Skin Condition » Skin cancer

Skin Cancer Signs and Symptoms
It is estimated that over 1 million new cases of skin cancers occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. Skin cancers develop most commonly on sun-exposed skin including the backs of the hands and arms, upper trunk, face, nose, lips, ears, lower legs, and the hairless scalp. They much less commonly involve the nail bed, bottom of the feet, and the genital areas. Skin cancers are most common in people with lighter skin tones. There are three common skin cancers -- basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Actinic keratoses are referred to as "pre-cancers." The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal.
The term "skin cancer" refers to three different conditions. From the least to the most dangerous, they are:
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and accounts for more than 90% of all skin cancer in the U.S. These cancers rarely spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. However, they can cause damage by growing and invading surrounding tissue. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun plays a major role for this type of skin cancer. In the United States, for example, the skin cancer is more common in Texas than it is in Minnesota, where the sun is not as strong.Self-examination and regular physical examination has been recommended for people at higher risk.
Skin biopsy is the standard diagnostic tool for diagnosis skin cancer.
At present,the treatment goal is to remove or destroy the cancer completely with as small a scar as possible. There are many ways to successfully treat a basal cell carcinoma with a good chance of success of 90% or more.


Prevention
•    avoiding unprotected exposure to the sun during peak radiation times (10.00am-15.00pm)
•    wearing broad-brimmed hats and tightly-woven protective clothing while outdoors in the sun
•    regularly using a waterproof or water resistant sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection and      SPF 30 or higher
•    undergoing regular checkups and bringing any suspicious-looking or changing lesions to the attention of the doctor
•    avoiding the use of tanning beds

                                                   

                                                               

Basal cell carcinoma