Skin cancer is basically malignant growth on the skin. The overwhelming culprit or cause of skin cancer is the sun. It is not just the sun, but rather the overexposure to the ultraviolet rays present in the sun's beams. Exposure to the sun between the hours of 10am and 4pm are the most harmful. Another cause of cancer of the skin is an exposure to high levels of x-rays. X-rays are by their nature radioactive and therefore cause radiation which can impact negative on the skin. Exposure and contact with some types of minerals such as hydrocarbons in soot, tar and oils which can cause squamous cell carcinoma. Also exposure to some types of chemicals such as arsenic can is another cause of this malady. There are some occupations that have a high degree of exposure to arsenic such as farmers, miners and sheep shearers. Tanning booths can also cause skin cancer. This is quite popular with many people ignorant of its adverse effect. Even kids are exposing themselves to this high risk beauty enhancing treatment. Immunosuppression- this is the suppression of the immune system, which is our bodies means of protecting itself from harmful foreign matter like germs or substances that cause an allergic reaction. Our immune system can become suppressed due to some diseases like HIV or it can also be due to medications to combat or resist autoimmune diseases or prevent the rejection of an organ transplant. The body is now weakened to fight infections. Sun-beds cause the most damaging kind of cancer of the skin which is malignant melanoma. Also chronic wounds that refuse to heal such as burns is another cause of skin cancer White people are more susceptible to skin cancer than blacks or darker skinned people. The reason is that black people have very high levels of melanin in their skin which helps protect them from the sun's harmful rays. Also, albinos are susceptible to skin cancer because they are deficient in melanin which is the primary cause of their condition. Since the primary or overwhelming cause of skin cancer is the sun, it is only wise therefore to reduce our exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Is Your Life Threatened With Cancer? You are about to discover the Most Potent, Non-Toxic, Alternative Cancer Treatments that 94% Of Doctors don't even know exist and that Greedy Drug Companies keep Hushed Up to protect their profits. Click Here Now [http://www.secretcancercures.info] To Win The Fight Today! Guaranteed! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ariyo_Akinlosotu/87516 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3337515

Despite much publicity regarding the dangers of UV radiation, many people still don't protect their skin while sunbathing. It's still often considered that a nice even suntan is healthier than pale or white skin. Unfortunately, for many of us, this is not true. You may also think that getting a tan using a solarium or tanning bed are healthy, but these also emit UVR, and carry the same risks as being out in the sun. Here are some precautions you can take to help protect yourself from Ultra Violet Radiation: Stay in the shade as much as possible Cover up arms and legs Use sunglasses that wrap around Wear a broad-brimmed hat Use a good water resistant sunscreen, at least SPF30 While sunscreen is good, it should not be considered to be complete protection. The only complete protection is to stay out of the sun altogether, but this is not possible for most of us. We need a small amount of sunlight to provide vitamin D, although this can be obtained in only a few minutes in Summer. When going outside to hang the washing, use sunscreen and a hat. When gardening, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a broad brimmed hat, and don't forget the sunscreen. Refresh your sunscreen at least every two hours. A waterproof type is best. Make sure your children are protected at all times; childrens' skin is delicate and easily damaged. It's thought that getting sunburnt can add several years to the age of your skin, so think of the future. You could end up looking much older than your actual age. Pets are often forgotten when it comes to skin protection. Dogs, cats, and other animals can also suffer from sunburn and skin cancer on their noses and ears. It is just as dangerous to them as it is to us, so don't forget to take care of them. If you'd like to know more about the dangers of skin cancer, your government health site may have information available. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Jean DAndrea has eclectic interests, and you may find other articles of interest on her website. She also has a website on Green Gardening [http://www.jeandandrea.com]. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jean_DAndrea/415128 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3329943

Cancer experts warn that it is never too early to start thinking about cancer prevention. Since skin cancer is the most common form, with over 1 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year, it's a good idea for everyone to begin taking actions to prevent skin cancer as early as possible. While most cases affect people over the age of 40, there are certain types that afflict young people at higher rates. Plus, it is never too early to begin taking preventative measures. So, what types of things can we do now to prevent skin cancer? 1. First of all, ask any doctor, and she'll say that smoking tobacco is the worst possible thing you can do not only for your skin, but for your health in general. Studies show that people who smoke are twice as likely to get cancer at some point in their lives, and this risk only gets worse when combined with other skin cancer-causing factors. So, if you want to prevent skin cancer, do yourself a favor and get rid of those cigarettes. 2. Many cases of skin cancer can be traced to damage to skin cell DNA caused by overexposure to the sun's harmful UV rays. You can help this situation in two ways: First, stay out of the sun as much as possible during the hours when it is most acute. Second, don't hesitate to slather on the sunscreen any time you think you're going to be out in the sun for more than a few minutes. Also, remember that UV rays have nothing to do with temperature. They don't care what season it is. So don't fall into the trap of thinking that just because it's winter you're at lower risk. To prevent skin cancer, use sunscreen in all seasons. 3. Alert your doctor to anything unusual that is happening with your skin. Even if you feel completely certain that it's not cancerous, show your doctor any cuts, burns, moles, or rashes that don't heal after a long time or are unusually irritated or itchy. After all, that's what doctors are for, and it can't hurt. Rodney Ian is a web entrepreneur, writer, and contributing editor of the Meds Available website. To read health articles on a variety of subjects by Rodney and others, visit http://medsavailable.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rodney_Ian/423753 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3358965

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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Melanoma Diagnosis

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

Treatment of Melanoma-

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

High Risk Groups-

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

* Presence of atypical moles (dysplastic nevi).

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

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

* Other cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.

* Impaired immune system.

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



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

Signs & Symptoms of Melanoma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Melanoma Causes -

Melanoma is commonly caused due to:

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

* Family history of melanoma.

* Presence of atypical moles.

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



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The word cancer brings fear to all of us. We've all spent time in the sun as children, and never gave a second thought to it's effect on our bodies during that period in our active lives. As we mature and become adults, we are faced with the fact that all of those childhood hours in the sun can't be erased. Many of us will hear the words, "You have skin cancer," spoken to us by a doctor in the future.

Your doctor or another medical professional can give you a list skin cancer signs to look for on your body. Some of the larger medical schools and cancer institutions in the United States are now providing free skin cancer screening programs to the public in order to do research in this field with their students. In our large metropolis, there is such a school that has saved untold numbers of people from horrible scarring and even death by such screenings. If left undetected, some skin cancers may mutate and turn into deadly melanoma cancer. Contact your doctor and/or medical schools in your area to see if such research may exist. If not, learn the signs of different types of skin cancer and notify your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent noticeable scarring, and the risk of future problems associated with skin cancer.

Now, for a word of wisdom from all of the wonderful professionals I've had the unfortunate opportunity to have to speak with over the past few years. ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN! Check with your family doctor for the recommended types of sunscreen they feel are best for your family. If you are the parent of an infant, toddler or underage child, make sure they have sunscreen on before playing in the sun. Now, a few further words of wisdom for all of us adults who still do, play in the sun...ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN!



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Skin Cancer, edited by Dr. Keyvan Nouri, is an excellent reference for dermatologists and other specialists. The first 35 chapters include a comprehensive review of cancers and tumors of the skin, hair, and nails. This section begins with a thorough description of normal skin, aging skin, and the epidemiology and etiology of skin cancer. The next 30 chapters present an in depth discussion of various cancers including outstanding clinical and histopathologic corrections. The clinical photographs of the dermatological manifestations of internal malignancies are most impressive. Also included in each chapter is a differential diagnosis and a brief review of treatment options and prognoses.

The second section of the textbook addresses the techniques for evaluation, including biopsies, dermoscopies, and sentinel lymph node biopsies. This is followed by a comprehensive as-sessment of treatment options such as Mohs surgery, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, radiation, topical therapy, and vaccines. Skin cancer prevention and sunscreens are also reviewed.

The third and last section includes related issues such as photography, economic and medical legal issues, psychosocial aspects, and public awareness of skin cancer.

Each chapter of the book has a well delineated overview and summary. This contributes to the textbook being user friendly as a reference and easily readable. Each of the 55 chapters is well referenced. The authors are all respected experts in their field of specialty. I would like to compliment Dr. Nouri on the high quality of the photographs. These color illustrations enhance the value of this textbook to all specialties as a comprehensive reference on skin cancer.

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?

There is nothing better than being outside on a nice sunny day. However, with the sun comes the possibility of getting some form of skin cancer but could grape seed extract help prevent that? The research has been done and the purpose of this article is to see if it could help prevent skin cancer!

Did you know that over exposure to the harmful rays the sun puts out lead to at least one million new cases of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers each year. Researchers wanted to know if taking something as simple as this healthy supplement could help lower the number of these cases. To help answer this question the researchers turned to mice.

The researchers took a number of mice and exposed them to ultraviolet-light. They then divided the mice up into two groups. One group was given the chemicals found in grape seed extract and the other group was not. The scientist found that the group of mice given the extract developed a significant lesser number of tumors than those mice that were not given it. So why does this work?

The chemicals found in grape seed extract have a high level of antioxidants. These antioxidants help combat the oxidative stress that UV light induces. Oxidative stress has been shown to lead to skin cancer and since the chemicals in the extract seem to counter that, grape seed extract could prevent skin cancer. It is important to talk about the side effects of it as well.

While the research is still being conducted, most people who have taken the report no side effects at all. Other people have noticed mild side effects such as minor stomach aches or a little cough. The good news is that research is being done everyday and it most of it looks very positive.

The chemicals found in this supplement just could help prevent skin cancer and the research is there to back it up. There are also studies that show grape seed extract can help prevent and fight many other health conditions as well. These range from preventing heart disease and even preventing cancer. We are also seeing grapes being used as the backbone of many skin-care products. Could grape seed extract, taken in a pill form, have the same effect on your skin? It looks that is could be another benefit as well! Stay tuned...there is still more research to come!

The word cancer brings fear to all of us. We've all spent time in the sun as children, and never gave a second thought to it's effect on our bodies during that period in our active lives. As we mature and become adults, we are faced with the fact that all of those childhood hours in the sun can't be erased. Many of us will hear the words, "You have skin cancer," spoken to us by a doctor in the future.

Your doctor or another medical professional can give you a list skin cancer signs to look for on your body. Some of the larger medical schools and cancer institutions in the United States are now providing free skin cancer screening programs to the public in order to do research in this field with their students. In our large metropolis, there is such a school that has saved untold numbers of people from horrible scarring and even death by such screenings. If left undetected, some skin cancers may mutate and turn into deadly melanoma cancer. Contact your doctor and/or medical schools in your area to see if such research may exist. If not, learn the signs of different types of skin cancer and notify your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent noticeable scarring, and the risk of future problems associated with skin cancer.

Now, for a word of wisdom from all of the wonderful professionals I've had the unfortunate opportunity to have to speak with over the past few years. ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN! Check with your family doctor for the recommended types of sunscreen they feel are best for your family. If you are the parent of an infant, toddler or underage child, make sure they have sunscreen on before playing in the sun. Now, a few further words of wisdom for all of us adults who still do, play in the sun...ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN!

These symptoms may indicate presence of SCC-

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

A growing irritated or reddish patch and forms a sore.

A new skin growth that looking like a wart.

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

Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Cancer

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

Treatment of Squamous Cell Cancer

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

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

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

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

High Risk Groups

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

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

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

Causes of Squamous Cell Cancer

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

Other predisposing factors are:

Excessive exposure to radiation or X rays.

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

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

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

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

Signs & Symptoms of Squamous Cell Cancer

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

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

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

Although there are several types of skin cancer, the most common are melanoma, basal call carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Although melanoma is not found as often as other skin cancers, it is one of the most well known because it causes the most deaths related to skin cancer. Melanoma is hard to treat, with the most effective option being simply removing the part of the skin that is affected. However, this has to be done early in order to be at all successful. There are approximately 160,000 new cases of melanoma each year. Approximately 48,000 people die of melanoma each year. Melanoma can be caused by exposure to the sun. This is particularly significant if a person has had a bad sunburn during childhood. White males usually get melanoma more than any other group, and people living in sunny climates are at higher risk. There is also a genetic risk factor.
Melanomas are usually noticed by detecting a change in skin moles. If there is any change to the mole, this might mean that a melanoma is present. Individuals should check their moles to see if the size, color or shape has changed. They should also alert their doctor if a mole becomes itchy or starts to bleed. If a patient has a family history of melanoma, they should be examined by a doctor at least once a year as part of a preventative plan.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor of the epithelium cells. It occurs in many areas of the body besides the skin including the mouth, lungs and cervix. Squamous cell carcinomas make up about 20% of all skin cancer cases. It is most often caused by continuous exposure to sunlight over a long period of time. If an area is suspected to be cancerous, a biopsy will be done. If cancer is found, surgery will be done to remove the area.
The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. In the United States, there are approximately 800,000 new cases per year. It occurs most commonly in individuals who have fair skin and have been exposed to the sun. There is also a genetic component, as this cancer also occurs in areas which are not exposed to the sun. Luckily, basal cell carcinomas rarely cause death and can be treated successfully in most cases. They can cause disfiguration when the cancer is on the nose, lips, ears, or eyes.
If you suspect that you might have skin cancer, you should contact your doctor or a dermatologist to have the area examined. It is also a good idea to have your doctor check out your skin during your yearly physical.

Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers. When our body comes in the contact of sunlight there may be chances of skin cancers. and it results in sunburn and blistering. There are three forms of skin cancer:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma – This skin cancer may appear as a bump or as a red, scaly patch. It is the second most common skin cancer found in fair-skinned persons and is typically found on the rim of the ear, face lips and mouth.

• Malignant Melanoma – This is the most deadly of all skin cancers and it is estimated that 7,300 Americans die annually from melanoma. Like the less aggressive skin cancers, it is almost always curable when detected in its early stages. Excessive sun exposure, particularly sunburn, is the most important preventable cause of melanoma.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma – This skin cancer usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule, most often on the head, neck and hands. Occasionally these cancers may appear on the trunk as red patches.

Skin cancer is treated with an array of surgical procedures that are dependent on the need of the individual patient. Early detection and removal offer the best chance for a cure. The best defense against skin cancer is to avoid over exposure to sunlight (including tanning), which is the main cause of skin cancer, especially when it results in sunburn and blistering. Actually every one knows that we are facing problem of ultraviolet rays due to losing ozone layer in our atmosphere. And seek shade between 10am and 4pm when ultraviolet rays are the most intense and apply sunscreen.

If you are facing any kind of skin problem then you should go for dermatologist. So that they can diagnose your skin problem at time and give you treatment according to the problem.

Diagnosis of Basal Cell Cancer

A Doctor can often diagnose basal cell carcinoma on sight. However, formal diagnosis is essential, especially given the possibility of morpheaform BCC. A skin biopsy is almost always done to confirm diagnosis. A biopsy also determines the presence of a more aggressive form of skin cancer, such as malignant melanoma.

Treatment of Basal Cell Cancer

The treatment for BCC aims at the removal of the cancer, prevent the spread of cancer, and minimize any damage from treatment to nearby healthy tissue. Treatment options may involve removal of the entire skin growth with surgery, radiation therapy and drug treatment.

Because non-melanoma skin cancer usually grows slowly, it often can be detected and treated early in its development, which increases the chance of treatment being successful. Educating the patients about self-examination is important, as recurrence of skin cancer is possible.

High Risk Groups

People with light skin colour are more at risk of getting BCC, but BCC does occur in dark skinned people. Those who have a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of skin cancer are also at a much higher risk. The risk for BCC is high in people who have had kidney or heart transplants or in those who are immuno-suppressed due to other reasons.

Skin Protection

Limiting exposure to the sun and other sun protection measures such as use of sunscreen can help prevent the development of new skin cancers and may also help prevent skin cancer from developing in new areas.

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

Basal Cell Cancer is one the most frequently diagnosed skin cancers. It affects the basal cells, which are located in the bottom layer of the epidermis. Malignant cells proliferate excessively from the epidermis resulting in a tumor. The incidence of basal cell cancer increases with age. Almost all people diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma can expect to live at least another 5 years.

Causes of Basal Cell Cancer

It is one the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the main risk factor for developing BCCs. While its occurrence is more in older people, it is becoming more common in younger people even in their 20s and 30s.

Fair-skinned people have a much greater risk for BCC. Radiation treatments, as well as immune suppression, also increase one's risk. In western countries, those who use tanning beds also have an elevated risk for BCCs. People with several inherited disorders that manifest a greater sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, have an increased prevalence of BCC.

Signs & Symptoms of Basal Cell Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma is seen most often on the head and neck, but can affect any area.

The typical signs of BCC are:

An open sore that has not healed in three weeks and is oozing, bleeding or crusting.
A irritated patch of skin, especially on the face, neck, chest, arms, or legs.
Any new, smooth skin nodule (bump) with a raised border and indented center. Or a smooth, shiny, or pearly bump that looks like a mole or cyst.

A scar especially on the face, with a shiny look of tight-looking skin, and poorly defined edges.
Occasional BCCs can be pigmented (dark), particularly in darker-skinned individuals. In these cases, the tumors manifest the same signs of a non-pigmented variant, except they are brown instead of pink.

A fairly common BCC variant is superficial BCC. It rarely invades and is typically confined to the epidermis. It is seen on the trunk and extremities and appears as a red, scaly plaque, with crusting. Because of its similarity in appearance and slow growth, to that of eczema or psoriasis, it becomes difficult to diagnose.

A form of BCC known as morpheaform or sclerosing BCC causes a more aggressive lesion. It looks whitish, without a defined edge, and is firm to the touch. It may look like a scar and can blend in fairly well with the surrounding skin, thus escaping detection for years, while continuing to spread. When these tumors are removed, they are surprisingly larger than expected.

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