Archive for the ‘Skin Cancer’ Category

The most common form of cancer is skin cancer. Over one million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. About 60,000 of those people will be diagnosed with melanoma. Melanoma is the more serious type of skin cancer.

 Although melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer, it can be detected early and usually treated successfully. As with all cancers, early detection is the key to successful treatment.

 Skin cancer comes in three main types: basal cell, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell cancers seldom become life threatening. But melanoma can be life-threatening if it is not detected early enough to get proper treatment.

 Melanoma can be cured it if is detected and treated early enough. You need to learn to recognize changes in your skin so you can report these to your doctor quickly.

Melanoma begins in the cells that produce skin coloring or the protective pigment known as melanin. Melanin protects the deeper layers of skin from the sun’s harmful effects.  Melanoma cells usually continue to produce melanin which is why this type of skin cancer shows up as irregular dark splotches on the skin.

 Melanoma may suddenly appear without any warning signs, or it may start in or near a mole or dark spot on your skin. It is not uncommon that these cancers appear as tan, brown, blue or black splotches.

 Melanoma is the only skin cancer that commonly spreads throughout the body. Once melanoma spreads to the vital organs it becomes much more difficult to treat and cure. This is why it is so important to detect changes in your skin early and report these to your doctor. An easy tip for most to follow is to make a note of the color, size and locations of moles on your body. Also make notes of any changes you detect – then talk with your family doctor!

 I’m sure you’ve heard that early detection of cancer is the key to higher survival rates. Please check your skin for changes and report these to your doctor. You just might be saving your own life!

Why is it important to know the five signs of skin cancer? It is important to know them because once you know the skin cancer warning signs, you can save yourself from getting worse. And if you do not have the signs, you should learn how to prevent it. This article will tell you what the five skin cancer warning signs are and how to prevent skin cancer.

The Five signs:

• You see a sore or spot on your skin for more than a month straight without healing
• You see a spot or experience a sore that itches, hurt, scab, crust or bleeding more than a month
• You see or experience an area of the skin that ulcerates or broke down without any obvious cause and does not heal in a month
• You see a shiny pink or red lump on your face, scalp, ears, hands, shoulders or back
• You see pink lumps that may bleed easily and ulcerate. It is often found on the face, neck and limps

These are some skin cancer warning signs and when you know it, you should really get a treatment. However, if you are NOT seeing any signs that you are having cancer, it is always important to prevent it and save yourself and decrease the likelihood. We all know that prevention is better than cure. Read on to learn how to prevent yourself from cancer.
 
What can you do to prevent cancer?
 
Studies have shown that those who take Resveratrol have better skin health. Resveratrol is a food supplement that has helps many people in achieving a healthier and better health. It can also help one to lower their blood sugar level significantly. Resveratrol has also been featured in the Oprah program and on other TV programs as well. It is also perfect for anyone who wishes to lose weight. Read below to find out more about what are the health benefits of Resveratrol.
 
What are health benefits of Resveratrol:

• Increase lifespan
• Prevent likelihood of having cancer
• More athletic nature
• Radiation protection
• Reduce Neurodegenerative Disease

These are just some of the benefits of Resveratrol. Its ability to cure sickness and prevent cancer has made it really popular in the market. Do not wait for the skin cancer warning signs to show up, prevent it as soon as possible with the help of Resveratrol.

Skin cancer is a very dangerous and common diseases which can have many different causes. It can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common in skin that has been exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, hands, and arms.The most common skin cancers are basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma.

This disease represents the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer but unlike other cancers only a very small number of people die from it. There are a variety of different symptoms and different types have different symptoms.

• ulcering in the skin
• changes in the skin that do not heal
• changes in existing moles
• discolored skin
• Areas of the skin that are:
  • Scaly, bleeding, or crusty
  • Flat, rough, red or brown, and scaly.
  • Small, raised, smooth, shiny, and waxy.
  • Similar to a scar and firm

Signs of possible actinic keratosis are: Cracking or peeling of the lower lip and a rough, red, pink, or brown, raised, scaly patch on the skin. It is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of skin cancer, the risk of developing such a cancer can be reduced significantly with the following steps:

• avoiding sun exposure during the day
• wearing protective clothing
• reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation
• reapply sun block every 2 hours and after swimming
• using a broad-spectrum sunscreen

Basal cell carcinoma

It is the most comon type of this disease and it occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, most often the nose. Often this appears as a small raised bump that has a smooth, pearly appearance. Basal cell carcinoma may spread to tissues around the cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma

It occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, such as the ears, lower lip, and the back of the hands. Squamous cell carcinoma may also appear on areas of the skin that have been burned or exposed to chemicals or radiation. Often this cancer appears as a firm red bump.

Actinic keratosis

It is a skin condition that fortunately is not cancer but can change to squamous cell carcinoma. It occurs in areas that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, the back of the hands, and the lower lip.

Imagine spending lazy days under the sun, no thoughts on how to prevent skin cancer, swimming in the deep blue-green crystal clear waters, strolling barefoot on powder-like sand and your skin turning golden brown. “Perfect”, you might say but I say, “it’s far from perfect”. What’s wrong with such a holiday on the beach? For one thing, the sun emits dangerous ultraviolet radiation and your skin turning golden brown is not safe. The truth hurts but being baked alive results to harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation such as your skin produces free radicals. These free radicals are poisonous molecules that damage your skin’s collagen, cells and DNA.

Damage to collagen results to wrinkles and coarseness of your skin’s texture. And as you stay longer under the sun without using any protection, your skin’s natural defense mechanism weakens and leads to pigmentation. Over time, excessive sun exposure may cause damage to your cells and finally, skin cancer! A fun beach vacation is still possible as long as you know the 7 ways on how to prevent skin cancer and the other dangerous effects of ultraviolet radiation on you.

So how to prevent skin cancer? The single most effective way on how to prevent skin cancer is to completely stay out of the sun. But staying out of the sun is not that simple especially when you live near the equator where the sun is out almost all the time or when you love the outdoors. What to do then? There are 7 practical and effective steps on how to prevent skin cancer and in protecting yourself from the other harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. The 7 skin cancer prevention strategies:

1. Avoid the sun between 10am to 4pm. The UV rays of the sun are very intense and very harmful within this time frame. Try to go outside before 10am and after 4pm.

2. Always apply a good sunblock or sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection. Broad spectrum means it can protect you from deadly effects of ultraviolet radiation. For daily use (meaning you are inside a building between 10am to 4pm), a sunscreen with an spf of 15 is sufficient. However, for the climate in the philippines, a sunscreen of at least spf30 is required for everyday use. For outdoor activities, you need a sunblock with at least spf50 especially if you are in the beach or in an elevated area where the effects of ultraviolet radiation are more intense.

3. How to prevent skin cancer? Wear protective clothing. Light clothing will not give ample protection from the sun as ultraviolet radiation can penetrate light material. Clothing should be tightly woven.

4. Wear a hat with a wide brim as a wide brim provides better coverage for your face, ears and back of head and neck.

5. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. The sun can also damage your eyes causing cataracts to form. The best types of sunglasses are those which offer 100% UV protection, wrap around your eyes from side to side and have polarized lenses. These types of sunglasses may cost more but don’t scrimp. Remember, it is your precious eyes they are protecting and so, it’s worth the price.

6. Follow the shadow rule. The shadow rules says, “when your shadow is short, go and seek shade”. When the sun’s intensity is at its peak, your shadow appears shorter. During this time, do seek shade under an awning, a tree or an umbrella. But always remember that this is not a good step on how to prevent skin cancer because you are not fully protected.

7. Finally, drink lots and lots of plain water especially when you are out in the sun for a long time. No colas or other sugary drinks, please. The effects of ultraviolet radiation are not only felt by your skin and your eyes but also by your immune system. Follow the 7 strategies on preventing skin cancer and the other damaging effects of the sun and your beach holiday will be a lot more fun and safer.

You might not realize it yet, but exposing yourself unprotected to the sun can lead to different types of skin cancer. That stubborn itch or redness can be something more than just an irritation. It’s important that you arm yourself with the right knowledge, so you won’t have any regrets later on.

If you live in a tropical country, you have a greater chance of getting different types of skin cancer. Of course, this doesn’t automatically mean that countries located away from the equator are exempted. As long as you have skin and are exposed to the sun, it’s better to learn as much as you can.

1) Basal Cell Carcinoma

Among the different types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common. It starts from the basal layer of the skin-the deepest layer of your epidermis. You can just imagine how deep the sun’s UV rays can reach your skin!

While normally not dangerous, Basal Cell Carcinoma can take different forms. Sometimes, it can even be confused with psoriasis. This type of skin cancer normally occurs in sun-exposed parts of the body like the face and neck.

2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is usually found on sun-exposed parts of the body.

Compared to Basal Cell Carcinoma, this type has a higher risk of metastasis-the spread of a disease from one part of the body to another. Symptoms include ulcer, a reddish plaque and even cyclical bleeding from the tumor (usually on the lip). Squamous Cell Carcinoma can also lead to head and neck cancer.

3) Melanoma

Children, males and Caucasians have a higher risk of getting Melanoma. While considered one of the rare types of skin cancer, this accounts for 75% of skin cancer related deaths. Symptoms include moles that grow to 6mm, melanomas (usually black but can be multi-colored), asymmetrical skin lesion and irregular border of lesion.

These are the three different types of skin cancer. They are usually caused by overexposure to the sun or UV rays. If you are fair-skinned or are exposed to the sun for most of the day, don’t forget to slather on some sun block before leaving the house.

Skin cancer of the legs, ankles, and feet are some of the most overlooked cancers.

They are found in locations where most people consider skin cancers unlikely. Over 90% of skin cancers appear on sun-exposed skin, usually found on the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands, but an alarming number are also found in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Why does sun cause skin cancer? Overexposure to sunlight damages the top layer, or epidermis of the skin. The most dangerous skin cancer is called melanoma, meaning a tumor of pigment producing cells. Melanomas can spread early to the lungs, liver, and brain making it a rapidly fatal cancer. It is expected that something over 8,500 people will die from skin cancers this year! Most melanomas can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas occur commonly on the forehead, lips, and hands but they can be found on the arms hands, legs, and feet. These cancers can spread and early diagnosis and treatment is critical.

Basal Cell Carcinomas rarely spread to distant structures, but, if untreated, can destroy large portions of the face, scalp, nose, ears, and vast areas of skin. They can result in gross disfigurement if not treated early. Fair-skinned people are at greater risk for these cancers.

My heartfelt advice:

1. Please, have your moles and skin lesions checked. To put off doing so could be fatal. Ask your primary care physician or dermatologist to do a yearly skin check, all over. Don’t be modest about this. Your life could be at stake. I routinely check patients for suspicious moles and lesions on their legs, ankles, and feet. You need at least a yearly check-up with your podiatrist.

2. Use sun blocks to protect exposed skin, even in winter and don’t forget your legs and feet if they will be exposed!

3. Learn the ABCDs of skin cancer:

Asymmetry – The sides don’t match.

Border – It looks uneven or ragged.

Color – It has more than one color. These colors may have an uneven distribution.

Diameter – They appear wider than a pencil eraser. Also, look for ulceration, craters, donut-shaped edges, bleeding, or slow healing if the lesion is ulcerated. Any mole on the toes or the bottom of the foot is suspicious. If you notice a mole on a friend or family member that meets any of these criteria, gently encourage them to get it checked “to be safe”.

Today, skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancer cases in humans. There are over 1 million new cases each year. In addition, cancer is more prevalent each year, creating a serious concern amongst healthcare providers and consumers. The effects of time on the environment have created an effect of thinning the protective ozone layer, so that we receive the more strong ultra violet radiation, or UV rays at a higher rate. This is only going to continue to increase in strength until we find ways to stop the depletion of the ozone layer.

It has been confirmed by the U.S. National Institute of Health that exposure to UV rays is the main cause of basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. This cancer form represents over 90% of the skin cancer cases in the U.S. The people most likely to get this disease have light-colored or fair skin, have had excessive sun exposure over a number of years, and are older than 50 years of age. This does not mean that the damaging sun exposure occurred later in life, but that is when it typically converts to cancer. The good news is that this cancer type normally does not spread; in some rare cases, the cancer can develop where there has been little or no sun exposure: chest, back, arms, legs and scalp. However, it is most typically found on the hands and face.

Please be advised that where you live can also play a part in your risk of getting this cancer. If you live in a location where the sun is very strong you are more likely to develop skin cancer. For example, locations nearer the equator, like Australia, and South Africa, are known to have some of the highest rates worldwide, while in the United States, the southern states have a higher rate than the northern states.

What do I do to prevent getting skin cancer in my lifetime? For starters, note that your awareness of your body is key. You need to scan your body, or have a family member help you look for any signs of change in the skin pigment, or a sore that won’t heal or is growing. Skin cancer is always visible and causes changes in the skin. Please contact me to get a free consultation on lifestyle changes that you can implement to help stay healthy and lower the risk of disease.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer you may be uncertain about the treatment you will be getting as, even if you have already had your treatment options explained to you in detail by your doctor, you might still be confused by all the technical jargon that was thrown at you. It is also possible that you might not have been able to take in the information because of the shock following your diagnosis.

Below therefore is a brief description of just some of the treatments which may be used when treating skin cancer.

The specific type of treatment you will receive is going to depend upon several different things which include such things as your age and whether or not your cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

Your treatment may include surgery during which your surgeon may decide to remove the cancer itself together with some of the surrounding skin tissue. Just how much normal skin will be removed will be dependent upon the particular type of cancer found and how deep that cancer is. Usually an area of roughly one or two centimeters of skin from the surrounding area is removed.

As well as conventional surgery, some skin cancers can be removed by freezing using liquid nitrogen or removed with drugs like Imiquimod.

A more extensive type of surgery might be needed if a sentinel lymph node shows cancer cells after a biopsy of a suspect area. This type of surgery is designed to remove lymph nodes close to the cancer along with affected skin and is usually followed up with a course of radiotherapy.

A recent development in the treatment of skin cancer is what is referred to as immunotherapy cancer vaccination although research into this form of treatment is still under way and it is as yet not widely available. Chemotherapy may also be ordered if your skin cancer has spread into other areas.

There is no definitive form of prevention for skin cancer but there are a variety of things which you can do to reduce your risk of developing the disease and the most important yet frequently ignored is to keep your skin covered if you are out in the sun.

Every one of us, regardless of the type or color of skin you have should use a sunscreen which has a protection factor of at least 15. You should also wear sufficient clothing and remain in the shade as much as you can, particularly between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. By the same token, it is always advisable not to use sun beds and sunlamps as these too give off harmful rays.

Lastly, keep a check on your skin and pay particular attention to any changes in lesions and moles. If you notice any changes then you should visit your physician as quickly as you can so that treatment can be given

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer you may be uncertain about the treatment you will be getting as, even if you have already had your treatment options explained to you in detail by your doctor, you might still be confused by all the technical jargon that was thrown at you. It is also possible that you might not have been able to take in the information because of the shock following your diagnosis.

Below therefore is a brief description of just some of the treatments which may be used when treating skin cancer.

The specific type of treatment you will receive is going to depend upon several different things which include such things as your age and whether or not your cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

Your treatment may include surgery during which your surgeon may decide to remove the cancer itself together with some of the surrounding skin tissue. Just how much normal skin will be removed will be dependent upon the particular type of cancer found and how deep that cancer is. Usually an area of roughly one or two centimeters of skin from the surrounding area is removed.

As well as conventional surgery, some skin cancers can be removed by freezing using liquid nitrogen or removed with drugs like Imiquimod.

A more extensive type of surgery might be needed if a sentinel lymph node shows cancer cells after a biopsy of a suspect area. This type of surgery is designed to remove lymph nodes close to the cancer along with affected skin and is usually followed up with a course of radiotherapy.

A recent development in the treatment of skin cancer is what is referred to as immunotherapy cancer vaccination although research into this form of treatment is still under way and it is as yet not widely available. Chemotherapy may also be ordered if your skin cancer has spread into other areas.

There is no definitive form of prevention for skin cancer but there are a variety of things which you can do to reduce your risk of developing the disease and the most important yet frequently ignored is to keep your skin covered if you are out in the sun.

Every one of us, regardless of the type or color of skin you have should use a sunscreen which has a protection factor of at least 15. You should also wear sufficient clothing and remain in the shade as much as you can, particularly between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. By the same token, it is always advisable not to use sun beds and sunlamps as these too give off harmful rays.

Lastly, keep a check on your skin and pay particular attention to any changes in lesions and moles. If you notice any changes then you should visit your physician as quickly as you can so that treatment can be given

Skin is the largest organ of your body. It functions as the protector of body from the heat, cold, UV radiation, and bacteria as well as regulates our body temperature. As it is very essential for our body, we should take care of our skin’s health and prevent ourselves from cancer.

Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the outer layer of the skin. It is one that has the potential to cause death. This disease is the most common diagnosed cancer in the world. It is found that nowadays, young people are the most diagnosed skin cancer. Before we talk about how to prevent this illness, it is better we understand first about the types and the main cause. There are three types of skin cancer. From the light to the highest death risks, the types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Taking the proper pre-cautions is essential to prevent yourself from those kinds of cancer.

There are some ways that you can do to prevent yourself against this disease. First, you can use sunscreen with at least has SPF 15 or higher. It is a very effective product to prevent your skin especially when you are doing outdoor activity. Second, avoid doing outdoor activity in midday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. because in these hours, the sun ray is causing the highest risk to damage your skin. Third, keep yourself in a steady place where you don’t get direct sunlight. Next, you have to protect your children from the sun because it is found that the exposure on sunlight in childhood is one of the factors of skin cancer. The last is that you have to wear protective clothing when you go outside to direct sunlight. The clothing will cover your skin and it is an effective way to reduce the risk of this fatal illness.

Applying the above ways of preventing skin cancer may reduce your risk from being diagnosed from skin cancer. It’s better preventing than curing. So, take good pre-cautions for your skin’s health and get a healthy skin.