk to get cancer as the darker areas absorbs the sun better than the lighter areas.

Other Skin Marks - Can They Be Dangerous

There are several different skin mark types, for example moles, warfs, lentigos, "Café-au-lait"-spots, Becker's melanosis, Halo Neevus... Very often other skin marks are mixed with liver spots and only professional people can tell them from each other. Some skin marks are also very similar to melanoma marks so the doctors very often recommend to remove them, just in case. Melanoma can be suspected by checking the skin marks and their changes. Also new, fast growing mole is suspicious.

Conclusion

Eventhough the age spots themselves are not dangerous, you have a higher risk of getting skin cancer if you have them. Also some other skin marks look very similar to age spots and only specialized dermatologist can tell what they exactly are. To be sure to not have a cancer, one should consult a dermatologist.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Van_Dun

Turmeric and Skin Cancer - Study Results Show it Could Help

2009-09-25T03:05:00.003-07:00

When you read the data, most observers remark on the statistic that the number of people who succumb to this disease is growing. Of course it's important to be reminded why but what about any new treatments?

These days many more natural remedies are being sought for what ails us, which includes some thought provoking data between the herb turmeric and skin cancer. Research has shown it to be beneficial in both the stages of prevention and during treatment.

The medical experts tell us that diet and lifestyle are big influences on who catches any one of a hundred different types of cancers. With skin cancer a lot can be attributed to our love of sunbathing and the skin damage which is as a result of over exposure.

Some of us heed the advice of health experts in limiting the time spent in direct sunlight, especially for babies and younger children, while others disregard it or foolishly believe it won't happen to them. The sensible ones have discovered that using dietary and nutrient knowledge can give them a preventative edge and reduce the risks of getting the disease.

One such piece of ammunition is a spice called turmeric, and its extract curcumin which apparently has tumor suppressing powers. One U.S. study whilst not carried out in humans or animals but in laboratory dishes found the herb to cause the melanoma cells to self destruct. It addition, it was quick to comment on the fact that those taking curcumin on a regular basis also have lower rates of some cancers.

We now await future clinical trials on turmeric and skin cancer in both humans and animals, typically in mice. The good news is that this herb extract is more readily available in dietary and nutritional supplements, so that old adage of prevention is better than cure rings true once again.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Foremski

Tadpoles May Help With Skin Cancer Detection

2009-09-25T03:05:00.001-07:00

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have completed several years work to find a compound that seems to block the movement of the pigment cells that give tadpoles their unique markings. Uncontrolled movement of pigment cells has been linked to cancer in both humans and frogs, which means skin cancer detection and prevention could be improved.

Melanoma cells in particular, are known to migrate (or move) through the body to the organs, causing secondary tumors that are one of the more high-risk forms of cancer.

Melanomas are one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer because they're both invasive and resistant to treatment.

Malignant melanoma is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer deaths, and about 160,000 new cases (over 62,000 in the U.S.) of melanoma are diagnosed worldwide each year.

If research can learn how to block this process, perhaps cancer spread can be delayed or even halted altogether.

Despite the hopeful outlook, practical applications in terms of medications are likely still years away.

The compound used in this study was selected from 3,000, screened to see if they effected the pigment cells. The compound, known as NSC 84093, produced a visible change in the color markings on the tadpoles when used in very low concentrations. The continuous stripe along the back was replaced by a pattern of blocks of color along the back of the tadpole.

Biologist and lead researcher Grant Wheeler at the University of East Anglia said, "Forty of the compounds gave us an interesting difference which we wanted to follow up."

Apparently its easy to look at the tadpole embryos and see the color change - so many compounds could be tested.

A chemist at the University saw that the structure of the compound they were using had properties that showed it could bind to a zinc molecule. A substance expressed by melanoma tumors, matrix metaloproteinases (MMP) thought to be involved with cell behavior such as migration, is zinc dependent.

The compound identified by the British researchers keeps the MMP from doing what comes naturally. The team saw changes to patterning on the tadpoles depending on the strength of the dose given.

And if you're wondering what tadpoles can tell us about cancer, it helps to understand how much we have in common with the little critters. These simple creatures diverged from man a mere 360 million years ago, though they still have the same organs, molecules and physiology as we do.

This tells us that cancers in the frogs will develop and act just as they do in people.

What's more, the tadpole that becomes the South African Clawed Frog, produces eggs all year round so supplies of subjects are plentiful.

The intriguing study appears in the January 2009 journal Chemistry & Biology and though there is still a lot of work to be done, if these preliminary results hold, we may be one step close to finding an effective skin cancer detection process and treatment for one of many invasive forms of cancer. The next step is to test the compound in other animals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirsten_Whittaker

The Sunburn Files

2009-09-25T03:04:00.000-07:00

Once damage is done to the skin, only time, patience and a slathering of a cool gel like aloe vera can ease the pain. Hands down, the best approach is prevention rather than cure.

What is sunburn?

The skin's reaction to the ultraviolet radiation (UV) in sunlight, sunburn is actually a first degree burn, and often accompanied by the familiar symptoms of tender, reddened skin. More severe burns, with bright red colouring, swelling and blistering indicate that the burn has penetrated the surface layer of the skin and become a second degree burn.

What causes sunburn?

The sun has two types of ultraviolet radiation important in a discussion of damaging effects to the skin. It is UVB rays which cause sunburn and the potential for skin cancer, although UVA radiation is now also considered to contribute to premature ageing and wrinkling.

Reflected sunlight from sand, water or snow can also cause sunburn. Certain drugs can also intensify the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Fair skinned people are more vulnerable to sunburn than darker people, but it is possible for anyone to get burnt if they are exposed for long enough at a time or place when the UV levels are high.

Few cases of sunburn require medical care, however extremely severe cases of sunburn (those involving extensive blistering, dehydration, or fever) usually require medical attention.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

When you've been burnt, you'll experience red or blistered skin. Headache, nausea and fever may indicate sunstroke, and excessive sun exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer.

Which natural therapies can assist with sunburn?

Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin E can help reduce the risk of oxidative damage and promote healthy skin, especially when taken in conjunction with the minerals zinc and selenium.

Aloe vera gel and vitamin E cream are soothing to inflamed skin and assist the body's healing processes when topically applied. You can also apply cold compresses, aloe vera gel or calamine lotion to ease itchiness.

Tips for healthy summer skin

* Eat light meals and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee, which can cause further dehydration.

* When your skin peels or the blisters break, gently remove the dried loose skin and apply an antiseptic ointment or cream to the skin beneath to prevent infection.

* Simple precautions will prevent most cases of severe sunburn. Use gel and cream formulations to block the damaging UVA and UVB rays. Try opaque formulations containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block radiation from reaching the skin.

* The best way to prevent sunburn is to limit your exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10:00 a.m.and 3:00 p.m (daylight savings time). Take a look at your shadow: If it's shorter than your height, stay under cover.

* UV protective swim wear and shirts offer extra protection, as does wearing a hat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chelsi_Woolz

Why Do Skin Cancers Return?

2009-09-17T05:02:00.003-07:00

In this article I would like to talk about skin cancers again.

When you go to the surgeon and have a skin cancer removed and the surgeon is happy that all traces of the skin cancer are now gone and he tests the results under the microscope, to confirm for your benefit that all traces are now gone, then for all intents and purposes that's it end of story.

Why then do they say come back in six months or twelve months for a check up? Is it possible that once the skin cancer is removed,that it no longer exists,and if it no longer exists because it Has been removed then how come six months Or twelve months later when you have that routine checkup the surgeon finds another skin cancer and tells you that it has returned. Did it return,or is it a new skin cancer?

I believe that it is a new one and I will explain why I have that belief. When we get sunburned do we simply get burned on a very small area or do we normally get burned all over. Yet we expect to only have the skin cancer localized to Some small area of our face or body,now that is not logical when You think about it is it? Once the skin cancer is removed it is gone for good because the tissue is no longer there. I was asked the other day, do skin cancer cells come back years later.

I then did some research to confirm my suspicions this article is based on the result of that research and on my own results over the past three and a half years. There are over 10,000,000,000,000 cells in our bodies. The biggest organ in our body is the skin,It covers and protects everything inside the body. Every minute of every day twenty four hours a day three hundred and sixty five and a quarter days of the year,year in year out until we no longer exist, we lose about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells off the surface of our skin.

It takes about 15 days to a month for the skin cells to replace themselves. This you observe when you cut yourself and it heals over within a few weeks. Skin cancers become active at different stages,we are fortunate for that because if they all became active at once we would not survive.. When that happens a new skin cancer becomes active on another part of the body or extremely close to the area where the last one was removed. This is a completely new skin cancer not a continuation of the one that was completely removed either by the surgeon,doctor or other means. If then as I believe this is a new skin cancer then we must treat it as a new skin cancer and not a regeneration of the one that was removed earlier. All the more reason why we need to take control of our own health by maintaining a healthy diet avoiding as much as possible acid forming foods and drinks,and observing our own bodies becoming aware of changes in our skin. I personally now can tell when a skin cancer becomes active on myself.

The results are very accurate. When a skin cancer becomes active on my face,arms,chest,back,or legs I notice that especially in hot weather it gets itchy and most times a little red its always in the same spot its as if I had spilled battery acid on that isolated area,these areas are I found require attention before they get worse. Here is a link to a video I put up on you tube about some of my skin cancers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Ripolles

Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

2009-09-17T05:02:00.001-07:00

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer and frequently arises on the sun exposed skin of middle aged and elderly individuals. General risk factors associated with the disease are: age more than 50; male sex ; fair skin; location closer to the equator; history of prior non-melanoma skin cancer or human papilloma virus infection; high exposure to ultra violet light, chemical carcinogens and ionizing radiation; and chronic immuno-suppression or a scarring condition. A cumulative life time sun exposure and immuno-suppression are primarily believed to be the cause of this condition. A typical SCC lesion is a raised, pink-to-flesh-colored papule or plaque arising on sun exposed skin. Surgery, local chemotherapy, photo-dynamic therapy and radiation therapy are the standard line of treatment for this condition.

Low risk tumors are usually cured with appropriate surgical therapy; however there is a 40% risk of recurrence in such patients. In addition, high risk tumors are aggressive and spread to other parts of the body very fast. Ayurvedic medicines for SCC are indicated in such patients with a history of recurrence or of having high risk tumors. The aim of treatment is to treat the local tumor and prevent its spread to other parts of the body. Medicines used for this purpose are: Arogya-Vardhini, Gandhak-Rasayan, Triphala-Guggulu, Chandraprabha-Vati and Punarnavadi-Guggulu. Kanchnaar-Guggulu, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha and Chandraprabha-Vati are used in high doses to prevent the spread of the tumor.

Herbal medicines which act on the 'Ras' 'Rakta' and 'Mansa' dhatus (tissues) of the body are useful in the treatment of SCC. Indrayav (Holarrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Triphala (Three fruits), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Chirayta (Swertia chirata), Chandan (Santalum album), Sunthi (Zinziber officinalis), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Gokshur ( Tribulus terrestris), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Sunthi (Zinziber officinalis), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum) and Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) are useful in this condition.

Medicines like Suvarna-Parpati, Trivang-Bhasma, Suvarna-Raj-Vangeshwar-Ras, Abhrak-Bhasma, Heerak-Bhasma, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Naagbala (Grewia hirsuta), Samudrashosh (Argyreia speciosa), Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens) and Suvarna-Bhasma are used to boost the immune status of the body and improve the therapeutic response of other medicines.

It is important to note that SCC has an initial high cure rate with surgery, but recurrence and spread of the tumor are common pitfalls of this condition. A regular follow-up of such patients on a long-term basis is therefore mandatory.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abdulmubeen_Mundewadi

Why Can't My Dermatologist Tell Me How Long Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery Will Take?

2009-09-17T05:01:00.000-07:00

You just found out the spot on your nose was a type of skin cancer that required a surgical technique called Mohs Surgery to remove it. What is Mohs surgery and why can't your dermatologist tell you how long the procedure will take?

Both these questions are very good questions.

Mohs surgery is named for the physician who developed the technique, Dr. Frederic Mohs. It is an effective way for a dermatologist to remove skin cancer and preserve as much of the surrounding normal tissue as possible. During the first step in Mohs surgery your dermatologist removes the skin cancer lesion along with very little of the surrounding normal tissue. In most cases, you are immediately bandaged. The surgical technique to remove the tissue can take approximately 15-30 minutes. Most patients believe that is the end of the surgery. In fact, there are a few very important steps that need to be completed before you can go home.

The tissue that was removed must be processed by a Mohs Technician so that your dermatologist can determine whether or not any cancer cells remain. This is a slow process that can not be rushed. The tissue is carefully prepared to ensure all edges of the tissue will be visible when examined by your dermatologist. Next, the tissue is frozen and sliced into thin microscopic layers by a lab machine called a Cryostat. These thin layers of the tissue are then mounted on a slide and must dry. Once dried the specimen is stained using a specific order of stains and processing solutions. Now the tissue is ready to be examined by your dermatologist. The whole process of preparing the tissue takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Your dermatologist will examine the processed tissue under a microscope to determine if any cancer cells remain. If the exam reveals cancerous cells in the tissue examined, a second layer will be removed and processed. In fact, multiple layers may be taken to ensure the area is free of cancer cells. Therefore, Mohs Surgery can take between 2-8 hours depending on the number of layers needed to remove all cancer cells.

Once the cancer cells are removed, your dermatologist will determine the best way to let the wound heal. If the wound is small and in a favorable location, it may be left to heal on its own. Frequently, a few stitches are all that is necessary after Mohs Surgery. Other times a larger area is involved and your dermatologist will use other procedures to reconstruct the area where the cancer was removed. The process of "closing" the wound may take approximately 30 minutes or more.

Mohs surgery is a very specific technique that requires multiple steps to ensure skin cancers are removed. You should expect your Mohs surgery to be completed within a couple of hours, although be prepared for the procedure to take longer. Most dermatologists offer a special area with a television to help patients pass the time. You may want to bring a book, a family member or a good friend to make your time as pleasant as possible.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bradley_Abrams,_D.O.

My Experience With Vitamin C and Basal Cell Carcinoma

2009-08-23T06:40:00.002-07:00

Before I tell my story of how I believe a very simple, extremely cost effective, and totally natural treatment got rid of a basal cell carcinoma skin cancer, I want to clarify that I am not a medical professional, but rather simply a "lay person" who experimented with this method.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'm going to tell you the story of my experience with a topical vitamin C solution and how it got rid of my basal cell carcinoma lesion within a matter of days.

You see, I have a history of getting basal cell carcinoma skin cancers, which are not a serious form of skin cancer, are extremely slow to metastasize (spread), and rarely turn into a more serious form of invasive skin cancer. Hence, their name, they stay on the surface of the skin for the most part, and therefore could potentially go for years without spreading. However, it is still important to identify and remove them since there still could be a chance of further mutation.

The areas I had these skin cancers were on my forehead, right where my skin met my hair line, and also a spot on my chest, right between my breasts. The reason I had gone in to get them checked out by a professional was because they seemed to be wounds that would not heal. At first I thought the one on my forehead was actually a burn from a curling iron, but when I noticed it has a smooth, shiny surface, and kept crusting over and would never heal, I became suspicious.

A doctor referred me to a dermatologist, who removed both spots that would never heal and sent them away for lab testing. They were confirmed as basal cell carcinoma skin cancers, and I was scheduled from then on to have twice-annual checkups for these suspicious skin lesions, especially since I have a family history of skin cancer.

Because of this experience, I started to do self checks as well, especially looking for spots on my face and forehead, since those are areas that get the most sun exposure by default because they are always the first to face the sunlight. I had notice just about two months ago that another spot, which I initially thought was a blemish, had shown up virtually right over where my white scar was on my forehead from the last basal removal.

I also noticed that this one was smooth and shiny, and pink, and never healed after weeks of existence. So, I started reading online for how to get rid of basal cell carcinomas naturally, with a topical Vitamin C treatment, since I had remembered reading about this months ago when surfing the internet reading unrelated alternative medicine news.

Lo and behold, I found that many people reported getting rid of these minor skin cancers by simply applying a concentrated Vitamin C solution, the ascorbic acid form, directly to the "tumor" two to three times a day for anywhere from a few days to two weeks. They reported several successes, with the tumor falling off within days or weeks.

I figured, what did I have to lose, and because I really didn't want another scar on my body, especially on my face, and knew that if I went back to the doctor they would surgically remove it again and put stitches in it, not to mention it would cost me quite a bit in medical fees even with insurance, I made the personal decision to forgo that and try to get rid of this naturally, on my own. I went to a natural foods store and purchased a quarter pound of ascorbic acid powder, which cost me not even three dollars. It is a fine white powder that contains about 5,000 mg. or vitamin C per teaspoon, so it's quite concentrated.

I mixed a tiny bit of solution at a time, putting as much of the powder in a solution of water as I could with it still staying a solution instead of a paste, as instructed by the sources I researched. I would then swab it onto the wound with a q-tip several times a day. I noticed that when I applied it, it stung really bad, but only on the wound site and not on the surrounding skin, so I researched this and was comforted to know that it only kills the cancerous cells, not the healthy skin cells, so this explained why it left the healthy surrounding skin unaffected.

Supposedly, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), is selectively toxic to cancer cells, at least basal cell carcinoma cells as far as I know. This stinging and burning went on for the next several days, and the wound turned a bright red for about two days before it finally crusted over, and fell right off.

While I never got this examined to see if it was indeed a basal cell skin cancer, I am personally convinced that it was, and that Vitamin C was natural "cure" for it, and worked.

While I couldn't recommend this over medical advice, I can say that I personally believe it worked for me, and I took the personal chance of not going to the doctor's to get it diagnosed or tested before "self treating". My previous experience made me comfortable enough to take this route, however, that may not be the case with everyone, and medical advice should be probably be seeked out prior to taking on a treatment yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danna_Schneider

Sun Damaged Skin

2009-08-23T06:40:00.001-07:00

We've all experienced the pain and damage of a sun burn. It doesn't matter how many times the media explains the risks and the need for UV coverage, a substantial number of people turn a deaf ear and head out into the hot afternoon sun. The result is seriously sun damaged skin and in severe cases even skin cancer. That bronze glow that tanning achieves is short lived. After several years of that kind of abuse the skin becomes leathery and can break out in brown spots. When the sun has virtually sucked your skin dry, no amounts of moisturizer in the world will be able to reverse the effect.

There are many different options available both through prescription and drugstore purchase. These are typically creams and lotions that claim to thicken the skin to rejuvenate a youthful glow. Studies have proven some of these products to work relatively well over time. It's a low cost alternative to some therapies but will probably work better on those with minor sun damage as opposed to those with extreme cases. Some may opt for other alternatives such as chemical peels which has been known to have both positive and negative outcomes for patients. Now that laser is an option more sun loving folks have yet another method for fighting the harsh effects of the sun's rays.

The use of a laser on sun damaged skin is a nice option because it causes less damage during and after the process than some methods. Less damage means much faster healing and in this chaotic world of work and bills, nobody has time to wait around to recover. Over the years since the use of lasers has grown and advanced, different types of lasers have come into play. If this is of importance to you then don't hesitate to ask for an explanation from your practitioner or dermatologist. They can explain the differences between each one and how they work.

The treatments are not cheap and will run hundreds, potentially thousands of dollars depending on how damaged the skin is and how much of it needs to be attended to. Very minor cases of sun damage may need as little as one fifteen minute treatment. That isn't likely for most patients though. Regular tanning or working outdoors can really add up over the years. Unfortunately in many cases insurance companies will not cover laser surgery because it is considered cosmetic. Before you assume though take a moment to consult with your insurance broker and see if you have any options.

There are many benefits to using laser therapy to treat damage caused by the harsh sun. Minimal recovery time allows you to keep working and going about your daily life. It's wise to speak with your dermatologist about skin health and the preventative measures that can be taken to avoid sun damage. It's never too late to start taking better care of your precious skin. Get informed and always be aware of the options available to you in regards to all forms of skin treatments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Jacobs

The Moh's Procedure

2009-08-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

How to know what to expect when you're diagnosed with skin cancer: Explanation of the Moh's Procedure

If you've been diagnosed with skin cancer, don't panic. Here is an article about what to expect after the diagnosis. It is clear, and honest.

Follow the doctor's instructions to the letter. He really knows what's best for you under these circumstances, and there are reasons for every instruction you receive. The instructions given are meant to prepare you for the procedure and to help you heal faster when it's over.

The Moh's procedure was developed by Dr. Frederick Mohs. This is the technique that is most commonly used skin cancer removal procedure used worldwide.

You register at the outpatient facility on the day of the surgery. You will need to bring a friend or family member to help you.

You will be taken to a room with a dentist's style chair. The chair lays back and rises up at the doctor's control.

Once you are comfortable, the doctor uses the tiniest needle to numb the affected area. He uses a local anesthesia.

Once numb, he cuts a very small sliver of skin from the affected area. He sends you back to the waiting room and sends the sample to pathology.

If pathology finds cancerous cells on the cut line, you go back to the chair, get the local anesthesia again, and he repeats the procedure.

This continues until pathology can find no cancerous cells on the cut line.

Once no bad cells are found, you are able to go home.

In the first 48 hours after surgery, you will already need to have peas and rice; yes, I said peas and rice. Let me explain;

Frozen peas in a small zip lock baggie are the perfect size to use on the incision site. They are flexible enough to be comfortable, and can the thrown back into the freezer as many times as necessary, and re-used. You will need to use ice packs for the first 48 hours, about 30 minutes out of each hour to reduce swelling.

Rice: Pour some rice into a couple of clean socks. About 1 and a half cups of rice is plenty. Tie the sock shut near the top of the rice. After the first 48 hours, you will need to change from ice packs to hot compresses. Microwave the rice filled socks about 30 seconds at a time, kneading them in between, until they are warm/hot throughout.

• Always talk to your doctor about your medical advice.
• Swelling and bruising can last up to weeks.
• Nothing you find on here is to replace your doctor's advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Spradlin

Melanoma's Dramatic Increase - Another Reason to Self Tan

2009-08-20T00:09:00.001-07:00

Some alarming news from the medical arena was recently rehashed in the news, and it gives just another reason to self tan with sunless tanning products instead of bathing in the sun and/or indoor tanning to get that natural earthy glow that everyone craves these days.

The bad news is that melanoma skin cancer, the most deadly form of cancer of the skin, has increased 50% since the early seventies in women alone. Men have only slightly increased, as expected, and then leveled off, meaning there is some other factor that makes women more susceptible to melanomas than men.

Many researchers think that it may be a combination of factors, but cite one, indoor tanning amongst women (who frequent tanning salons more than men), as perhaps being the largest factor in the singular increase.

Although they have no direct proof of this, and the indoor tanning industry of course vehemently denies this correlation and instead cites better screening factors for more melanoma identifications, there does seem to be a valid point to the theory.

Also, they believe that women have significantly surpassed men in the incidence increase is that women tend to be sunscreen devotees more than men, and this may make them feel more protected out in the sun for long periods of time, when in fact they are really just exposing themselves longer to the UV rays that theoretically cause melanoma.

I've recently been made aware, since I myself am from a family that has a history of melanoma skin cancer since my grandfather on my father's side succumbed to it years ago, that you should really get regular screenings for skin cancers from a dermatologist or general practitioner, at least once to twice a year. It is also important to know that the highest incident rate of melanoma skin cancer, for unknown reasons, tends to be on the torso and lower body in women, and this may be where you want to specifically be aware to keep an eye out for suspicious spots on the skin.

There are a couple of schools of thought on exposure to the sun's rays though as well, which you may have been exposed to, which actually might cause confusion. Some say that it is not actual sun exposure that causes melanoma and other skin cancers, but rather UV ray exposure can help protect you from skin cancer because it helps promote the production of a vitamin D.

Vitamin D has been revealed as a significant factor in the survival and deflection of different types of cancer, and the only way we have of manufacturing it is naturally in our bodies. This naturally made form of vitamin D is the best, most protective kind of the vitamin we can have, and can only be synthesized through sunlight exposure. However, many experts say that this theory can be misleading, since over exposure to sunlight definitely plays a large role in skin cancer development.

They say that sun exposure is ok, as long as you are not constantly exposed to it and you do not repeatedly burn your skin. Burning the skin over and over creates cell mutations which lead to cancer, and this is definitely not something you want to take a chance with. So, as with almost everything else under the sun (no pun intended), take precautions not to overexpose the skin, but also don't be so afraid of sunlight that you do not ever venture outside, especially because not only does sunlight make vitamin D, but it also plays a role in mood control.

All of this leads me to believe that if you want the natural, healthy "looking" glow that it so popular and in vogue today, and has been for several years, the way to go may be a prudent combination of occasional natural sunlight exposure, with caution, and when you want that extra natural glow, to use a self tanner.

Self tanning does not cause wrinkles, dryness or age spots and freckles like UV radiation does, and has not been shown to cause any unhealthy mutations in skin cells, and the great self tanners of today really create a beautiful, natural looking tan that lasts for days.

After all, it's nice to know you can still create this coveted, sexy look without over exposing your skin, your largest and most protective organ, to anything that could harm it's long term health and beauty.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danna_Schneider

The Whole Truth About Sunlight, Cancer and Sunscreens

2009-08-20T00:08:00.002-07:00

Humans have been living on this Earth for at least four million years. The sun has been shining for about 4.6 billion years and it has been shining on our Earth for most of that time. Strangely, no animal ever contracted skin cancer from being out in the sun and humans rarely did until about 50 years ago.

We have been told that this increase in skin cancer is due to a "hole" in the ozone layer. Actually there is no "hole". However, the ozone layer is thinning in some areas, predominately at the South Pole in the fall and winter seasons. The ozone layer, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) above the earth, acts as a shield to prevent dangerous radiation from reaching the biosphere. There is also a minor amount of thinning in the northern hemisphere and little or none in the tropics.

The incidence of all forms of skin cancer are highest in the tropics, where there is virtually no thinning of the ozone layer.

In 1991 Professor Johan Moan of the Norwegian Cancer Institute found that the yearly incidence of melanoma in Norway had increased by 350% for men and by 440% for women between 1957 and 1984. He also determined that there had been no change in the ozone layer over this period of time. He concludes his report in the British Journal of Cancer by stating: "Ozone depletion is not the cause of the increase in skin cancers". Unless these folks spent a fair amount of time hanging out in the Antarctic wearing bikinis, he is probably correct.

Skin cancer has increased all over the world, about 90% in the USA from 1974-1990. This skin cancer increase is too large (90%) compared with the expected value (40%) from ozone depletion. Also, cancer does not develop immediately after exposure to the sun. The sunburns may occur within hours, but cancer development and detection may take years or decades. If the depletion of the ozone layer over Antarctica is not causing the huge increase in skin cancer, what is?

It is interesting to note that chemical sunscreen was introduced in the late 1920's and by 1936 the first commercially available sunscreen product was being sold by L'Oreal. Also, Monsanto began producing artificial chemicals in 1901. Why is this bit of information important?

First, let's take a look at our skin, and the damage we do to it before we even go out into the sun.

There are an estimated 250 species of bacteria that reside on your skin. They are there for a reason. Sebum, secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin, is an oily substance composed of wax monoesters, triglycerides, free fatty acids and squalene, and again, it is there for a reason. These bacteria and oily substances PROTECT the skin. We seem to have invented endless ways to destroy this protective barrier starting with the water we bathe, shower and swim in. A survey by the Environmental Working Group found 141 unregulated chemicals and an additional 119 for which the Environmental Protection Agency has set health-based limits. Most common among the chemicals found were disinfection byproducts, nitrates, chloroform, barium, arsenic and copper, and of course chlorine, fluoride and PCBs ,THMs and heavy metals. These chemicals not only strip the skin of its natural protection, they are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream where they continue to cause damage.

We also have a tendency to destroy this protective barrier with various chemicals and soaps. We slather our skin with every toxic chemical imaginable, most of which gets absorbed into our bloodstream. There are over 150 cancer-causing chemicals currently used in cosmetics. Although federal law requires products containing these ingredients to carry a written warning label, the FDA does not enforce this law. The FDA claims that these products are safe because they are not consumed orally. Can it be possible that the folks at the FDA are not aware of the many drugs that are administered through the skin because the skin is porous and allows most drugs and chemicals to be absorbed?

You would be amazed to find what the FDA allows to be sold as long as it says, "for external use only." The assumption is that it will stay external and not be absorbed into the body, so its toxicity is irrelevant. Hello!! Who are we kidding? Sunscreen ingredients absorb into the blood, and most are linked to toxic effects. Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some disrupt hormone systems, several are strongly linked to allergic reactions, and others build up in the body or the environment. According to the Environmental Working Group only 15% of 952 products analyzed actually block UVA and UVB radiation, remain stable in sunlight, and contain few toxic chemicals.

Here is a short list of some of the stuff we regularly put on our skin without a second thought. The toxic effects recognized by the FDA are included:

OXYBENZONE (BENZOPHENONE-)
(Active Ingredient)858%Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Violations, Restrictions & Warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes

PEG-100 STEARATE 479%Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns

(ETHYLENE OXIDE 1,4DIOXANETRIETHANOLAMINE767%Cancer, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns

(NITROSAMINES) MICRONIZED ZINC OXIDE
(Active Ingredient)276%Violations, Restrictions & Warnings, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Occupational hazards

TITANIUM DIOXIDE 173%Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

(HYDROQUINONE)OCTINOXATE (OCTYLMETHOXYCINNAMATE)
OCTINOXATE (ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE)
(Active Ingredient)478%Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Enhanced skin absorption, Biochemical or cellular level changes

BUTYLPARABEN 477%Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Biochemical or cellular level changes

There are HUNDREDS more but I don't want to bore you here, just WAKE you up!! Is it logical to cover yourself with this stuff, then go out into the sun and let it bake in? Geez, you can cause untold damage to your largest external organ AND your internal organs simultaneously!

The sun is NOT your enemy! Sure, in some areas at some times you will have to spend less time in the sun to avoid getting burned, but sunlight is VITAL. Sunlight allows your body to produce natural vitamin D and increased melatonin, both of which are essential.

Vitamin D levels are linked to survival rates for cancer patients. Those people who live in sunnier southern latitudes and have higher vitamin D levels are less likely to die from cancer than people in northern latitudes.

Rates of major cancers such as colon, lung, breast and prostate increased from north to south, while survival rates decreased from north to south.

Vitamin D may protect against cancer by discouraging out-of-control cell reproduction and hindering the formation of new blood vessels for tumors. Receptors that respond to vitamin D have been found in almost every cell in your body, from your brain to your bones. Optimizing your vitamin D levels, (through safe sun exposure) could help you to prevent as many as 16 different types of cancer including pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, prostate, and colon cancers. Vitamin D does not just impact your cancer risk slightly; it can cut your risk by as much as 60 %.

This is not to say that you should not be cautious. A severe burn is obviously damaging. However, a mild sunburn is not dangerous as long as the skin has been allowed to retain its natural protective barrier and is not marinated in a chemical cocktail. A slight sunburn is your body's natural way of letting you know that it's time to get out of the sun, it also helps to remove the outermost layer of dead skin with fresh new skin, thus reducing wrinkles! People pay money for this, it's called "dermabrasion" and "chemical peels", you can have it done naturally at no charge by getting a mild sunburn.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Jablonski

Recognize Skin Cancer

2009-08-20T00:08:00.001-07:00

The skin cancer is a cancer that features a malign development on the skin owing to various determinants. Its progress initializes in the epidermis which makes the tumor visible even in the very initial stages. Ongoing researches and studies have concluded skin cancer to be the kind that spreads the fastest.

Amongst the different types, basal cell carcinoma, the squamous cell carcinoma and last but not the last the malignant melanoma are the most common. Off these the later is the most perilous. Though the chief cause is attributed to maximum exposure to the ultraviolet rays a direct relation between the two has not been proven. Amongst the other symptoms witnessed are the sudden changes in the skin that do not respond to respective treatment, ulcers in the skin and also discoloration and change in to name a few. Regular use of sunscreen is highly recommended by the medical experts.

Amongst the most popular treatment methods that are metted out to the skin cancer patients involve the removal of lesions from the skin making sure that the edges become devoid of the destructive cells. As mentioned its employment as a chief treatment method for both the initial and the later stage cancer categories is quite common. Albeit if diagnosis is made in the inceptive stages the common mode of treatment exercised is the radiation therapy and cryotherapy which result in the effective restrain of further spread. In contrast amongst the cases where the disease has already spread considerably, surgery and chemotherapy may be required. Research is being carried out for the efficacy of the helper T cells in the treatment for the skin cancer. It has no known side effects and if successful may change the entire course of the cancer treatments.

Sarfaraz was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, surrounded by traffic and technology. He writes mostly about diseases, the storybooks, futuristic columns, mysteries, as he likes to call it. He enjoys writing for web.

He wrote his first book (The Black Bodyguard of Stone-Pyramid) in 2003 and since then has provided the picture for 1 more title. His book was honored as a BEST SELLER.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarfaraz_Ali

What is Skin Cancer?

2009-08-20T00:07:00.000-07:00

The bad news is that there are more diagnosed cases of skin cancer every year than any other kind of cancer. The good news is that there are very, very few deaths attributed to this disease.

Skin cancer is the most treatable of all types, and the results of treatment are almost always positive. This year, there are expected to be a million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed, but only 1,000 deaths are expected that are caused by the disease. So you can see that even if you are diagnosed with skin cancer, your odds are 1,000 to 1 that you will beat the disease. Those are terrific odds!

There are several different kinds of skin cancer. The one that forms in the cells that make pigment is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in the small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of skin is called basal cell carcinoma. The type that forms in the flat cells that form the surface of the skin is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in the cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.

Most cases occur in older people, and generally on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems. Those with very fair skin are most prone to developing the disease.

Many risk factors are associated with the development of skin cancer, but the number one risk factor is unprotected exposure to the sun's rays. Simple preventive measures like wearing sunscreen, avoiding being directly in the sun between 10 AM and 2 PM, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing (long sleeves and long pants) could prevent many cases of skin cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milos_Pesic

What is Skin Cancer?

2009-08-15T01:57:00.005-07:00

Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor

2009-08-15T01:57:00.003-07:00

Gestational is defined as: "Of or related to the period of development in the uterus from conception to birth; pregnancy." Cells in the uterus that help to form the placenta are called trophoblastic cells. So, a gestational trophoblastic tumor is any one of several kinds of tumors that develop from the trophoblastic cells during pregnancy. Hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma are the two most common types of gestational trophoblastic tumor.

Hydatidiform mole, or molar pregnancy, means that the egg and sperm have joined, but there has been no development of a baby. Rather than the normal development of a fetus, a group of grape-like cysts have formed. This mole doesn't spread beyond the uterus.

Choriocarcinoma is caused by hydatidiform mole cells that are left in the uterus following an abortion or delivery of a baby. It can spread beyond the uterus.

Diagnosing gestational trophoblastic tumor is not easy. In the beginning, the tumor looks like a normal pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding indicates that the doctor should look more closely at what is believed to be a pregnancy. If they baby hasn't moved by the expected time, that is another indication that a gestational tumor might be present.

The first step in diagnosing the disease is a normal pelvic examination. This is usually followed by an ultrasound. A blood test may be ordered. The doctor will be looking for the hormone beta-HCG (beta human chorionic gonadotropin) in high levels. Beta-HCG is always present in a normal pregnancy. The absence of beta-HCG is an indication that the tumor is present.

The chance of a full recovery from this type of tumor depends on several factors. The first factor is the type of tumor present and whether it has spread to other organs. Another major factor is the state of the overall health of the woman.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milos_Pesic

Skin Cancer Prevention

2009-08-15T01:57:00.001-07:00

The number one cause of skin cancer is overexposure to ultraviolet light (the sun). The number one way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce exposure to ultraviolet light. Eliminating it entirely would be better, but we really can't do that, and some sunlight is good for us - even necessary. Having darkly tanned skin is a symbol of health, vitality, and youthfulness today, but it is a very dangerous symbol to acquire unless you take sun-safety measures, and you use those sun-safety methods every single time you are outdoors.

There is a catchy saying that is often used to help people remember to take sun-safety measures. The catchy saying is, "Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap!" "Slip" on a shirt. "Slop on sunscreen." "Slap" on a hat. "Wrap" on sunglasses. That is very good advice.

It is important to avoid direct sunlight altogether between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. These are the hours when the sun's rays are the most intense.

Simply covering skin could prevent hundreds of thousands of cases of skin cancer. Skimpy bikinis are, without a question, sexy and attention-getting, but skimpy bikinis worn in direct sunlight dramatically increase the chances of getting skin cancer later in life.

Using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 just makes good sense. You wouldn't drive or ride in a car without a seat belt. You wouldn't eat food that was loaded in saturated fat. You wouldn't take up smoking cigarettes. You wouldn't do these things because they increase your risk of injury, disease, and death. So why would you go out into direct sunlight without applying protection to your skin?

A hat with a 3" brim will protect the skin on your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.

Wearing wraparound sunglasses with a 99% UV absorption rating provides the best protecting for the skin around your eyes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Milos_Pesic

The Three Types of Skin Cancer

2009-08-08T10:21:00.001-07:00

Can skin cancer be avoided? While scientists still have miles to go before they can determine whether or not skin cancers can be completely deterred, at least one type is associated with definite risk factors.

The three main types of skin cancer are: basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; and malignant melanoma. All three are detrimental to one's health, though two out of the three can be cured if caught early enough. This sort of skin cancer is responsible for 90 percent of all skin cancers within the United States. Basal cell carcinoma hardly ever seeps into other parts of the body, though it can reach the bone if it is not eradicated right away. Those at risk for this type of cancer are usually Caucasian, fair skinned, light eyed, and have light hair. It is also believed that this type of cancer occurs when parts of the body are exposed to a large amount of sunlight.

Squamous cell carcinoma affects 200,000 people every year. As with basal cell carcinoma, this type of skin cancer can be cured if it is detected early enough. Squamous cell carcinoma usually affects the ears, face, lips, and mouth, which is one of the main reasons why it is easily measurable. Though scientists do not know why this type of cancer occurs, it is usually found in Caucasians with light skin, light eyes and light hair. Sun damage is thought to be one of the major causes of this cancer, though this has yet to be proven concretely.

The last type of skin cancer happens to be the most dangerous kind. Melanoma is a rare type of cancer, yet it also happens to be the deadliest. Those that are at risk for melanoma include: persons with blond or red hair; persons with blue eyes and a fair complexion; those with a family history of melanoma; and those that spend a significant amount of time in the sun without proper sunblock. While melanoma usually strikes those with a fair complexion, it will also strike those that spend time in the sun -- whether or not they happen to have fair skin.

The only known way to prevent melanoma from occurring is to make sure to wear sunblock every day. Not only should you wear sunblock during those summer months, but it is also important to wear sunblock during the winter months as well. Rather than wait to see whether or not you become ill, do yourself a favor and put on that sunblock no matter what the weather report says - it could save your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Grimes

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

2009-08-08T10:20:00.001-07:00

Typically, the form of cancer to strike people than any other is skin cancer. All skin types can develop this but it is predominately found in fair-skinned people. Too much time spent in the sun is the main cause of skin cancer due to the ultraviolet radiation. Avoiding overexposure to the sun and identifying the signs early are the two best ways to prevent skin cancer. The three major causes are environment, heredity, and ultraviolet light damage to the skin. This occurs mostly in children and teenagers. Studies show adults receive half of their lifetime ultraviolet exposure when they are 20 years old.

Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It protects our internal organs from injury, acts as a barrier between those organs and bacteria, and prevents the loss of valuable fluid from our body. It also regulated body temperature and communicates to the brain to allow for temperature, touch, and pain sensations. You can see why it is important to keep our skin healthy and free from any signs or symptoms. The majority of skin cancers are classified as non-melanoma or melanoma.

Non-melanoma will develop on those areas of the body that are the most exposed to the sun. The early signs appear on the body, face, ears, neck, lips, and the backs of our hands is where it would be found. These signs rarely spread to another part of the body.

Signs can be one extreme to the next, either the cancer can be slow growing or grow at a rapid rate.

Melanoma, which is common, begins in the cells that produce the skin pigment or coloring known as melanin. Melanin also protects the deepest layers of the skin from harmful radiation from the sun. Melanoma accounts for a small percentage, but it is far more dangerous and life threatening than non-melanoma. The chances of surviving melanoma skin cancer are better if it is caught in the earliest stage.

The signs include family history of skin cancer, multiple moles, a fair complexion, exposure to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, and radium, and severe sunburn as a child.

Your body will show early signs of symptoms, and both patients and doctors play an important role in finding signs of skin cancer. If you believe you have signs or have any change on the skin, consult your doctor. Any change can be a sign of skin cancer, like the size and color of a mole, or a growth that is darkly pigmented, or a new growth on the skin. If you have a change in the appearance of any bump or nodule, or if you have oozing, bleeding or scaling of the skin you should contact your doctor. Another sign to look for is if the color of the pigmentation spreads beyond the border of a mole or mark. Another sign would be a change in sensations to your skin, for example, itchiness, tenderness, or pain, it's time to go to your doctor.

What is important to know is it can be prevented by watching for any of these signs. Avoid the sun for extended periods of time and make sure to practice sun safety. If you fear that you have signs of skin cancer symptoms, avoid the sun altogether between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. Try to stay in the shade especially when rays are the strongest. To protect your skin from the sun rays it is helpful to wear a long sleeved shirt.

If you show any of the signs, using sunscreen is important when you are going to be in the sun. Using a sunscreen of SPF 15 or above when outdoors will help you protect your skin from skin cancer. Use sunscreen generously and always reapply if you have been in the water, are heavily perspiring, or have recently toweled off.

For prevention of developing signs wear a hat this will keep your face, ears, and neck shaded and provide some protection. A wide-brimmed hat is the best choice but if you are wearing a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Godlewski

My Skin Cancer Treatments

2009-08-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Treatment is necessary to destroy and remove a cancer. The size and location of a skin cancer, the patient's medical history, health, age and the risk of scarring help determine the best form of treatment for the patient. Skin cancer treatment is usually some form of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In come cases, a doctor may suggest a combination of these methods to remove the skin cancer from the patient.

Common types of skin cancer treatment are:

Basil cell and squamous cell carcinomas (cancers) are usually treated with surgery. Surgery is a quick and easy way to remove skin cancer and the recovery time is usually very short. One concern is to leave as small and unnoticeable scar as possible. If the area where a cancer is removed is large, skin grafting may be required to minimize the amount of scarring if a large tumor is removed.

Cancer involving the outer layer of skin can be treated using laser therapy. A highly focused beam of light can be used to destroy destroys cancer cells on the skin.

Small skin cancers, actinic keratoses and other precancerous skin conditions can be treated with cryosurgery. Liquid nitrogen is sprayed on the skin to freeze and kill abnormal cells. The dead skin falls off when the area thaws. There may be some stinging when the nitrogen is applied, and there may be some pain and swelling when the area thaws out.

The best treatment is probably radiation to kill cancer cells and stop them from growing. Radiation is often used for treating areas that are hard to treat with surgery like the tip of the nose and ear or as an alternative to surgery. Radiation takes longer to complete and has some other short-term side effects that the patient should be aware of.

Topical chemotherapy, where an anticancer drug in the form of a lotion or creams is applied to the skin may be the best treatment for cancers limited to the outer layer of skin, typically on the face, neck and ears. Two types that I've used are Effudex and Fluoroplex. Both were effective at removing abnormal skin cells and left my face looking like I had a severe sunburn until the skin healed.

When you have a skin cancer you may become concerned about the cancer spreading through your body and getting worse. Even though there are several effective skin cancer treatments, skin cancer can reoccur somewhere else on the body. Follow up treatments with your doctor, regular self exams and a periodic checkup by a dermatologist are important to catch skin cancers early. Following your doctor's instructions is important to minimize the risk of skin cancer recurring again.

Not all cancers are curable, but many are, so never give up looking for an answer to your skin cancer problems. There are some natural skin cancer treatments that may be an alternative to surgery and some other conventional treatments for skin cancer. Check out ... my blog to get more information about natural treatments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marshall_Crum

Could Lip Gloss Increase Your Skin Cancer Risk?

2009-05-31T06:21:00.001-07:00

The alarming answer to the question of whether lip gloss could increase your chances of developing cancer seems to be "yes." This is important news for gloss addicts everywhere, especially in light of the public's increased awareness of skin cancer and the necessary precautions that must be taken in order to avoid it. Basically, if you're not wearing a balm with sun protection underneath your lip gloss, you're not just being negligent - you could actually be attracting harmful ultraviolet rays to your lips.

According to dermatologist Dr. Christine Brown, cited in the Washington Post, "What most people don't realize is they're actually increasing light penetration through the lip surface by applying something clear and shiny to them." Whether or not densely pigmented glosses in darker shades are safer than clear or sheer glosses is debatable, but when it comes to your health, it's best not to take any chances; stay safe and wear an SPF on your lips! Dr. Brown recommends a lip protectant with an SPF of 30 or higher if you're planning to be exposed to the sun for more than 20 minutes. Be aware that many popular balms and glosses that contain sun protection have SPF's of 20 or lower - a good start, perhaps, but not enough to provide the necessary protection. It can be a bit challenging to find lip care with an SPF of 30 or above, but there are options available if you look carefully, ranging from high-end department store products to far less expensive balms available at any drugstore.

Remember, the key to sun safety is to wear lip protection with an SPF of at least 30 on your lips at all times when you leave the house. With any luck, savvy companies will start developing pretty glosses with higher levels of sun protection, but until then, take care to slap on a coat of balm underneath your lip color and reapply frequently throughout the day.

You should also adopt the habit of regularly checking your lips for possible cancer warning signs, just as you monitor your moles and the rest of your skin. Warning signs of lip cancer may include changes to the color of your lips, persistent peeling or flaking of a particular spot on your lip, a sore on the lip that refuses to heal, and any sort of unexplained bleeding, pain or numbness on your lips or mouth. Protect yourself and pay attention to your body! It could save your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_P

Sun Protection for Children

2009-05-31T06:20:00.003-07:00

Playing in the sun is a fun outdoor activity for children. But, the sun can be dangerous. Recent medical research shows it is important to protect children from overexposure to the sun. Skin
damage is cumulative - adds up over a lifetime - and starts with that first sun exposure.It is estimated that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. Sun protection with regular use of sunblock with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or higher during the first 18 years of life can lower the risk of certain skin cancers by 78%.
The two types of ultraviolet sunlight that can damage the skin are Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B rays. UVA rays are the slow-tanning rays that penetrate deep into the skin and age the skin prematurely. UVB rays cause burning of the skin and are considered the major cause of skin cancer. Young children are dependent on adults to take the appropriate precautions in providing sun protection. As a parent of a young child, there are several precautions you can take to help protect children from future health problems related to the sun.
Follow these simple guidelines to help minimize the risks of excessive sun exposure.

• Keep children out of the midday sun from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (daylight savings time 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.).

This is the time when the sun's rays are the strongest. If outside activities are held between these times, play in a shaded area. Sit or play in the shade, especially when your shadow is shorter than you are tall.

• Use a sunscreen.

Before your child goes outside, apply a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher. The protective ability of sunscreen is rated by SPF - the higher the SPF, the stronger the protection. SPF numbers indicate the length of time one can spend in the sun without risk of burning. When using an SPF 15 sunscreen, a fair-skinned person who normally sunburns in 20 minutes of midday sun exposure may tolerate 15 times 20 minutes (300 minutes) without burning. Apply as much sunscreen as you would a lotion for dry skin. Spread it evenly over all uncovered skin, including ears and lips, but avoiding eyelids. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or excessive sweating. Teach children to use a sunscreen regularly, like they use a toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Wear a hat. Help your child find a hat with a wide-brim that protects the eyes, ears, face and back of the neck. Have your child shop with you to find a hat the child will enjoy wearing.

• Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays greatly reduce sun exposure, protecting the eyes and eyelids.

• Wear protective clothing. Loose-fitting clothes that are tightly woven are a good choice.
• Be aware of ground surfaces. Ground surfaces such as sand, cement and white painted surfaces reflect the sun's rays. In the water, ultraviolet light penetrates three feet deep. Summertime is not the only time of the year children need to be protected from the sun. Snow reflects from 80 to 90 percent of the sun's rays. The sun's damaging effects are increased by reflection from water, white sand, and snow.

• Practice the "shadow rule." Look for shade when your shadow is shorter then you are tall.
Teach children the ABC's for Fun in the Sun.

Avoid sunburn. It may take only 15 minutes of midday summer sun to burn a fair-skinned person. These include children who are fair-skinned, with light, red, or light-brown hair; blue, green or gray eyes. Since parents and child-care workers become role models to children, they need to set an example and follow the sun protection guidelines.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Rich

Prevention Of Skin Cancer - Start Today

2009-05-31T06:20:00.001-07:00

Skin cancer is more prevalent today than ever before. Whether this is because we are simply more aware of the disease or that our changes in lifestyle are the cause of this increase are not completely clear. However, it is clear that many people still ignore advice on how to prevent skin cancer. This article will cover the primary reasons why people develop the disease and prevention of skin cancer tips.

People develop cancer through a combination of their genetic makeup and exposure to some environmental condition. They may be genetically predisposed to not react to mutating cells by destroying them. They may have a profile that makes them more susceptible to the environmental conditions.

In the case of skin cancer, the environmental condition that is thought to cause the disease is ultraviolet radiation. In most cases this ultraviolet radiation comes from the Sun. So it is very hard to avoid being exposed to this radiation. All you can really do is limit your exposure it.

So prevention of skin cancer can work on two levels. Find out if you are genetically predisposed to be more susceptible to ultraviolet radiation skin damage. Limit your exposure to the main cause of ultraviolet radiation.

If you have a family history of skin cancer then this means you are more susceptible. If you have fair skin and burn rather than tan in the sun then you are more susceptible to developing skin cancer. The same applies if you have fair hair and light colored eyes. All these signs indicate that you have less melanin in the body than a person with darker tones. Melanin makes the skin tan in sunlight and to a limited extent prevents the skin from burning.

If you fit into any of these categories then you should be more cautious about your exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This could be direct sunlight or using devices like sun beds. Indeed, if you have a family history of skin cancer then you shouldn't use sun beds and take extra precautions when in the sun. If you burn easily in the sun, make sure it doesn't happen. Protect your skin.

You should still take precautions when in the sun, even if you don't think you are predisposed to developing skin cancer. The best way to prevent skin cancer is to cover up when in the sun. Wear a hat, wear a long sleeved shirt, wear sunglasses and cover the exposed parts of your body with a good sunscreen. The sunscreen should be a 30+ sun protection factor. You should apply it before you are exposed to sunlight rather than when you are in the sun.

Above all, keep this advice in mind. Many problems occur because people think it won't happen to them. This is especially the case when you are younger and the temptation to spend time in the sun is greater, but the affects of ultraviolet radiation build up over time. In later years you may develop skin cancer because you didn't apply sunscreen when you were younger.

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Genetic Link to Melanoma

2009-05-24T04:04:00.001-07:00

Cancer is a horrible disease. Not only the people who suffer from this fatal illness are in a painful position, but also the families and friends of such people who see their loved ones losing heart and life while they are fighting against cancer. Cancer is a dangerous disease. At present there are few techniques which are used by the doctors and scientists to make it possible for the cancer patients to recover from this deadly disease. There are more than one reasons of triggering cancer growth in human body and one of the reasons as far as the scientific development tells us today, is genetic. If a person happens to inherit some kind of weakness from his or her parents which make him or her more vulnerable towards melanoma, we can very easily trace back the genetic link to melanoma.

There are certain types of skin and other cancers which are not very dangerous. By this statement we mean that these types are not fatal. If such a cancer is treated in the right way on the right time, it is very much probable that a person can recover from the disease. But there are other kinds of cancers which are fatal. The melanoma cancer is the type which is not very easily curable. If it is noticed in the earlier stages, it may be get rid of by the doctors help. But in case the disease gets time to flourish inside the body of the victim, it becomes difficult for the doctors even to help the patient. Some of the kinds are really painful and this is the worst part. The new scientific findings tell us that it is possible now to trace the genetic link to Melanoma in case a person is suffering from it. May be all the genes are not responsible for falling ill from cancer, but there are few gens which are weak, and can lead to melanoma.

Along with the genetic link to melanoma, there are other reasons of this cancer as well. One of the other reasons is the exposure to sunlight. Skin cancers are at a higher rate in the regions where sunlight is more and where people enjoy a lot of sun. The regions where lying bare to take a sun bath is enjoyed more, the chances of getting skin cancer are higher. So it is obvious that alongside tracing back the genetic link to melanoma, we also need to consider other factors which lead to cancer. Be careful about such factors. It is a very painful disease. Try to keep yourself safe from it.

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Monitoring Skin Melanoma

2009-05-24T04:03:00.001-07:00

Melanoma is a skin disease condition in which malignant tumor is formed that is originated from melanocytes and they bring melanin. Melanomas are black or brown in color and in some cases they stop producing pigments and so the color changes to pink, skin colored, and sometimes even red.

Melanomas are form of cancerous tumor and they can be in situ or invasive. In situ means localized and invasive are the one that spread everywhere. Therefore, the invasive forms are much more difficult to treat. Melanomas are of four types namely nodular melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma, lentigo maligna, and superficial spreading melanoma. Along them the last three are the melanomas that occur mainly on the superficial layer of the skin. They remain on the top layer for much of the time before becoming invasive. The most aggressive form of melanoma is the nodular type. It is invasive from the beginning. It is mostly found in arms, trunk, legs, and scalp region.

Monitoring of the melanoma is to be done at regular intervals. One should go for regular follow-up checkups. Firstly the entire skin surface should be examined properly including hands, feet, genitalia, nailbeds, and the web spaces. While monitoring the extremities of the women should be checked properly and the trunk of the men as melanoma is likely to occur in those regions. Monitoring is done by ABCDE method for spotting the tumor where A stands for asymmetry, B for border, C for color, D for diameter, and E for enlargement. It has been widely used method but research has shown that it is not a reliable method. One of the methods is visual inspection. More advanced techniques have come into existence like the total body photography by using digital camera and even digital video recording. In this method the whole body is recorded or photographed and the tumors are compared with the previous photographs available to them.

The other two widely used methods are skin surface microscopy and machine vision. Skin surface microscopy is done through high powered magnification lens and the machine vision technology scans the person's body and gives the score for each nevus. Based on the scores, characteristic of melanoma can be found out. The other technique is TA-90, tumor marker method, in which blood test is studied.

Chest x-ray done yearly also proves to be helpful in detecting the recurrence of the disease. Regular visit to the dermatologist is also recommended. Comprehensive skin examinations and regular follow up plays the most essential part in controlling the melanoma.

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Cause of Malignant Melanoma

2009-05-24T03:59:00.000-07:00

It is true that people becoming aware about the skin cancer. It is a known fact that skin cancer is a dangerous disease. You will come across lot of organization that is organizing awareness programs for skin cancer. On the other hand, television and radio are other sources that are have increased the awareness of skin cancer. It is true that skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that is faced by lot of people. These days, people in United States are facing lot of problems due to skin cancer.

You will be happy to know that some forms of skin cancer are not dangerous for life. At the same time, these forms can be treated as well. You should know that majority of skin cancer patients will have some identification on the skin. This means, it is easy to determine skin cancer. At the same time, it will help you to know that cancer is on early stage and it can be cured easily.

You should know that some forms of skin cancer will be dangerous for life, if you are not able to determine the disease on early stages of life. This form is known as malignant melanoma.

It is true that cancer is caused because of inherited composition of a person. It can also depend upon the exposure of human body towards the environment. If we discuss about the causes of malignant melanoma then we should know that exposure of the sun is high then a patient might have problems of malignant melanoma. Specifically, when the exposure of human body against the ultraviolet rays of sun.

You should know that a beginner of malignant melanoma will have a mark on the skin. The mark will be of brown color. Hence, if you come across a brown color spot on your skin then it is better to consult your family physician. You should know that the mark will become larger, as the disease increases. It is better to consult your physician, before it increases.

If you want to prevent malignant melanoma then you should control your body exposure to the light of sun. You should think about the exposure to ultra violet rays of the sun. Make sure you take some steps for prevention. You should wear cap or hat, while you are in contact with the sunlight. Make sure you use sunglasses and sunscreen.

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The Role of the Skin Cancer Symptom Photo in Skin Cancer Detection

2009-05-09T22:47:00.001-07:00

Skin cancer can be cured, in many cases without the use of aggressive treatments which cause problematic side effects, if it is discovered in its early stages. This can be achieved if the cancer patient has taken an active role in discovering this sin disease early on, but it takes more than looking at a skin cancer symptom photo. Changes in behavior need to be promoted not only to prevent cancer of the skin but to detect it in its earliest stages, including performing skin self-examinations and getting checkups on a regular basis.

A person may benefit from seeing images of skin cancer in the sense that people often wait too long to see a doctor when they happen upon a skin irregularity without knowing that it may be a skin disease problem. Many types of skin cancer, however, closely resemble other types of skin problems, so a person may simply assume that they have cancer before visiting a doctor, and needlessly panic. Skin cancer images may give people an idea of what early warning signs to look for, but it is more important that they regularly receive medical examinations especially when they have any unanswered medical questions. People need to be able to visit a doctor regularly, and if they have this routine they can ask about any skin irregularities during their routine checkups.

While people generally receive the message that avoiding the sun and using sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer, and that tanning beds should not be used because of recent studies showing that they severely increase the risk of contracting melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, the message of early detection is generally lost. Whereas everybody knows what a breast examination is, they do not know that people need to perform regular examinations of their own skin. The first signs of cancer on the skin are visible on the skin, making skin examinations an extremely effective way to detect skin cancer when it can still be removed through a simple surgery, avoiding the need for aggressive treatment.

People can get a general idea of what cancer symptoms look like by looking at a skin cancer symptom photo, but some additional information is equally important. People should know about both melanoma and nonmelanoma cancer and their symptoms, and they should know about moles, or nevi. Irregular moles, known as dysplastic nevi, need to be watched for any changes, and a doctor should be consulted if any changes occur.

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Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer, Squamous Cell and Basal Cell Carcinoma

2009-05-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

Skin cancer is generally separated into two main categories, melanoma and nonmelanoma. Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer. The nonmelanoma group encompasses all other skin cancers. The two most common forms of nonmelanoma skin cancer, squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, are named for the squamous or basal cells which become cancerous.

The top layer of skin, the epidermis, is made up of basal and squamous cells. The surface of the skin is made of round, flat squamous cells, and below these are the basal cells. Hair follicles and sweat glands are in the dermis below the epidermis.

Treatment of basal or squamous cell carcinoma is usually very successful with no side effects if caught early enough. Since symptoms first appear on the skin, detection of skin cancer in its earliest stage of development is possible if you recognize it. These common cancers can be surgically removed if they have not advanced, making aggressive therapy unnecessary. The danger is in not recognizing the symptoms and not going to a doctor, or in contracting skin cancer in a place you wouldn't normally see it and failing to find it before it metastasizes. To avoid this, you should do regular skin self-examinations, checking for any possible skin cancer symptoms. If you find a small lump, rash, or sore which does not heal, you should ask your doctor if it may be skin cancer.

Melanoma is named for the melanocyte cells which give pigment to the skin and can become cancerous. These cells are located between the dermis and epidermis, and can form benign growths known as nevi, or moles. This occurs when the melanocyte cells reproduce too fast or fail to die, and accumulate into harmless growths which do not spread like cancer does. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles throughout their skin, but having a significantly higher number of nevi is a risk factor for melanoma, as is having dysplastic, or irregularly shaped, nevi. If new moles form, or if changes occur in existing moles, especially dysplastic nevi, you should see a doctor because this may be a symptom of melanoma. Watch for any changes in the skin surrounding a mole, or in the size, shape, or color of the mole.

Generally, if you have a skin anomaly which may be skin cancer, your doctor will perform a biopsy. If the possible tumor can be conveniently removed, the doctor will remove it completely and test it for cancer. No further treatment may be necessary; if the cancer has progressed, you may need topical radiation or chemotherapy, the surgical removal of local lymph nodes, or more aggressive treatment if the cancer has metastasized. If it is not treated, wandering cancerous skin cells can travel through the body and create additional tumors in other organs or systems.

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What You Can Do To Reduce The Risk Of Melanoma

2009-05-09T22:43:00.000-07:00

Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers, perhaps more so for people of darker skinned races simply because the disease is harder to detect. The disease starts from mutated cells in your skin, generally collectively within a large mole. The disease can be very frightening for anyone who is infected, however with certain preventative measures you should never have to worry about developing the disease yourself.

There are three basic things to remember so that you do not put yourself at risk for melanoma: keep yourself out of the sun, examine your skin closely every month for outbreaks, and go in for a specialist check up every year. Essentially, if you do all these things you should be safe when it comes to skin cancer. It is important, however, that you do perform regular skin checks to be certain that all is well with the health of your skin.

Staying out of the sun is the most important thing you can do when trying to keep yourself safe from skin cancer and melanoma. UV rays from the sun damage your skin cells and can seriously increase your risk of developing cancer later in life. In fact, if you have had more than five sunburns in your life so far, your chances of developing skin cancer are doubled. It is greatly important that you not take the risk involved with suntanning! Sun beds are no better for you, either, so do not be fooled into thinking that you can achieve a nice suntan that way and still keep safe from the risks of cancer.

If you are really concerned about getting that bronze tan, perhaps you should strongly consider bronzing lotions or spray on fake tans. These may not sound particularly romantic, but they are necessary if you want to preserve the health of your skin and prolong your life, you need to stop sunbathing! Unfortunately, there is a strong part of our culture (and an ever growing one, at that) that states we all need a tan to look healthy. Where this came from is debatable, but the fact remains that this look, fashionable or not, can come at a very high price. If you do not want to risk contracting melanoma or another form of skin cancer, then by no means succumb to the pressure of the tan and cover your skin up! Long-sleeved clothing and sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher is the best defence if you do need to be outside.

Simply put, you do not want to contract melanoma. The disease has a decent survival rate, but that is not the point. Once you have developed melanoma once, the chances of the disease recurring are greatly increased. It is certainly best to steer well clear of the disease to begin with, and doing so is relatively simple. Even if you do stay out of the sun for the most part, it is important that you also give yourself a full monthly skin check to make sure that everything is all right. Ask your doctor or dermatologist how to properly check your skin for the early signs of melanoma so that you know what to look for. Keep in mind that if you have a lot of moles, fair skin and fair hair, that you are statistically more likely to develop the disease.

Use your own common sense, and remember how dangerous fashion can be. With all the tanning alternatives available now, there is no good reason to be out in the sun without some serious protection. Be vigilant, and be safe!

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What You Can Do To Reduce The Risk Of Melanoma

2009-04-14T23:47:00.001-07:00

Using Skin Cancer Pictures To Evaluate Skin Anomalies

2009-04-14T23:46:00.002-07:00

If you find anything on your skin that looks like it shouldn't be there and which you can't identify, skin cancer pictures can help give you an idea of what you're looking at but they cannot replace a medical consultation. Any anomaly you find on your skin that you can't identify should be seen by a doctor. If you do some basic research on skin cancer, you'll know what questions to ask.

When you have an understanding of the symptoms, you need to perform regular skin self-examinations to detect any possible skin tumors early on. This is similar to a breast examination. You should check all over your skin, including on your scalp and between your toes, using a wall mirror and handheld mirror.

Look carefully for irregularities during your skin self-examination and keep an eye on any you find. Early detection of skin cancer is possible because the first symptoms appear on the skin, but a skin tumor may look like a rash, mole, or sore. If you fail to have skin cancer treated early, it can metastasize, spreading to other parts of the body and creating additional tumors, possibly threatening your life. Any possible symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible; you cannot diagnose skin cancer yourself.

Melanocytes are the cells which pigment the skin, located between the dermis and the epidermis. These cells can mutate to form benign growths known as nevi or moles, or can become melanoma, a form of cancer. Moles are extremely common; the average person has between 10 and 40 moles. Having an especially large number of moles or having dysplastic nevi, or irregularly shaped moles, is a risk factor for melanoma. A doctor can help you determine your level of risk for melanoma and what you can do to detect it early. You need to watch for any changes in number or shape of your moles, and keep a close eye on dysplastic nevi. A change in size, shape, color, or the health of the surrounding skin may indicate melanoma and any such changes should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

The surface of the skin, or epidermis, is made of a layer of basal cells covered by a layer of squamous cells. These cells may become cancerous, forming squamous or basal cell carcinoma, the two most common types of nonmelanoma skin cancer. A nonmelanoma tumor may have a less striking appearance, looking like a small lump, rash, or sore which doesn't heal. Any skin problem which doesn't heal should be evaluated by a doctor.

The best way to catch skin cancer early is to regularly examine your skin and ask a doctor about anything you can't identify, but skin cancer pictures can be used to help you determine which skin irregularities require immediate medical attention.

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Skin Cancer Photos Serve As An Early Detection Tool

2009-04-14T23:46:00.001-07:00

Detecting skin cancer in its earliest stages not only significantly increases the patient's chance of making a full recovery, it can also save the patient from having to go through aggressive treatments which can have severe side effects. The key to early detection is in finding skin irregularities and recognizing them as possible skin tumors, and promptly having them examined by a doctor. Some background information along with skin cancer photos can help you recognize what symptoms to look for.

Skin cancer is much more likely to be detected within its earliest stages of development if the patient has taken an active part in the process. You need to perform regular skin self-examinations, searching every part of your body for any irregularities with a basic idea of what you need to be looking for. If you find any suspicious growths, you can visit a doctor for professional evaluation.

The symptoms you need to look for vary in cases of melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer. You need to be especially attentive to the possibility of developing melanoma if you have certain risk factors, such as a higher than average number of nevi, or moles, or a high number of dysplastic nevi.

Dysplastic nevi are moles with an unusual appearance. They may be asymmetrical or particularly large. If you have any of these risk factors, you may want to ask a doctor for help in watching for an increase in the number of moles you have or any changes in their condition. After an initial evaluation, you may want to check regularly with a doctor. Even if you don't have an unusually high number of moles or dysplastic nevi, you should still watch for new moles or changes in existing moles when you do your skin examination.

New dysplastic nevi should be seen by a doctor. If an existing mole changes in size, shape, or color, or if irritation or any color change occurs in the bordering skin, you should consult a doctor.

Moles are usually benign growths and most people have between 10 and 40 of them. They are formed of the same melanocyte cells which can turn into skin cancer, so moles do need to be watched carefully for any changes.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer generally affects the basal or squamous cells which make up the epidermis. These types of skin cancer can be less striking in appearance than melanoma, and are less severe, but early detection is still extremely important. While nonmelanoma skin cancer is most common on the face and other parts of the body which are exposed to sunlight, the entire body should be checked for symptoms.

Symptoms may appear as small lumps, which may be red or flesh-toned, or as sores or rashes which do not heal on their own. Any sores or rashes found during a skin examination should be watched carefully to see if they're healing, and if they aren't, this means a doctor should be consulted.

Skin cancer photos can be a useful aid in helping you determine what skin irregularities warrant a visit to a doctor, but should not be used as an exclusive guide for self-diagnosis. Do regular self-examinations, use the information provided in addition to photos, and see a doctor for any irregularity that you can't identify, because even if it isn't skin cancer, it may require medical attention.

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Using Skin Cancer Images As A Baseline For Skin Examination

2009-04-14T23:45:00.000-07:00

If you know what early warning signs to look for, skin cancer can be detected at an early stage and cured without the use of aggressive treatments which cause severe side effects. Unlike other cancers, skin cancer's earliest warning signs are openly visible on the skin. The advantage of early detection is lost if you don't know what to look for and if you fail to do regular skin examinations or consult a doctor if you find any irregularities. Skin cancer images can be used as a guide when doing a skin self-examination, showing you what kind of irregularities require medical attention.

Early detection of skin cancer is extremely important. When detected early, skin cancer can usually be removed through a simple outpatient surgery; this can even be true for the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma. If the disease is allowed to advance and the tumor is allowed to grow to the point that it may begin to metastasize, local lymph nodes may need to be removed and tested for cancerous cells. If cancerous cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes, radiation or chemotherapy may be necessary to destroy any remaining cancer cells throughout the body.

If skin cancer has further progressed before treatment, other tumors may begin to grow in other parts of the body. These tumors, though they may be in other organs or systems, are made up of the same cancerous skin cells. If one or more tumors appear in other parts of the body, further surgeries and more aggressive treatments may be necessary, and the point may be reached where curing the cancer is impossible and only the symptoms are treated.

Early detection being so important and skin cancer being such a common disease, people need to learn not just prevention methods but also methods of early detection. Just as women need to do regular breast self-examinations, everyone needs to do periodic skin self-examinations, checking thoroughly all parts of their skin for any irregularities that may be a sign of skin cancer. Exemplary images of skin cancer symptoms can help people recognize skin irregularities which require medical examination to find out whether they are cancerous.

Warning signs for melanoma include any changes in moles or nevi, especially dysplastic nevi, or moles which are irregularly shaped or colored. Nonmelanoma skin cancer can be more difficult to detect for people who don't know what to look for, as it can present itself as small, relatively harmless-looking lumps, or as sores or rashes that don't seem to heal properly. If a person sees an image of this type of skin cancer, they will know to see a doctor rather than waiting it out and seeing if it heals on its own.

As long as they are accompanied by some background information, skin cancer images can be an important tool for people who wish to detect skin cancer in its early stages.

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Prevention, Detection and Treatment of Individual Types of Skin Cancer

2009-04-04T02:51:00.004-07:00

Types of skin cancer are named for the specific types of skin cells which mutate, due to UV exposure or natural decay, and begin to reproduce improperly and form cancerous tumors.

Different types of skin cells make up different layers of the skin. The most common cancers are formed in squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes, forming squamous or basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Squamous cells are the top layer of the epidermis, the round, flat cells which make up the surface of the skin. Underneath are basal cells which make up the rest of the epidermis, and between the dermis and epidermis are melanocytes, which are the cells which pigment the skin.

For purposes of treatment, skin cancer is separated into two main groups. These are melanoma and nonmelanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and the most common forms of nonmelanoma skin cancers are squamous and basal cell carcinoma. There are other, rarer forms of skin cancer as well, which fall under the nonmelanoma category.

For the most part, methods of prevention are the same for both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Overexposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor, and the sun should be avoided during its midday peak. Protective clothing, or failing that, sunscreen should be worn when out in the sun even under light cloud cover. Getting even one blistering sunburn is a risk factor for skin cancer. Tanning beds are a risk factor specifically for melanoma, even with minimal usage, so you should strictly abstain from their use. If you insist on getting a light tan, doing so under the sun is healthier because melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer can be slightly more difficult to detect, because it may present itself as a rash, wound, or lump that doesn't properly heal. These irregularities should be looked at by a doctor when detected, and you should regularly check your skin, including your scalp and hard to reach places, as skin cancer is usually painless. Most of the time, it appears on the face or in body parts exposed to sunlight.

Melanoma often appears as a mole-like growth, and existing moles can turn into melanoma. Moles, or nevi, are common benign growths which stem from melanocytes. If you have an unusually high number of nevi or multiple dysplastic nevi, or irregularly-shaped moles, you should take special care to check them for changes. A change in the size, color, shape, or surrounding skin of a mole can signify melanoma.

Both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer should be treated as soon as possible to avoid metastasis. Even in earlier stages of development, especially with melanoma, your doctor may need to remove nearby lymph nodes, as skin cancer tends to spread through the lymphatic system. In early stages, surgery can eliminate a skin tumor, although with melanoma sometimes enough surrounding tissue must be taken that a skin graft is necessary. If additional tumors form in other parts of the body due to metastasis, chemotherapy and additional surgeries may be necessary. This is a particularly serious situation if melanoma spreads.

Different types of skin cancer have a different appearance and slightly different treatments, but early detection is the key to effectively curing any skin cancer.

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Skin Cancer Warning Signs - Prevention and Detection

2009-04-04T02:51:00.003-07:00

Any kind of cancer is frightening and potentially deadly, but skin cancer is not only preventable, but also detectable and easily treated in its early stages. If skin cancer is detected in its earliest stages, you may be able to remove it completely through outpatient surgery without having to undergo any further radiation or chemotherapy. If you adopt behavior which reduces risk factors for skin cancer, and learn to detect skin cancer warning signs, skin cancer will not cause you unnecessary suffering.

Risk factor is a term used for factors associated with higher instances of contracting a disease. The exact cause-effect relationship is not scientifically proven, although reasons are often hypothesized and widely assumed to be true, but the statistical relationship between risk factors and contracting a specific disease is proven.

It may already be too late for you to avoid one of the risk factors for skin cancer, which is having had a blistering sunburn at any point in your life. This is specifically a sunburn severe enough to cause blisters in the skin due to overexposure to UV radiation. Avoid severe sunburns in the future whether you have ever suffered one or not, and avoid exposing yourself to too much sun in general. If you have children, you can greatly reduce their risk of skin cancer in the future making sure they do not suffer a severe sunburn during their childhood.

The midday sun should be avoided if possible, and strong sunscreen or protective clothing significantly reduce skin cancer risk. The most common place for skin cancer to present itself is on the face, although it can be anywhere on your skin and in the case of melanoma, in the eye. Brimmed hats or sunscreen and UV blocking shades are recommended.

If your doctor detects skin cancer in its earliest stages, the treatment will be the relatively painless surgical removal of the tumor and any surrounding tissue which may contain cancerous cells, and this may be the only treatment you need to get rid of the tumor and prevent it from growing back. As the disease progresses, the treatment gets more severe, including surgical removal of lymph nodes, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and the side effects that come along with these treatments. If a tumor is allowed to metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body, skin cancer may become deadly.

You can make sure skin cancer is detected early by doing periodical examinations of your skin to look for any changes. Moles are normal, but if you have irregularly shaped moles (dysplastic nevi), you may want a doctor's help to watch for any changes in these moles and assure that they do not turn into melanoma. If moles grow in size, change shape or color, or the surrounding tissue becomes irritated, you should see a doctor. Also check for lumps, which may be your skin tone or red, and any odd sores or rashes that do not heal. If you see any of these, they should be reviewed by a doctor.

You can lower the risk of suffering from skin cancer through prevention and by checking for skin cancer warning signs.

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Treatment Should Begin At The First Signs Of Skin Cancer

2009-04-04T02:51:00.001-07:00

If skin cancer is detected early, it can sometimes be removed through simple outpatient surgery. This common disease can be detected in its early stages because it appears on the patient's skin, and if early warnings are taken advantage of, difficult treatments with severe side effects may not be necessary. Familiarize yourself with the first signs of skin cancer, and check your skin for irregularities that may require you to see a doctor.

The consequences of skin cancer are much more severe if it is not detected in its early stages. It can spread through the lymphatic system, forcing patients to have nearby lymph nodes surgically removed. This can cause slight dysfunction in the lymphatic system and impair mobility or cause general discomfort. A tumor in advanced stages of development may metastasize, and removing local lymph nodes can prevent further spreading. When a tumor metastasizes, other tumors can grow in other organs in the body, but they will be made up of the same squamous, basal, or melanocyte cells as the original skin cancer which has spread. This condition will require additional forms of therapy, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or additional surgeries to remove new tumors.

If detected early, skin cancer can be surgically removed, and if it hasn't spread to other parts of the body, removal and possibly topical radiation or chemotherapy will get rid of the tumor and prevent regrowth.

Just like a breast examination, it is recommended that you regularly perform a skin self-examination. Look over your skin, including the your scalp and between your toes, and check for anything unusual that may require a doctor's review.

You should examine and keep track of your moles, also known as nevi. These are benign melanocyte growths, stemming from the cells which pigment your skin. Moles are very common growths, and most people have between 10 and 40 moles on their skin. If you have a significantly higher number of nevi, this is considered a melanoma risk factor and you should be especially vigilant, making regular skin examinations and checking for new moles or changes in existing moles. If you have dysplastic nevi, which are moles which have an odd or asymmetrical shape, you should pay special attention to any changes they may undergo. If the shape or color of a dysplastic nevus changes or if the skin around it becomes red or irritated, you should consult a doctor.

Rashes and wounds that do not heal may be signs of squamous or basal cell cancer, as may be red or waxy lumps.

If you recognize the first signs of skin cancer and have a doctor review any suspicious irregularities, you can effectively stop skin cancer in its early stages and fully recover.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Hefner

Treatment Options For Skin Cancer

2009-03-28T00:01:00.002-07:00

Most people are unable to treat skin cancer on time because they do not come to know that they have skin cancer. Certain outgrowths, moles and discoloration on the skin are taken as normal skin problems. When someone is confirmed about his or her illness related to skin cancer, the panic starts.

However, there is absolutely no need to panic about skin cancer as there are a lot of treatments available.

First and foremost, you need to speak to your skin doctor to determine the actual problem you are suffering from. Your physicians would like to take details regarding a lot of events related to you such as your age, medical history, extent of the disease, tolerance for a certain medication, therapy or procedure and your overall opinion for the problem that exists.

- There are many treatment options available for skin cancer. Here is a list of some great treatment options which will be considered:

a) Surgery

b) Radiation therapy

c) Electrochemo therapy

d) Immunotherapy

e) Hyperthermia

f) Photodynamic therapy

g) Nutritional therapy

h) Pain management

i) Naturopathy

j) Psycho-neuroimmunology

k) Spiritual support therapy

l) Biological therapy

Let us discuss the therapies mentioned above in detail:

a) Surgery

Surgery is the oldest existing form of treatment for skin cancer. The treatment eliminates the tumor as well as certain adjacent healthy tissues. This stops the cancer from spreading further. Some doctors also use skin peel such as the TCA skin peel that has been quite effective in treating skin cancer.

There are different types of surgeries used to treat skin cancer such as cryosurgery, electro-desiccation and curettage, grafting, laser therapy, Mohs micrographic surgery, simple excision. Cryosurgery is used to freeze the tumor. This helps in exterminating cancer cells. Electro-desiccation and curettage burns the lesion and eliminates it with a sharp instrument. Grafting is another type of surgery where a skin graft is used to replace damaged skin while removing the cancer.

The Mohs micrographic surgery is helpful in removing the cancer. A microscope is used to inspect the cancerous area in order to ensure that none of the cancer cells are present. The process of simple excision cutting the cancer from the skin and some of the healthy tissue round it.

b) Radiation therapy

This is a therapy that emits X-rays in order to exterminate cancer cells and also to shrink tumors. The therapy is conducted with the help of a radiation machine. It can be applied to any part of the body successfully to get good results.

c) Electro-chemotherapy

This therapy uses a combination of chemotherapy as well as electrical pulses in order to treat cancer.

d) Chemotherapy

This therapy for skin cancer treats by providing several cancer fighting drugs in the body. These drugs tend to exterminate cancer cells via hampering their development and regeneration.

e) Immunotherapy

It treats skin cancer via enhancing the immune system of the body with certain doses of tumor vaccines, interferon-Alfa and interleukins-2.

f) Photo-dynamic therapy

It is a new cancer therapy. An injection of photofrin is given to the patient once the cancer cell is subject to a laser beam.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bertil_Hjert

Tips For Preventing Skin Cancer

2009-03-28T00:01:00.001-07:00

Skin cancer is a dangerous disease. It is important to get it checked as soon as you discover some of the symptoms that indicate skin cancer. However, as the experts have always said, 'prevention is better than cure.' You should focus on prevention skin cancer from attacking your skin. There are several ways to prevent skin cancer.

First and foremost, you should take special care to limit your exposure to Ultra Violet rays of the sun. Exposure of skin to these rays increases the risk of developing skin cancer. You must avoid going out in the sun between 11: 00 a.m. and 4: 00 p.m. If you have to go out in the sun, make sure that you take necessary precaution to protect yourself from the harmful ultra-violet rays of sun.

Apply a good sunscreen with high SPF or sun protection factor. Try to apply sun screen generously before going out in the sun. Don't forget to reapply the sunscreen after every half an hour.

A lot of studies in this regard have proved that applying a good sunscreen can prevent skin cancer. Try to dress in dark colors. Also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and surrounding tissues from absorbing the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun.

Most people are under a notion that a tanning bed can be safe option. This is a wrong notion. A tanning bed can prove to be more dangerous than exposing your skin to sun's rays. The best method is to use a sunless tanning lotion. You can purchase it from any of the local department store. It is available in different varieties for different skin types. However, remember that a sunless tan lotion will not provide you SPF protection. You need to see the label in order to make sure that a sunless tan lotion is providing an SPF.

When it comes to skin cancer, anyone can develop skin cancer. It does not attack any particular age, race or skin type. The disease also does not spread according to a particular geographical location. However, certain skin types are more vulnerable to skin cancer as compared to others. People with fair skin, light hair and light eye color or a large number of moles or freckles are more vulnerable to skin cancer.

If some one in your family suffers from skin cancer. It is more likely that you may develop this disease.

Here are some tips to prevent skin cancer:

• Tip 1

You should know about the genetic factor such as fair skin, light-colored eyes, a lot of moles or freckles or even a tendency to develop sun burn easily.

• Tip 2

Do not spend a lot of time outdoors. If you had a serious sun burn at a certain point in your life, went to a tanning salon or used a tanning bed, you may develop skin cancer. Visit a skin specialist as a precautionary step.

• Tip 3

Always use sunscreen and lip balm when going outside. Make sure that you wear protective clothing and good quality sunglasses.

• Tip 4

Have a diet rich in antioxidants as it will support your immune system.

• Tip 5

Avoid sun tanning, tanning beds or tanning salons.

• Tip 6

Keep checking your body regularly for any moles lesions or skin irregulation.

Limit exposure to reflective surfaces such as snow, water, concrete and sand. Remember that water activities can increases exposure to reflective UV rays.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bertil_Hjert

Foods That Help During Skin Cancer Treatment

2009-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

When undergoing skin cancer treatment, it is important to take special care of diet you take. However, in most cases, it becomes very difficult to focus on eating the right type of foods when undergoing cancer treatments. It becomes more difficult when you undergo radiation treatment or chemotherapy.

This therapy may dramatically affect your appetite. You need for counseling so that you can get proper nutritional supplements to make you feel stronger and feel faster during the treatment of skin cancer.

Here are certain foods and supplements to help you eat properly during skin cancer treatment:

a) Vitamin C

You should focus on eating foods rich in Vitamin C. Eat a lot of broccoli, spinach as well as citrus fruits. You should also consult your doctor about the fact whether taking a good amount of vitamin C will help. Experts believe that vitamin C speeds up the healing
process soon after biopsy or an excision.

b) Vitamin A and D supplements

Eating foods rich in vitamin A and D will help a lot in your skin cancer treatment. Since people undergoing skin cancer are forbidden to go under direct sunlight, supplements for vitamin D become an important addition to the diet.

c) Fruits and Vegetables
You should eat a lot of fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Also drink a lot of water. Any amount of dehydration in the body can prove harmful, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. This can eventually result in serious side effects such as dry itchy skin, acne, rashes and peeling.

d) Raw food

Experts feel that eating raw food helps in treating a lot of disease. It also helps in enhancing the effects of skin cancer treatment. Raw foods are expert in killing cancer cells. When food is cooked, about 100% of all enzymes in a food are killed. This is because most foods contain necessary enzymes required to digest the food. Cooking food burdens body and disrupts many items reaching the body. Cooking food actually damage, the overall value of the food in several ways. Hence, it is important to eat vegetables in raw forms.

e) Juice Vegetables and Fruits

There are several benefits of juicing vegetables and fruits. First and foremost, juicing allows the nutrients more digestible and removes obstructing fibers. Another main advantage is that when you juice fruits and vegetables, you tend to have a lot more vegetables and fruits than normally. Juices play vital role in treating skin cancer.

f) Specific Vegetable Juices

Certain vegetable juices are very healthy and helpful in treating skin cancer. You may also go for vegetable juice by mixing carrot juice, beetroot juice, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bertil_Hjert

Detecting Skin Cancer Made Easy

2009-03-03T22:05:00.001-08:00

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer existing in the world. It can strike at any age group. Most people do not consider skin cancer as a serious problem. However, it is important to know that the cancer can be really difficult to handle or even deadly if not treated directly.

It is important to keep on performing regular self examination so that you can come to know about the problem at an early stage.

Here are certain tips on examining your self for skin cancer so that the disease does not turn out to be serious or ugly in the future. While conducting a self examination, you should keep in mind that about 1 in 5 people can have some form of skin cancer in their entire lifetime.

Experts recommend that you need to check yourself for skin cancer on a monthly basis in order to spot the problem.

You would require some mirrors in order to see all parts of your body. Try to check the entire area of your body. You need to analyze your head, face and scalp in the mirror.

Gradually examine the other parts of your body. Make sure that you check the genital areas also check the portion between your toes well.

When doing a self examination for skin cancer, you must check for irregular moles. Usually, mal-formed moles are a result of malignant melanoma. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer. If you find an asymmetrical mole on your body, consult your doctor.

Remember that most moles complete their growth prior to the age of twenty. In case, the mole on your body starts growing after the age of twenty, consult your doctor immediately.

Another important thing to check for irregularities on the borders of the mole. The borders should be well defined and uniform in growth. Another symptom of skin cancer is a mole that changes color to a dark red, black or white. This is a direct indication of development of skin cancer on your body.

Remember that early diagnosis may be the only way to surviving skin cancer. In case, you spot anything you might feel a problem, consult an oncologist or dermatologist on an immediate basis. A little caution from your side may do wonders to your body.

Moles on the body can turn in to cancerous melanomas. Hence it is very important to check your moles on a regular basis and talk to your doctor whenever you feel that there is a sign of danger.

The best thing to do is to follow a 4 step, A-B-C-D guide when checking your moles. In case, any of the points mentioned below are true, talk to your doctor right away.

a) Asymmetry

In case, ½ of the mole does not match the other half, there is a problem. Any mole or birthmark with skin growth that increases in size should be reported to doctor.

b) Border

The border of the mole should not be ragged, notched or blurred.

c) Color

In case, the mole is a mixture of brown, black and tan contact a doctor.

d) Diameter

A mole larger than pencil eraser is an important sign of skin cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bertil_Hjert

Getting the Right Treatment for Skin Cancer

2009-03-03T22:04:00.000-08:00

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Because of this, much research is being done to offer sufferers the best possible hope for survival. Nearly all of these malignancies are curable if diagnosed and treated in the very early stages. Therefore, doctors recommend early, aggressive treatment for skin cancer patients.

Doctors consider a cancer treatment to be successful if the patient is alive and shows no signs of having the cancer present in his or her body five years after the date of diagnosis. The likelihood of successful treatment depends greatly on which type of skin cancer a person has.

Persons who have basal cell cancer, for example, are most likely to survive and experience successful treatment. Basal carcinomas grow extremely slowly and do not typically spread. In fact, the treatment success rate for these persons is higher than 99 percent. In comparison, those who have been diagnosed with squamous cell have a success rate just a bit higher than 95 percent. It can, however, metastasize to other organs through the bloodstream and lymph nodes if it does not get treated early.

People who have been diagnosed with a malignant melanoma have about an 88 percent chance of treatment success if they are treated before the cancer spreads. Approximately 80 percent of those diagnosed with melanoma are fortunate to find their cancers at this time. If their cancers have begun to spread to other body organs, only about 10 percent of these patients will live for as many as five years after being diagnosed.

Many different skin cancer treatments are available. Those cancers that have not spread can be treated with surgical removal, and this method of treatment is usually successful. If the cancer has spread, however, people may require other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Melanoma is extremely difficult to cure. Therefore, doctors typically resort to combinations of medicines, radiation, and chemotherapy. Sometimes other investigation treatments are attempted. Current procedures being trialed include photodynamic therapy, as well as some types of biological therapies.

How successful a treatment for skin cancer is depends largely on the amount of time the cancer has been present before it is found. Nearly all skin cancers can be cured if treated early. For this reason, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of skin cancer and see your doctor at once if you suspect anything at all unusual.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Hefner

Are You At Risk for Skin Cancer on Your Nose?

2009-03-03T22:03:00.000-08:00

Most people get skin cancer after frequent sun exposure over long periods of time. In fact, nearly 75 percent of the people diagnosed with skin cancer each year have histories of frequent sun exposure. Although it can occur after a severe sunburn, it is usually the result of many years of being in the sun. If it is a result of long-term exposure, you may be surprised to learn that you are at risk for skin cancer on your nose.

Do you think that spot on your nose might be cancerous? There are three main ways in which cancerous sores differ from other skin growths or marks. First, however, if you even think that this spot could be cancerous, schedule a visit with your doctor immediately! A definite diagnosis can be made only after a biopsy has been performed.

More than 99 percent of people diagnosed with skin cancer have one of three major types. The first of these is basal cell skin cancer. People who develop these sores find that a scab or pimple grows on their skin, drains or bleeds, and scabs over again. Rather than healing, however, it continues to repeat this cycle. In comparison, squamous skin cancer often looks much like basal carcinomas. They may also look like rough, scaly skin patches that do not disappear.

These first two types of cancer usually appear in areas, such as the nose, that frequently receive direct sun. The skin on the nose is very tender, and is at high risk for developing a nonmelanoma cancer. Both of these types are very treatable when removed surgically.

Usually, people develop nonmelanoma cancers on the face or nose, but sometimes a melanoma can occur on a person's face. Because this type of cancer spreads rapidly, it can be deadly if not detected and treated very early. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between the two types. This is why seeing a doctor as soon as you notice something wrong is so important.

If you believe you might have skin cancer on your nose, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away to get it checked. Skin cancers are almost always treated successfully if you are able to catch it in the very early stages. Your life may depend on early detection and diagnosis of that bothersome sore on your nose, so don't delay!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Hefner

Getting the Right Treatment for Skin Cancer

2009-02-20T01:56:00.001-08:00

Are You At Risk for Skin Cancer on Your Nose?

2009-02-20T01:55:00.002-08:00

Which is Which? The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer

2009-02-20T01:55:00.001-08:00

Today, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than any other malignancy. While there are several types of skin cancers, three forms are much more common than any of the other types. This article focuses on the three main types of skin cancer, and how a person can learn to distinguish among them.

Each of the three primary types of skin cancer is associated with a different type of skin cell. The severity of the cancer varies depending on which type of cancer a person is diagnosed as having. These three cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

The first of these, basal cell carcinoma, is a nonmelanoma. This neoplasm initiates in the skin's basal cells. It is this type of cancer with which 90 percent of persons living in the United States who have skin cancer are diagnosed. Most experts consider basal cell carcinoma to be the least serious type of skin malignancy, because it grows very slowly and does not spread. It is usually found on areas of the body most frequently exposed to sunlight.

Squamous cell carcinoma is also considered a nonmelanoma. It begins in the outer layer of the skin known as the epidermis, in cells referred to as keratinocytes. Although it is more serious than the first, the chances of a cure are high if it is caught and treated before it spreads to other organs. Squamous cell carcinoma is also typically found on body parts that receive the greatest sun exposure.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious skin cancer. This type of malignancy begins in cells called melanocytes. These produce melanin, a chemical that gives color to the skin. The amount of this chemical determines how light or dark a person's skin color will be. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, but is most often found on areas of the body that do not receive frequent sun exposure.

This cancer can quickly spread to other body organs and tissues. Therefore, people diagnosed with melanoma have a much lower overall cure rate. Most people who are successfully treated for melanoma are diagnosed very early in the stages of this disease.

People who work in the sun or are frequently exposed to sunlight have a higher than normal risk of developing skin cancer. If you are at risk, be aware of the symptoms of this malignancy and report any changes in your skin to your doctor. Knowing these symptoms just might save your life!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Hefner

Knowing What to Look For - Skin Cancer Symptoms

2009-02-20T01:54:00.000-08:00

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in the United States. The good news is that nearly 100 percent of all skin cancers are curable if they are treated early. For this reason alone, it is important to be aware of skin cancer symptoms so that you can get treatment as soon as possible if you are diagnosed with a malignancy.

Frequently, skin neoplasms, or cancers, begin growing on the skin's surface. Skin growths that have been a part of a person's skin tissue from birth are usually not malignant. If the appearances of these moles, marks, or growths change, however, they may have become cancerous, and it is essential to have them examined as soon as possible by a physician.

Much of the time these cancers start out appearing like a sore or pimple. These sores may begin bleeding or draining fluid. Although they may scab over, they later begin to bleed or seep once more. Nonmelanoma cancers are usually less severe, and are found most often on areas of the body often exposed to the sun. In contrast, malignant melanomas, which are more deadly than the other forms of skin cancer, typically grown on the legs or torso (trunk).

Frequently, basal cell carcinomas are colored a pale grey. If you look closely, you may see miniscule blood vessels inside these skin tumors. In comparison, squamous cell carcinomas are often painful. These growths are reddish in appearance, and the surface skin is often scaly. These frequently drain or bleed, develop scabs, and begin draining once more.

Unlike these other cancers, which are slow-growing and appear very different from the tissue around them, malignant melanomas often develop unexpectedly from previously normal skin tissue. These neoplasms typically appear in a variety of colors, including white, red, brown, blue, or even black.

Except for the changes in skin tissue, people who develop skin cancers rarely show other symptoms unless the cancer has spread to other organs. Most of the time, persons with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed before their malignancies have spread. This, however, may not always be the case with individuals who develop malignant melanomas. The symptoms these persons develop depend on the organ to which the cancer spreads.

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Nose Skin Cancer - Why It's Common And How To Treat It

2009-01-31T00:45:00.002-08:00

One of the most common places for occurrences of skin cancer is on the nose. Because the nose is often exposed to the sun, it is constantly experiencing the bulk of the atmosphere's ultraviolet rays, making it a prime target for skin cancer. This is an issue for many, not only for health reason, but as the nose's prominent placement on the face makes it a rather unsightly place for the sores associated with skin cancer. And, with other cancers it is always important to seek treatment for nose skin cancer, as it may spread throughout the body.

Like any other cancer, the sooner you catch and treat nose skin cancer, the better off you will be. Early detection, as always, is the key. With nose skin cancer, it is best to seek surgery quickly, in order to remove the cancer before it increases in size, becoming larger and more noticeable. If you think you may be developing the warning signs of this, it is important to go see a doctor immediately -- either your general physician, or a dermatologist. Your doctor will be able to answer any questions, address any fears and walk you through the available treatment options. So, do not let fear keep you from seeking immediate help.

Often, it is treated either by blasting with liquid nitrogen or cutting with a hot knife. Only in the case of the most extreme or persistent nose skin cancers, including malignant melanoma or cancers of a larger size, will surgery be necessary. But even those procedures are relatively quick and easy. Just remember, if you have this, no matter which type of cancer it is, whether serious or not, it is most likely that your doctor will opt for the least invasive method possible to treat it and treat it correctly, in order to lessen the chance of the cancer's reemergence.

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The Three Types Of Skin Cancer - Knowing The Differences Can Save

2009-01-31T00:45:00.001-08:00

When it comes to skin cancer, there are three diagnosable types -- each with a different symptoms, treatments and mortality rates. If you think there is any chance you may have skin cancer, do not try to self-diagnose! If you think you have cancer, see a doctor. It is important to always consult a licensed health professional before seeking treatment for skin cancer.

The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, a slow-forming cancer with no risk of spreading to other body parts. As it is a relatively inert form of cancer, basal cell carcinoma has lower mortality rates than other cancers and is easiest to remove.

The second type, one that is more serious than basal cell carcinoma, is squamous cell carcinoma. This slow-growing cancer is not as inert as basal cell carcinoma, meaning that, if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Yet, though there are risks involved, squamous cell carcinoma is one of the easier skin cancers to treat, often requiring a simple removal via liquid nitrogen blast or hot knife incision. Though, in some cases, larger or more invasive attacks by this type of skin cancer may require more serious surgical procedures.

The third, and most dangerous, of the skin cancers is malignant melanoma. This highly fatal cancer is known for its fast growth and ability to spread throughout the entire body. If left untreated, malignant melanoma is the deadliest of them, thus it is important that it is diagnosed and treated very quickly. Those who suffer from malignant melanoma often require surgery, as it is imperative that the cancer be removed from the body before it has time to grow and affect other organs. If left untreated, this most deadly cancer will spread throughout the body, attacking other organs, transforming into other forms of skin cancer and other lymphomas.

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Skin Cancer Warning Signs - What To Look For And What To Do

2009-01-31T00:44:00.000-08:00

People often worry about skin cancer and wonder what they should be on the look out for in the way of warning signs. People want to know what the most common signs are, and what they should and should not be concerned about when they look at themselves in the mirror. Sadly, there is no one telltale sign of skin cancer -- rather there is a package of skin changes you should keep an eye out for, checking constantly that your skin is free and clear of them. This is especially important for those who spend a great deal of time outdoors and those who had a lot of sunburns when they were younger.

While there is no one sign of skin cancer that is experienced by everyone who has it, there are a few warning signs that you should be aware of, signs that may or may not point to skin cancer. The first of these deals with moles - if you notice any new moles, or old moles that have changed in size or color (especially becoming larger or darker), you should see a doctor. These types of changes are often signs of malignant melanoma. The most dangerous form in its early stages, malignant melanoma often takes the form of a common mole before developing into a more serious condition.

The second warning sign you should keep an eye out for is the development of new open wounds. This is especially important if these wounds appear in places on which you have previously experienced sunburn, or places which have gotten a great amount of sun exposure over the years. These types of sores may be serious -- sometimes bleeding or emitting puss -- and often have irregular edges, a sign that cancerous sells may be involved and growing beyond the sore's boundaries.

Armed with the knowledge of these most common skin cancer warning signs, it is important to keep an eye out for them. Examine your skin relatively often, with these specific things in mind. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, you should make sure that you check your skin regularly for these warning signs, in order quickly spot the development of any potentially cancerous patches. If you spot something that you think may be a potential skin cancer warning sign, make an appointment with a dermatologist and have it looked at as soon as possible.

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Causes of Skin Cancer

2009-01-23T03:16:00.001-08:00

The causes of other types of cancers are totally unknown. But the cause of skin cancer can be detected easily. People who are continuously exposed to the harmful radioactive substances or harmful ultraviolet or infrared rays are prone to skin cancer easily. Usually the workers who continuously work in polluted environment damage the quality of their skin within a shorter period of time. Hence due to the continuous deposits of dirt on the body the texture of the skin is deteriorated. Many expert researchers have successfully researched the harmful effects of harmful radiations on the skin. Hence everybody should become aware about the root causes of skin cancer. Following are the factors that result in skin cancer:

a. Ultra Violet Radiations:

The ozone layer that prevents the earth from extreme climatic conditions is already punctured slightly. Due to the ecological imbalance in the earth, people are easily affected by the ultraviolet rays of the sun. but even when there is ecological imbalance and continuous exposure of the sun rays the skin is deteriorated and hence you become easily prone to skin cancer. You must be careful not to absorb sunlight too often.

b. x-rays.

X-rays contain some radioactive substances that weaken the skin cells. In this way x-rays also cause skin cancer. Frequent x-rays causes serious health hazards to his skin.

c. immunosupression:

The immune system that is present in our body fights against the foreign agents that attack the foreign elements that penetrate into the body. But if the immune system is weakened then the harmful foreign substances easily enter into our body and even if you are exposed to the ultraviolet radiations for a shorter time then you may become prone to skin cancer.

d. Contact with chemicals:

Now-a-days due to the growth of hard industries many people become exposed to harmful chemicals in their day to-day life. Some of the harmful chemicals which are released by the industries are hydrocarbons, arsenic etc. the skin is basically sensitive to these chemicals and causes reactions. This case is very common with people working with tar. As the skin undergoes chemical changes it develops cancer due to carcinogenic effect.

There are many other ill-effects of cancer:

a. people who already have had skin disorders continuously and persistently have had their skin cells weakened and hence they develop skin cancer easily.

b. If a person has already suffered from skin cancer earlier and has been treated has his skin cells weakened and he develops skin cancer easily.

c. A person should be careful if his family members have already suffered from this disease earlier.

d. If a person has dysplastic mole in his skin, then he develops the disease easily.

e. Experts have proved that people with fair skin develop skin cancer easily.

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Facts About Skin Cancer

2009-01-23T03:15:00.000-08:00

The cases of skin cancers are increasing every year and many deaths are being caused from this disease today. In most of the countries the incidences of skin cancers are the highest when compared to the occurrences of other cancers. The rate of incidence is the highest in the United States. Every year in the states nearly 1 million people are affected by this disease. Even such developed countries were not able to curb the rate of occurrences so far. Gradually, the rate of deaths due to occurrences is also increasing every year. Out of the 10 cancer patients at least 3 persons die from the disease every year. The doctors state that people suffering from malignant skin cancer survive for five years. But they do not show good signs of health in their five years. If the cancer has not spread to the other tissues thus damaging them, then the chances of survival is 85%. In case if the cancer has spread to the other tissues then the chance of survival is below 70%. Worldwide, nearly 3 million people suffer from this disease every year.

The disease is mainly caused to the people between 50- 60 years of age. But at the same time it does not mean that the youngsters are associated with the risks of occurrence. Genes also affect the factor of skin cancer as the dark skinned people such as Africans do not develop the disease easily. People with fair skin develop it more easily. In America the rate of incidence is the highest. Anglo Saxons are more easily prone to this disease when compared to the other races.

To some extent the development of cancer depends upon the habits of an individual. If a child continuously gets exposed to sun exposure and makes loitering a habit then he becomes more vulnerable to skin cancer. The reason is that the sun radiate harmful ultraviolet rays and thus causes cacogenic effect on the skin. The BCC and SCC is more releveant to people between the age group of 50 and 60, but melanoma commonly occurs among the people between 20-39 years. Melanoma is the most severe disease compared to the other two because the cancerous cells spread to the other tissues more easily.

Skin cancers are mostly caused by the unhealthy habits of the people and due to their negligence of the skin. When a person develops skin cancer the infection rapidly spreads to the other areas of the skin and it persistently causes irritation to him. A person who is continuously exposed to ultraviolet radiations or radioactive substances is most likely to develop skin cancer. Hence every individual should take of his skin every now and then. He must not allow himself to get often exposed to harmful rays that can create skin problems. They must lead a healthy lifestyle and often take care of their skin. Even if they are facing minor skin problems they must the skin specialist. At the initial stage, the cancer can be treated completely. But as the cancer develops the treatment of this problem becomes difficult. If the disease is not diagnosed at an early stage, then the chances of survival also minimize.

The causes of other types of cancers are totally unknown. But the cause of skin cancer can be detected easily. People who are continuously exposed to the harmful radioactive substances or harmful ultraviolet or infrared rays are prone to skin cancer easily. Usually the workers who continuously work in polluted environment damage the quality of their skin within a shorter period of time. Hence due to the continuous deposits of dirt on the body the texture of the skin is deteriorated. Many expert researchers have successfully researched the harmful effects of harmful radiations on the skin. Hence everybody should become aware about the root causes of skin cancer.

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Skin Cancer

2009-01-23T03:14:00.000-08:00

Skin cancer is such a disease that can occur to any individual. The medical experts till today could not specify the age group of occurrence. They could not either successfully reduce the chances of occurrence because every year the statistics of cancer patients is increasing. Skin cancer is not as harmful as the other types of cancers. The cancerous cells usually affect the other normal cells and impair the normal functioning of the organs. Hence cancer spreads to the other organs also. But a patient suffering from skin cancer does not face the same hazard. But yet a person experiences a very discomfort feeling because the skin is of the body is affected. The skin cancer is divided into two types. The type of skin depends upon the origination of the cells. In the United States the incidence has become so high that almost 1 million of the people are prone to skin cancer every year.

The symptoms of the cancers are usually not noted earlier. Initially, the cancer grows is the form of precancerous lesions known as dysplasia. This tumor is not a cancer but later on it develops cancerous cells within them. These tumors are actually benign in nature and the treatment of the tumors is also easy. But in case, they are neglected for a long period of time they becomes malignant. when the cancer has developed then it spreads to the other organs and affects the normal functioning of the skin.

There are three main categories of skin cancer. They are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma occurs rarely and the rate of occurrence of BCC and SCC is 90% of the total cancers. These two types do not spread to the other organs thus impairing their normal functioning. But melanoma has the property of metastazing. Metastazing means spreading of the cancerous cells to the other organs. When SCC is caused then outer lining of the elliptical cells is affected. The BCC and SCC both the diseases are treated in the same way. Melanoma, as the disease is severe compared to the two diseases, it is treated with chemotherapy techniques because the disease is often spread to the other cells.

Like the other cancers, one should be aware of the skin cancer symptoms and hence we can start the treatment as early as possible. Till today, no one knows the exact symptoms that can be noticed before the occurance of skin cancer, but factors like hereditary, earlier skin cancers can cause cancer easily. One should be aware of these factors. If somebody from the family is already suffering from skin cancer then the other members should take care of. The skin cancer originates from the moles of the skin that is known as dysplastic nevi. The disease is more easily caused to people who are aged. Now-a-days due to the sun exposure and the high level of radiation released by the sun or UV factors skin cancer can be caused very easily. One should avoid the sun burns or apply ointments that protect you from the harmful radiations of the sun.

But yet, the organizations such as WHO are taking steps to reduce the chances of these cancers. In this way, the people all over the world are becoming aware of the spread of the disease. If a person has any doubt regarding his skin problem, he must immediately visit the doctor and take treatments as frequently as possible.

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Diagnosis and Tests for Skin Cancer

2009-01-07T22:55:00.002-08:00

Day by day the cases of skin cancers are increasing. Even the most developed countries like U.S. are not able to resolve this problem drastically. Hence care should be taken by every individual to reduce the occurrence of the disease. People with fair complexion should take utmost care of their skin because they are most likely to develop the disease if they neglect it. But the symptoms cannot be easily identified by an individual. even when the skin is in normal conditions, he rarely develops sores or swellings. Hence he may think that the problem is minor but it is actually the onset of cancerous activity. If the skin is treated at an early stage of cancer then it is easily curable. Hence an individual should visit the doctor and get tested and diagnosed as quickly as possible.

Following are the examinations conducted by the doctor for the patient suffering from skin cancer:

a. Physical examination: the problem of skin cancer can be easily understood by the doctor just by conducting minor tests. Skin cancer can be diagnosed easily when compared to the other types of cancers. The doctor may get an idea about the skin disease just by conducting the physical examinations. The doctors get an idea about the unhealthy skin even if he just physically examines your hands. He just examines the state of your skin and asks you some common questions. He may ask you if any of your family members suffered from the disease earlier. He may briefly ask you about your lifestyle, habits and food. Then he may ask you about your work environment to know if you are exposed to harmful radiations in your daily life. If he finds out that you continuously work under conditions where you are exposed to radioactive substances or harmful radiations he examines you even more critically.

b. Biopsy: biopsy is a method of taking out the affected part of the skin and examining it under microscope to know the presence of cancerous cells. It is considered as one of the most effective tests of knowing cancerous. The presence of cancerous cells can be easily noticed under a microscope. These tests are only conducted by the doctors. In case there are any abnormalities in the epidermal layer then it can be easily noticed. Through the biopsy the level of infection of the skin can also be accessed. Through the method of biopsy it is very easier to know if a person is suffering from melanoma or not. After biopsy even further tests are conducted.

c. Chest x-rays: by passing x-rays through the chest the picture about the chest is obtained. In this way the presence of melanoma can be noticed.

d. Blood tests: blood tests are conducts in order to know if the other organs are infected by cancer or not. If the cancerous cells are present then certain enzymes will be noticed. Blood test is usually the final test that is conducted to really confirm if cancerous cells are present or not.

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Treatments for Skin Cancer

2009-01-07T22:55:00.001-08:00

The aim of treatment is to remove the cancerous cells or tumors that are present into the skin. The operation of cancerous cells of the skin is easier and does not require any incisions or excisions as required for the other surgeries. There are two types of skin treatment i.e. localized treatment. Systematic treatment. The localized treatment is given to those patients for whom the infection has spread only to the localized area and the infection has not spread to the other areas. Systematic treatment is adopted by the doctors when the infection of the skin has spread to the other organs or parts. When the infection is really severe then localized treatments do not work out effectively.

The techniques used for treating skin cancer are:

a. Surgery: surgery is more effective to the disease that is not severe. In other words if the skin cancer has not spread to the other parts then surgery is the effective method. The tumorous or cancerous growth is removed. The lesions or the tumors that are developed are extracted through surgical procedures.

b. Radiotherapy: when the infection is severe and the tumors cannot be operated just by a surgery then the method of radiotherapy is used. Either the radiation generating source is kept outside the person's body or a person is injected. The external radiotherapy works out more effectively for the skin.

c. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a systematic type of treatment where the chemical reagents are inserted insider the body and these substances cause some reactions and destroy the cells inside the body.

The localized treatment is useful for treating the BCC and SCC and melanoma requires systematic treatment.

Frequently doctors do not use one single technique, but uses the combination of two techniques. The cancerous cells are effectively destroyed when two or more methods are used. But there are many side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The cancerous cells are affected and so also the normal cells.

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Skin Cancer Symptoms

2009-01-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

There are many types of skin cancers. The types of cancers depend upon the area affected and the severity of the disease. A skin cancer can damage any part of the body. The symptoms also differ from the type of cancer developed.

The three types of cancers are BCC, SCC and melanoma. The main symptoms of BCC are:

a. on the skin bumps develop in the form of a circle and the bumps are usually in the shape of a pear. If they swell then immediately visit should be made with the doctor. These bumps usually occur in the areas that are often exposed such as face, neck or shoulders.

b. When crusts develop on the lump, they may bleed and cause infection. If such symptoms are noticed they immediately visit the doctor because this bleeding can be the early cause of cancers.

The BCC and SCC develop in the similar form. Following are the symptoms of SCC.

a. the SCC develops in a form of patch in the skin at the initial stage. The size of the patches is usually form and appears on the face like a scale. It of course! Causes a lot of discomfort to the skin. They usually appear on those areas that are exposed to the radiations of sun most of the times.

b. Similarly like BCC they later on began to bleed and develop in the form of an ulcer. Most of the patients who develop it think that he has developed an ordinary swelling but he may not be aware that it may cause a major problem to him. But he must realize that it may lead him to cancer.

If these symptoms are neglected at an early stage then the large of these bumps obviously enlarge. Then these bumps develop cancerous cells within them.

If you develop melanoma then you notice the following symptoms:

a. in the initial stage you develop moles and when the moles develop they become cancerous. You must realize the onset of skin melanoma if you notice large moles in your adulthood or if you are feeling itchy or discomfort due to the presence of mole in the skin.

b. You must be able to identify moles. The moles are usually encircled by some peculiar elements. The color of the mole appears somewhat brown or red. You may notice lesions also.

There are many types of skin cancers as the skin is made up of many layers and each layer consists of many cells. The type of skin cancers depend upon the layer infected and the cells damaged. The skin is made up of three main layers and the three main layers consist of three main types of cells. The outer most layer is known as epidermis and it consists of three cells. The second layer is known as dermis layer and the inner most layer is known as subcutaneous layer. This innermost layer consists of fat and loose cells. When skin cancer is caused the layer that is most affected is the epidermal layer.

1. As you know there are three types of cancers ie. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC, Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma: the basal cells that are found in the epidermis are affected by the cancer. This cancer is mostly caused to people with fair skin. When this cancer develops the basal cells enlarged. This disease is mainly caused to people who are often exposed to sunlight. The cancer becomes malignatnt if not treated for a longer time. The cancerous cells spread due to the development.

SCC: The Squamous cells are the outermost lining cells of the epidermal layer. If these cells are affected they can affected the entire skin or the entire layer of epidermis. It should be treated at the right time or else the cells become malignant. these cells do not have the property of metastazing even if they are left untreated for a longer period but they may just spread to the nearby tissues.

Melanoma: it is the most hazardous type of cancer compared to the other types of cancers. In the lower area of the epidermal layer melanocytes are present. They are responsible for the secretion of pigment known as melanin when it is exposed to sunlight. This disease is so dangerous that it can spread to the inner organs also.

The treatment of skin cancer also depends upon the type of disease he is experiencing. There are many types of skin cancers. If a person is diagnosed with melanoma, then he must undergo very systematic form of treatment. Even the doctors should treat such patients so carefully that the cancer should not spread to the other cells. But a person who is undergo BCC or SCC can be treated with localized treatment.

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Causes of Skin Cancer

2008-12-24T03:42:00.003-08:00

Facts About Skin Cancer

2008-12-24T03:42:00.001-08:00

Skin Cancer

2008-12-24T03:31:00.000-08:00

Can What You Eat Really Affect Skin Cancer?

2008-12-08T02:37:00.000-08:00

Skin cancer is something we are all well aware of. The dangers are constantly around us, and we are led to believe that the only way we can possibly get skin cancer, is if we expose our skin to too much sunlight without wearing protection.

However, there are some studies which claim that what we eat can also have a drastic effect on our chances of developing the condition. On the other hand some studies say that our diet cannot affect the condition. So what are we supposed to believe? Can our diet really affect our chances of getting skin cancer? Or is it just a load of rubbish?

Skin Cancer and Our Diet

There is also some kind of research going on in order to find links between our lifestyle and cancer. We all know that our diet affects our skin, but did you know that your diet could also affect skin cancer?

The suns UV levels are apparently a good source of vitamin D for our bodies. Whilst that may be true, there are people that go off into the sun without adequate protection, thinking that Vitamin D will help them reduce the risk of skin cancer, as well as other cancers, and that they will not be harmed because Vitamin D is good for them.

However, whilst it is true that the sun does help our bodies to have a higher Vitamin D production, it is still well known for giving us skin cancer. This means that we need to get our Vitamin D from other sources, for example in our diets.

It is thought that fatty diets increase our risk of developing skin cancer. Studies have been done on mice, where scientists have underfed a group of them, exposed them to chemicals which promote skin cancer, and they have found that fewer underfed mice developed the condition compared to the other group of mice who did not have their calorie intake reduced.

So this showed that somehow, eating healthier and having a calorie restricted diet, somehow helped to promote a protective hormone, which stopped some of the mice developing skin cancer. However, the studies have not shown fully which gland produced the hormone, so those tests are currently incomplete.

There is no denying that the diet plays a big part in our skin condition, and it is more than likely that it does in fact affect our chances of developing skin cancer. So what foods should we be eating?

Oily fish is extremely good for the skin and fish such as salmon can really help to cut chances of skin cancer down. This is because the omega three fatty acids help to repair DNA damage caused by the cancer.

Eating oily fish three times a week has been proven to reduce a persons risk of burning in the sun right down after a month, and after three months, the risk of burning in the sun is further reduced by up to 33%.

However, whilst they may help to cut down the risk, they are still no match for fierce sun levels and sun protection should still be worn.

It is thought that a healthy diet is your best defense against all forms of cancer, and eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is definitely the way to go! Cutting down on salty and sugary foods is also definitely a good idea, as is increasing the amount of calcium you get daily.

Overall there is research to say that diet affects skin cancer, and research to suggest that it does not. If you are unsure your best bet is to simply eat healthier anyway. Eating healthy is good for the skin whether you are trying to prevent skin cancer or not.

Trying to get at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is what you should be aiming for, and also cutting down on really fatty foods. If you are unsure about anything you can always consult a doctor or nutritionist and they will be able to give you more advice.

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How Do You Know If Your Skin Cancer Is Potentially Fatal?

2008-12-08T02:36:00.001-08:00

Mycosis Fungoides is an extremely rare form of skin cancer and it tends to affect twice as many men as it does women. Many people assume that it is an innocent fungal infection when they first hear the name; however it is in fact a much more sinister condition which is a type of cutaneous T cell Lymphoma.

Generally a cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma is an uncontrollable growth within the skin of the T cells within the body. Whilst most people do not notice any change to their daily life once they do have Mycosis Fungoides, it still does need to be treated as soon as possible.

Who Mycosis Fungoides affects the Most and what causes it:

Mycosis Fungoides seems to affect black skinned people more than fair skinned people, and as mentioned earlier, it tends to affect men more than women.

Whilst it is possible for the condition to strike at any age, it does seem to affect older people generally over the age of fifty. Why the condition appears is currently unknown but you definitely cannot pass it on to anybody else. The condition is also not hereditary and the symptoms do tend to vary from person to person.

Itching seems to be the most common form of symptom in most people, and the condition itself seems to appear in various stages. During its early stages, the skin will develop small patches of redness, though in darker skins the patches may simply just look darker than usual.

The patches are generally extremely itchy and you may notice that some patches are raised from the skin. They tend to appear mainly on the buttocks, under the arms, on the hips and on the chest.

The second stage usually includes skin tumors. The color of the lumps seems to now be a violet color and they are also raised. They are sometimes ulcerated, though that does not happen all the time.

Next is the redness stage where as well as skin patches and raised lumps, large sections of the skin also turn red. These areas of the skin also tend to be really itchy and they often look quite scaly too. You may also notice that the folds of skin on your face and in the palms of your hands become quite thick and they could even crack.

Finally, if not treated, the condition tends to spread to other parts of the body and usually the first parts of the body to be affected are the lymph nodes.

These then become inflamed and at this stage they can become cancerous. If they are cancerous, the condition can spread to the liver, the lungs and even the bone marrow.

Usually, it takes around six years to diagnose Mycosis Fungoides from the start of the symptoms appearing. This can make it difficult to treat early and as mentioned, people generally do not know they have the condition and so their normal lives are usually not disrupted.

It is extremely common to confuse the condition with other conditions and usually in order to fully diagnose this condition; a skin sample will need to be taken.

Usually if caught early, steroid creams can be used to clear up the condition, though if it is cancerous, chemotherapy may need to be used. As rare as it is, Mycosis Fungoides does occur in some people and it does take an extremely long time to realize that you actually have it.

It usually does not turn out to be fatal, but if it is left untreated for an extremely long length of time from diagnosis, it can unfortunately lead to death.

Any type of skin cancer is potentially dangerous, you just have to catch it early enough and look out for any symptoms whatsoever that give the condition away.

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Understanding Cancers Of The Skin

2008-12-08T02:35:00.000-08:00

The mere mention of the word cancer is enough to make anyone hyperventilate. There are, of course, different types of cancer. In this article, we take a look at skin cancer.

When sitting in a doctor’s office, one always tends to get the feeling any news will be bad news. Imagine sitting there and having your doctor tell you that you have cancer.

What would your reaction be to such news. Panic? Shock? What would it mean to your life, your family, your friends if you found out you had cancer. What if it is terminal?

Cancer and death, the two words just go together notwithstanding the experiences of Lance Armstrong. Skin cancer is often treatable. More importantly, you could have prevented it.

So, just what are we talking about when we say skin cancer? In the most basic terms, it is an unnatural growth in the layers of the skin. The growth typically occurs in the epidermis.

Skin cancer is often associated with, surprise, exposure to the sun. Repeated sun burns can be one cause. So can extensive exposure over time. Our atmosphere is letting in more ultraviolet radiation as well, which is increasing the number of cases.

Cancerous skin growth is actually a catch all phrase. This particular cancer breaks down into three different types with each having its own outcome.

If you are particularly unlucky, you will be diagnosed with Malignant melanoma. It is a killer. If not treated early, it will spread and is fatal. Fortunately, it is the least common diagnosis.

Strange as it may sound, the second sub-cancer can be hereditary. It is basal cell. It is also the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer. The good news is it is rarely fatal and can be treated.

A third category of cancer is Squamous cell. It is can form on your skin or in your internal organs. How scary is that? Squamous is treatable, but can also spread and be fatal.

Any cancer diagnosis is obviously a bad thing. The ironic and sad fact of skin cancer is you can reduce your risk to practically zero. You just need to take common sense steps.

Picture a warm, sunny day. What are people doing? They are lying out in the sun. They are going on walks. They are doing some landscaping. All of these things put them at risk for skin cancer.

Am I suggesting you stay inside all the time? Of course, not. Just wear sun block to protect your fragile skin. If you are balding, throw a hat on. Nothing is worse than skin cancer on the noggin.

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Time For Men To Wake Up To The Signs Of Skin Cancer

2008-11-21T22:28:00.001-08:00

One of the most common forms of cancer reported in men is Skin Cancer, and if anyone has more than 5 bad sunburns in their life, the chances of getting skin cancer are doubled. The results are staggering, that one in five Americans will get skin cancer , one of the most preventable cancers The big question is, even though it is widely known how to not get sun cancer, why is it that people still not protect their skin from the effects of the harsh sun?
In particular, men are the worst culprits. A recent study out of the University of Texas states that only 34% of men actually use sunscreen when going outside in the sun. Why do they not concern themselves about protection from the sun? This is even more shocking when a reported 78% of women do wear sunscreen to protect themselves from the midday sun. It would be easy to say that men have more outdoor jobs, where they are in the sun all day as compared with women who in the past have worked indoors, but this is not true today. More women are working and playing outdoors but still they are more likely to wear sun screen and cover up.
One of the major differences in men and women in the problem of getting the males to wear protection, is that women are generally more concerned about their appearance than men are. Women are inundated with the message of younger, softer skin, where as men often think that it is masculine to have tanned weathered faces. Plus their role models are such as Clint Eastwood, with his craggy, handsome but darkly tanned face.
Women also more often wear some type of skin cream that they put on in the morning, and often the manufacturers of this skin cream have included some type of SPF in it, giving them protection that they really don't even have to think about.
Hopefully, men will get smart and realize that putting on a cream in the morning is not only good for their skin, but can also prevent the epidemic of skin cancer that affects them. There are many creams now that are none scented and although the advertisements are generally geared towards woman, these are ideal for men to use. If they can get into the habit of using sunscreen, not just on their faces but their bodies, the number of males that will get skin cancer will decrease dramatically.
There are certain times when it is wise to stay out of the sun, certainly between 11 A.M. to 3P.M. and if they have to go out during these times, they should make sure they are covered with a collared shirt, pants and always a hat. Regular use of a sun block of SPF 30 or more is recommended, and all parts of the skin that are exposed to the sun should have sun block on it. This includes the face, hands, arms and legs, but also the back of the neck, the ears, and especially the top of the head on balding men. Reapplication after swimming or sweating should be second nature.
With a little bit of common sense, Skin Cancer, one of the fastest growing and totally preventable cancers can be avoided and hopefully one day, eliminated.

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A Changing Mole - How Can You Tell If You Have Skin Cancer?

2008-11-21T22:27:00.001-08:00

Experts state that the best way to check to see if you have skin cancer is to do a monthly examination, checking moles, birthmarks and skin bumps for any changes. A yearly examination by your doctor is also recommended. Most people have many moles, freckles, and birthmarks on their bodies, but since they are so common, it is easy not to notice any slight changes in them. Since early detection is key to curing skin cancer, it is important to really notice the bumps and spots on your body. A common practice is to have a notebook where you note the position and appearance of any marks on your body so that any changes will be obvious.
All three main kinds of skin cancer are visible to the human eye, including melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most difficult form of skin cancer to stop once it has started to spread though the body, so it is important to watch for it and get early treatment. The true fact is that all skin cancer is treatable if detected early enough.
You should check for a change in a moles size, shape or color, and if the edges change. If a mole starts to grow, and becomes as large as or larger than a pencil eraser, or if it is not a solid brown, but multi colored, you should immediately go to a doctor. This is a potential warning of the onset of skin cancer. If a mole starts to bleed or grows rapidly, or you notice any changes, it is wise to get it checked out by a physician immediately.
If you are in doubt about going to a doctor, thinking that the change is not that apparent, in this case it is always better to be safe than sorry. Go to your family doctor who will advise you to go to a dermatologist if needed. You should be prepared to ask your doctor any questions that you have and you should not be afraid to find out the facts about the treatment and the likelihood for success. If indeed the diagnosis is not good, your doctor may recommend you to a therapist who deals in patient crisis.
To test to confirm or deny the presence of skin cancer, all or part of the questionable area is removed, and examined under a microscope. If it is skin cancer, surgery is often used to remove the cancerous area, a quick and painless procedure in the early stages. There may be a scar left from the removal of all of the cancerous cells, but usually the doctor is able to use a very small incision, so the scar is usually small enough not to be noticeable. If the cancer is large, or has spread to the surrounding area, the doctor may tell you that more surgery is needed, along with a course of radiation or chemotherapy treatments.
The best advice for prevention of skin cancer is to cover up when you go out into the sun, wear sunscreen, cover up, and be smart by paying attention to your skin and any changes.

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Causes of Skin Cancer

2008-11-17T03:40:00.000-08:00

The causes of other types of cancers are totally unknown. But the cause of skin cancer can be detected easily. People who are continuously exposed to the harmful radioactive substances or harmful ultraviolet or infrared rays are prone to skin cancer easily. Usually the workers who continuously work in polluted environment damage the quality of their skin within a shorter period of time. Hence due to the continuous deposits of dirt on the body the texture of the skin is deteriorated. Many expert researchers have successfully researched the harmful effects of harmful radiations on the skin. Hence everybody should become aware about the root causes of skin cancer. Following are the factors that result in skin cancer:
a. Ultra Violet Radiations:
The ozone layer that prevents the earth from extreme climatic conditions is already punctured slightly. Due to the ecological imbalance in the earth, people are easily affected by the ultraviolet rays of the sun. but even when there is ecological imbalance and continuous exposure of the sun rays the skin is deteriorated and hence you become easily prone to skin cancer. You must be careful not to absorb sunlight too often.
b. x-rays.
X-rays contain some radioactive substances that weaken the skin cells. In this way x-rays also cause skin cancer. Frequent x-rays causes serious health hazards to his skin.
c. immunosupression:
The immune system that is present in our body fights against the foreign agents that attack the foreign elements that penetrate into the body. But if the immune system is weakened then the harmful foreign substances easily enter into our body and even if you are exposed to the ultraviolet radiations for a shorter time then you may become prone to skin cancer.
d. Contact with chemicals:
Now-a-days due to the growth of hard industries many people become exposed to harmful chemicals in their day to-day life. Some of the harmful chemicals which are released by the industries are hydrocarbons, arsenic etc. the skin is basically sensitive to these chemicals and causes reactions. This case is very common with people working with tar. As the skin undergoes chemical changes it develops cancer due to carcinogenic effect.
There are many other ill-effects of cancer:
a. people who already have had skin disorders continuously and persistently have had their skin cells weakened and hence they develop skin cancer easily.
b. If a person has already suffered from skin cancer earlier and has been treated has his skin cells weakened and he develops skin cancer easily.
c. A person should be careful if his family members have already suffered from this disease earlier.
d. If a person has dysplastic mole in his skin, then he develops the disease easily.
e. Experts have proved that people with fair skin develop skin cancer easily.

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Facts About Skin Cancer

2008-11-17T03:39:00.000-08:00

The cases of skin cancers are increasing every year and many deaths are being caused from this disease today. In most of the countries the incidences of skin cancers are the highest when compared to the occurrences of other cancers. The rate of incidence is the highest in the United States. Every year in the states nearly 1 million people are affected by this disease. Even such developed countries were not able to curb the rate of occurrences so far. Gradually, the rate of deaths due to occurrences is also increasing every year. Out of the 10 cancer patients at least 3 persons die from the disease every year. The doctors state that people suffering from malignant skin cancer survive for five years. But they do not show good signs of health in their five years. If the cancer has not spread to the other tissues thus damaging them, then the chances of survival is 85%. In case if the cancer has spread to the other tissues then the chance of survival is below 70%. Worldwide, nearly 3 million people suffer from this disease every year.
The disease is mainly caused to the people between 50- 60 years of age. But at the same time it does not mean that the youngsters are associated with the risks of occurrence. Genes also affect the factor of skin cancer as the dark skinned people such as Africans do not develop the disease easily. People with fair skin develop it more easily. In America the rate of incidence is the highest. Anglo Saxons are more easily prone to this disease when compared to the other races.
To some extent the development of cancer depends upon the habits of an individual. If a child continuously gets exposed to sun exposure and makes loitering a habit then he becomes more vulnerable to skin cancer. The reason is that the sun radiate harmful ultraviolet rays and thus causes cacogenic effect on the skin. The BCC and SCC is more releveant to people between the age group of 50 and 60, but melanoma commonly occurs among the people between 20-39 years. Melanoma is the most severe disease compared to the other two because the cancerous cells spread to the other tissues more easily.
Skin cancers are mostly caused by the unhealthy habits of the people and due to their negligence of the skin. When a person develops skin cancer the infection rapidly spreads to the other areas of the skin and it persistently causes irritation to him. A person who is continuously exposed to ultraviolet radiations or radioactive substances is most likely to develop skin cancer. Hence every individual should take of his skin every now and then. He must not allow himself to get often exposed to harmful rays that can create skin problems. They must lead a healthy lifestyle and often take care of their skin. Even if they are facing minor skin problems they must the skin specialist. At the initial stage, the cancer can be treated completely. But as the cancer develops the treatment of this problem becomes difficult. If the disease is not diagnosed at an early stage, then the chances of survival also minimize.
The causes of other types of cancers are totally unknown. But the cause of skin cancer can be detected easily. People who are continuously exposed to the harmful radioactive substances or harmful ultraviolet or infrared rays are prone to skin cancer easily. Usually the workers who continuously work in polluted environment damage the quality of their skin within a shorter period of time. Hence due to the continuous deposits of dirt on the body the texture of the skin is deteriorated. Many expert researchers have successfully researched the harmful effects of harmful radiations on the skin. Hence everybody should become aware about the root causes of skin cancer.

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Skin Cancer

2008-11-13T05:30:00.002-08:00

Boost Your Antioxidant Levels With Natural Beverages To Fight Skin Cancer

2008-11-13T05:30:00.001-08:00

Antioxidants, what are they and why do I need them? Well antioxidants are your bodies natural defense to fighting off cancer. They are mostly found in a wide variety of berries and fruit juices that are highest when occurring in their natural state. The most commonly herd of place to find high levels of antioxidants is in the blueberry and grape families. Just try to be aware of a few things while you are looking around for that perfect fruit to fit your lifestyle.

In the blueberry family, there are actually many different variety of berries. The same goes for any fruit. The rule of thumb seems to be that the smaller and darker the berry, the higher the antioxidant levels are. That is, in the blueberry family. If you decide that you enjoy raspberries far better than you are in far better luck. In a study done by the University of Utah students, the Caroline Raspberry has an extremely high level of antioxidants which surpasses those of the blueberry. It also has an amazing size. These would be the beauties to grow or look for in the farmers market world if you can find them. The flavor is also so out of this world you'll thank me for it!

Keep in mind though, any source of antioxidants will help protect your body. The more different sources we can find the better. It's always a good idea to remember to eat at least 5 different colors of fruits and vegetables a day. Make it a commitment that's tasty and pleasing to your body. Not only will you be getting good levels of antioxidants, but also vitamins minerals and fiber.

Nutralite is a global company who has always managed to broaden their horizons in every way. With over six-thousand acres of organic farmland to harvest their crops from to make and manufacture products that are healthy and wholesome. This company has developed something so wonderful it is good for everyone, even people with diabetes.

Twist Tubes, as they are called, are wonderful little tubes that you simply twist the top off and pour the concentrate into your bottled water. (Just don't forget to take a little sip first!) The blueberry is a concentrated formula chalk full of antioxidants that your body needs to help fend off cancer causing agents. The most common threat these days is skin cancer because of the diminishing atmosphere and the suns damaging rays.

If you aren't into eating a lot of dark berries which are great for antioxidants try some grapes or raspberries. If fruit just isn't your thing, than you may want a supplement of some kind and this may be just the thing for you. They cost about the same price as other water additives minus the aspartame, a cancer causing agent. So pour a glass and a toast to your health. These are most delicious treats and also diabetic friendly at just eight calories and one carb per serving. With that being said you just can't go wrong.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Pat_Luchini

Skin Cancer - 5 Things You May Not Know About Protecting Your Children From Skin Cancer

2008-11-07T02:52:00.000-08:00

Skin cancer in its deadliest form, melanoma, is on the rise and this relates to children of all ages.

1. Babies: Cases of pediatric melanoma have increased
100% in the last 20 years! (Michigan State Medical
Society)

Almost everytime I'm outdoors, I see babies or small
children in their strollers with their faces and heads
unprotected from the sun. And while I do notice more
small children than ever with hats on their heads, there
seem to be triple that amount without.

All it takes is a little awareness to keep a hat on and to
make sure the back of the stroller is to the sun. When
80% of the sun's damaging UV rays happens in the first
18 years of life, parents can give the gift of life twice ...
once giving birth, and the second protecting their skin.

2. Teens: 2.3 million teenagers (part of 30 million
Americans) use tanning beds. Ultraviolet rays are the
primary factor in developing skin cancer and are 15 times
greater in a tanning booth than outdoors. Up until now,
there have been very few warnings about health risks in
tanning salons.

Finally, legislators are trying to change that. 25 states
across the country want to restrict youth access to
indoor tanning facilities. In addition, if passed, this
legislation would require parental consent for anyone
under 18, along with the listing of potential health
consequences in these salons, and licensing by the
state.

This is a potentially life-saving public issue and any
help parents can give both at home with their children
and in their support of their representatives can only
help save lives.

3. Women ages 20-29: They're adults but they're still
somebody's children. Melanoma is now the second most
common cancer in this age group.

While it is best to get kids started early on the
habit of using sun protection, better late than never.
you know how to talk to your children best, but if
you see a tan on your daughter, you might ask how
she came to it...beach? tanning salon? Or, fake
tanning lotion which of course would be Choice No. 1
other than, perhaps, no tan at all.

4. African-American or Asian children: The risk for
melanoma isn't as high as with Caucasian children,
but it can be more deadly because a lesion or
irregular mole can't be seen as easily.

Talking with them at all ages about sun protection
and teaching them what to look for is and examining
them regularly is vital.

5. The perfect tan. For years, the perfect tan was looked
at as the way to look healthy, attractive, thinner (believe it
or not), and possibly even rich (if you have time to lounge
in the sun, you really must be well off). And the warmth
of the sun feels good. There's no doubting that.

The perfect tan is still sought today. Lines form around
some of the more popular tanning salons, grown women
included.

But now we have information we didn't have.
Irrefutable information. It's hard to ignore it
and worse, later on, if we're one of the unlucky
ones, what do we say to ourselves - and our
families? It's just a little extra effort for potentially
a longer and healthier life. Is the perfect tan worth
losing all that?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Rosenberg