Skin Cancer
SKIN CANCER
Skin cancer affects more than 500,000 people each year, of which about 6,000 die. At highest risk are fair-skinned redheads or blonds, and those who spend a large amount of time working out in the sun. Blacks are least sucseptible in that they have more melanin in their skin. However, no one is “free” from acquiring skin cancer.
There are three types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma are similar to the layer of cells that are found between the epidermis and the dermis. Accountable for 75 percent of all cancers, they frequently recur in the body. This disease is now being seen more than ever in young people, especially those under 40.
Squamous cell carcinoma resemble the middle and upper layers of the skin. They frequently spread quicker than basal cell cancers and move to other parts of the body. About 20 percent of skin cancers are squamous cell.
Malignant melanoma is a more dangerous but less common form of skin cancer. Formed from cells called melanocytes, malignant melanoma produce a dark brown or black pigment called melanin. This form of cancer metastasizes more often than the other forms. It accounts for only 5 percent of skin cancer cases, but 75 percent of deaths.
Skin cancer is predominately caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and is thus the most common form of human cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Most skin cancers can be prevented by taking precautions, and, if found early, most can be treated.
The best way to detect skin cancer early is to examine your skin often. Become familiar with your skin and any moles, freckles and beauty marks you have. Take note of any changes in shape, size, number, and color of pigmented areas by doing monthly skin exams. Any unusual findings should immediately be reported to your doctor.
In addition, protect yourself by wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and wear protective clothing when exposed to direct sunlight. It is also wise to avoid extended exposure to sunlight from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun gives off the most ultraviolet rays.
There are several methods for treatment of skin cancer. The four main methods are surgery, radiation therapy, electrodesiccation (tissue destruction by heat), or cryosurgery (tissue destruction by freezing). A combination of these four methods is sometimes used to treat the cancer.
The prognosis for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma is positive with early detection. The outlook is not as positive with malignant melanoma. However, with proper protection and frequent exams, many skin cancers can be reduced and possibly eradicated.