Which is Which? The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer

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!

Vital Skin Cancer Symptoms

Statistics shows that there is one American dies every 65 minutes and an estimate of 60,000 people worldwide dies annually due to skin cancer. The figure is rapidly increasing for everyone is prone to skin cancer. Even Though, this is treatable but people awareness of the disease is low. This is caused by too much exposure to the sun which emits ultraviolet radiation. It commonly develops on areas such as scalp, head, shoulders and arms which are sun-exposed. But, it can also grow anywhere even on not ordinarily expose to the sun area of the skin. Light skin toned people have higher risk of acquiring skin cancer but in some cases dark-skinned people are also likely to acquire it.

Fortunately, even on early stages, this is highly detectable. One can have a preliminary self check-up on his skin and detect suspicious lesions or moles. Once, an unusual mole or lesion is detected, the health provider can confirm on the earlier stage and place early treatment as well. With this, there is about 100% rate of curability. It is also important to know on what stage the cancer is to plan its treatment well. Generally, it is done through biopsy. Biopsy is done by taking a sample tissue to the cancerous area. The sample is then examined through the aid of microscope by a pathologist.

There are several types of skin cancer. One is basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer and looks like a sore or a waxy, red bump on the skin as showed on the picture. Though, it grows slowly, but it can spread and affect other tissues. Another form of skin cancer is Squamous cell carcinoma. It looks like a red patch or lumps on the skin and also grows slowly. Both of these types have the size of about 1 centimeter diameter or smaller on its first stage. If the diameter reaches 2 centimeters, the cancer cells are on its stage 2 and about to affect other organs, bones and ligaments. So, it is best to treat it before it reaches the next stage.

Melanoma is the most fatal type of skin cancer for it rapidly affects the other organs and travels through the lymph system. It is oftentimes mistaken as a mole. But unlike moles, it is changing, multicolored and has irregular shape. It has a thickness of 2 millimeters on its first stage. The thickness of melanoma continually grows. In the picture, the thickness of the melanoma is between 2 and 4 millimeters and is now on stage II. On this stage, the cancer cells are still confined in the skin but anytime will spread beyond the skin.

A Solution to Skin Wrinkling

For all those who dread going old and wrinkly, there is hope yet, as they may see a cure for their wrinkles during their lifetime. Skin wrinkling is an age old concern that has even been documented by our ancestors. This need to stop aging explains the marketplace mania that follows the release of any anti-aging/anti-wrinkling product. Researchers now have proof that they have the power to reverse skin aging and fade age spots as well as sunlight-induced freckles and macules. They found that tretinoin, which belongs to vitamin-A related compounds, known as retinoids, and other antioxidants such as beta carotenes are the key to slowing aging; both photo ging as well as metabolic skin aging that is oxygen-dependent.

Although, tretinoin has been talked about as an anti-aging cure recently, it has been long sought for people seeking smoother and younger skin. It was as early as 1971 that the FDA approved it as treatment for severe acne. This is when reports started coming out from users that it not only cleared their acne but also seemed to reduce their wrinkles considerably. But it was only recently that researchers conducted human studies that determined the fact that tretinoin helped improve the appearance of photodamaged skin dramatically. The new research suggests that a new age has dawned, where wrinkles can be erased.

A doctor at a Medical Center in Ann Arbor, who has been treating patients with tretinoin for more than an year, says that even after discontinuation of the drug, the benefits are seen on the skin for a couple of months. However, there has been some severe skin irritation noticed, during the early stages of treatment. Dermatologists are of the opinion that this is a natural side effect and it is through this irritation that the drug imparts the soft and pink glow after its use, and the benefits of the drug are most pronounced after the initial period of irritation.

As to the question of what exactly tretinoin is doing to the skin, researchers have found that it is working by stimulating new growth of tiny blood vessels, which may be helping with the regeneration of damaged skin cells. Given the nature of today's generation who insist upon using tanning lotions and spending hours on the beach, damaging their skin; it has become inevitable for dermatologists to perform the impossible - the feat of fixing ravaged skin.

Although, there is a whole lot of enthusiasm related to tretinoin, as of now it is only approved for treatment of acne and will take time to get approval as an anti-aging and anti-wrinkling drug. They also say that tretinoin may help prevent skin cancer too. All we can do is wait in eager anticipation for it to be approved and go on the market shelves drug stores and beauty shops.

Time To Learn The ABC's Of Melanoma

In case you were not aware, melanoma is one of the various forms of skin cancer that a person can come down with. While basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, melanoma is the most dangerous in terms of mortality. Melanoma has achieved this dubious distinction because all the different forms of melanoma cause 3 out 4 skin cancer deaths. If you recall from high school anatomy and physiology, melanocytes are the cells within the skin that produce the skin coloring pigment known as melanin. When these melanocytes go "haywire", the cancer known as melanoma sets in. So what exactly causes the melanocytes to develop into skin cancer. While the answer is not completely clear, it is more than likely due to:

having a compromised immune system
being exposed to cancer causing chemicals
a family history of melanoma
having multiple birthmarks
fair or freckled skin
unsafe use of tanning beds
extended periods out in the sun without protection
multiple episodes of blistering skin due to sunburn
consuming immuno-suppressant medications
geographic location, such as living near the equator or at high altitudes

While this list is extremely extensive, several entries on the list appear to have a common denominator that can be combatted with common sense. You must use adequate sun protection on your exposed skin surfaces when venturing outdoors. Some lotions and creams only protect you against UVA, or the tanning rays. Others, will protect you against UVB, the burning rays. The best varieties will protect you against both. If possible, avoid the midday sun from 10am to 2pm as this is when it is most intense. If you must go outdoors or if you are of the sun worshiping "type", be sure to apply your lotion before going out and re-apply it every two hours.

The best protection against getting any form of melanoma is prevention. Be sure to examine your skin regularly and be on the lookout for any signs that trouble might be brewing. To help you in this regard, many skin experts use the ABCDE system for detecting a problem.

A stands for asymmetry. Is the mole appearance symmetric from side to side (good) or does each side look different (bad)
B stands for borders. Are the borders of the lesion defined (good) or undefined and irregular (bad)
C stands for color. Is the color the same throughout the mole (good) or are their various colors showing (bad)
D stands for diameter. A smaller diameter than one-quarter inch (good), greater than one-quarter inch (bad)
E stands for evolving. Be on the lookout for changes in shape, color, texture, or some other sign that the mole or lesion is evolving (bad)

If you find out that you have melanoma, quick detection can be your best friend. A dermatologist may be able to remove the affected tissue with a simple excision. If it has spread beyond a simple ablation, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery might be indicated.

Finding A Good Facial Cancer Physician

If you've recently been diagnosed with skin cancer on your face, never feel that you are alone or that there is no escape. Now, you may be wondering what the next step is, especially if you've been dealing with a disfiguring malignant growth that's affecting your self-confidence. The first thing you should do is find an experienced facial cancer physician.

Finding a Good Doctor
Most facial cancer physicians are dermatologists with specialized training in this area of health. They are experts in diagnosing and treating this type of disease. Before you finally get to the appropriate doctor you may first have to see your internist or your primary care doctor. These days most insurance companies require that you see your primary doctor before you can go on to the one you really need. If your insurance doesn't require that, or if you pay out of pocket for all your health expenses, then you can see a specialized doctor as soon as possible. So how can you find the right doctor for you for this type of condition? Your primary care physician can refer you to good a dermatologist. You can even find a doctor in your area by searching online. There are tons of reviews, testimonials, and even extended stories from patients online. In fact, that's how many people find a doctor now.

You can also schedule a consultation with a potential dermatologist. They'll examine your skin to determine what stage you are in. A consultation gives you an opportunity to see how you feel about a doctor and determine whether you want to see them again.

How They Can Treat Cancerous Cells

There are several different treatment options. A good facial cancer physician considers:

- The type of melanoma
- Where it's most aggressive at (how deep it has spread over your face)
- The stage it's in
- Your overall health

After evaluating your skin, your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment. In most cases surgical treatment is needed. Here are the types of surgery for cancerous cells that are contained to that particular area:

- Excision
- Mohs Surgery
- Curettage and electrodessication

More complex surgeries include:

- Immunotherapy
- Cryosurgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Radiation therapy

A good facial cancer physician will carefully evaluate your health in order to make the best decisions for you. They'll be available to walk you through the treatment process and will be open to considering what you want even if they don't agree. These are a few things you should consider if you are looking for a good doctor or even hesitant on whether you should find a new doctor.

Skin Cancer - You Need To Be Aware Of The Dangers

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, with doctors diagnosing it in about one million Americans each year. It usually presents itself as a red scaly area that is tender, a pimple that doesn't heal, or as a spot that just looks different on your body.

This cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. Malignant tumors form when some skin cells grow abnormally.

This particular cancer is responsible for less than 1% of all cancer deaths. Lifetime exposure to the sun's UV radiation is why it usually appears after you reach the age of 50.

However, this cancer is on the rise among young people between 18 and 39. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that the rates of skin cancer have grown among young women and men in the last 40 years, despite an increase in knowledge.

With the exception of breast cancer, women age 40 and under are more likely to develop the more serious form, melanoma, than they do most other invasive cancers. For men, it is more common than prostrate, lung, or colon cancers. Melanoma, although more rare, it is very aggressive and can spread to other organs of the body very quickly. It affects about 50,000 people in the United States yearly.

Signs of this rare cancer appear as dark brown or black patches and have irregular edges. It can be multi colored with shades of blue, white, or red. Melanoma appears in less than 5% of all skin cancers, but is the cause of most deaths. Early detection is very important. Treatments typically include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. Early detection and proper treatment, before it penetrates the skin, raises the survival rate to 99%.

Skin cancer can be prevented by avoiding risk factors, particularly exposure to ultraviolet radiation of the sun. This cancer is serious and is the most-diagnosed cancer in the U.S. You need to pay attention to all of your skin, even the skin you can't see. Prevention practices included consistently using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, including shirts and hats; and avoiding excessive sun exposure during midday hours. The Skin Cancer Foundation's seal of approval can help you choose a highly effective brand. Get the most out of your sunscreen by choosing one with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher. Skin cancer is a very real risk, and most people think it can't happen to them. It can, and does happen very often. You must take steps to help prevent it happening to you.

5 Melanoma Facts Which You Must Know

It is widely known that melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers. However, people are still not well familiar with important facts about this condition. At the same time, this information is extremely valuable and may help to save lives. Get better informed now so that you can start taking better measures for protection without delay.

It is among the most common types of cancer in young people.

Melanoma typically holds the first or second place in the national charts for the most widely spread types of cancer in the age group from 15 to 39. It is also among the deadliest types affecting young people. Given this, young people as well as older adults need to take adequate measures for prevention including regular mole checks.

Frequent sunbed use increases the risk of melanoma.

The regular use of sunbeds, typically more than 10 times a year, can increase the risk of developing this type of skin cancer by as much as 74%. This is because the UV radiation produced by these facilities penetrates the skin much more deeply compared to the rates of the sun. As a result, it causes greater damage to the skin cells. Your best bet is to stay away from sunbeds.

Clothing does not offer full protection from the sun's UV rays which cause skin cell damage.

It is true that clothes made from light tightly woven fabrics in light colours provide some protection, but it is not complete. That is why your best bet is to seek the shade between 11 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon. If this is not always possible, you should apply sunscreen even on areas of the skin which are covered by clothing. Just let the cream or lotion get fully absorbed before you put your clothes on.

Cancerous growths can appear anywhere on the skin.

It is a huge misconception that melanoma can develop only on the parts of the body which are most exposed to the sun's radiation. Cancerous growths can appear on the inner side of the thighs, on the buttocks, on the genitals and on the soles of the feet even though they are usually found on the back and the front part of the legs. When you perform a self-exam, you must check every inch of your body.

Malignant growths resemble closely common moles.

This is the main reason why they may go unnoticed for a fairly long time. You should keep a close eye on your skin and on any new growths, especially if they develop quickly. You must get frequent mole checks performed by a dermatologist as well.

Take all necessary measures to lower your risk of melanoma.

Take advantage of an advanced dermatological method for prevention and early detection of Melanoma. Protect yourself and your family in the most effective way.