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Recognize Skin CancerPosted Tuesday, September 11, 2007 to MARKETSPACE > Skin Care Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine Holly O'Neill takes a look at three of the most common skin cancers. The simplest way to protect yourself from skin cancer is to be careful when you are out in the sun. Regular examinations of your skin and monitoring any suspect growths makes treatment easier. Seeing a dermatologic surgeon if any suspect growths occur allow for early diagnosis. A dermatologic surgeon is a physician who receives specialty training and experience in the use of a wide variety of surgical and nonsurgical procedures to treat the skin. Misdiagnosis of skin cancer can be fatal. Dermatopathology is a subspecialty of both dermatology and pathology. These specialists interpret skin biopsy specimens microscopically. The American Academy of Dermatology reports there will be about 1.3 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed this year and about 47,700 will be melanoma. Malignant MelanomaThe most serious of the common skin cancers is malignant melanoma. If treated early (while still flat and thin) the cure rate is about 95%; but if ignored and allowed to reach a lumpy stage, it can be fatal. Malignant melanoma often arises in a mole which has been present for some years. If a mole doubles its size in 3-6 months it is advisable to have it examined by a doctor. But if the growth of a lump is much more rapid than that, it is often an infection and can be treated by your doctor. Melanomas can also bleed and itch. It is important to monitor your skin, particularly any moles, and it is useful to have a friend examine your back and front every four months or do it in the mirror. Do not become over-anxious about minor changes, but see a doctor if your skin condition is concerning you. If a mole has any melanoma features, visit a skin specialist. It must be removed carefully and sent for analysis. Basal Cell CarcinomaBasalcell carcinoma (BCC)is the most common type of cancer. Though a patient who has had a Bee has a 60%chance of developing another in five years, Bees do not spread around the body and are rarely a threat to life Fair people who have had repeated sun exposure are more likely to develop BCCs than others, though the tendency can be inherited. There are different types of BCC: Nodular BCC is usually found on the head and neck in sun-damaged skin. It is a small pearly or gelatinous growth, sometimes pigmented or with small blood vessels on the surface. Superficial BCCs are often multiple, and found on the upper trunk or shoulders. They are slowly expanding pink or brown scaly patches. Morphoeic BCCs have an ill-defined edge and look like a waxy, thick scar.They are the most difficult of all BCCs to diagnose and get rid of. Squamous Cell CarcinomaSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin cancer. Like BCCs,the secondary spread of SCCs is uncommon and is rarely a threat to life. Also like BCCs, SCCs are commonly found in fair people with repeated sun exposure. They can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The lump can be red or may seem like an ulcer.They usually grow slowly over a couple of months. If a solar keratosis has become thicker or larger, it may have turned into an SCC. Some SCCs may also appear as sores that fail to heal. Skin Cancer Facts
Source: American Academy of Dermatology 0 Comments | Share | Save to Favorites Report Abuse| Rate It: Add Comment |