Skin Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells reproduce abnormally, usually as a result of regulation mechanisms that fail to keep cell development under tight control. Cancerous cells divide and form collections of abnormally developing cells, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to tissues throughout the body. Skin cancer can be successfully treated when caught early enough, but cancers left untreated can lead to death. Skin cancers are often divided into two general groups malignant melanomas and non-melanoma cancers. Skin cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells are found in the outer layers of the skin. The epidermis layer of the skin contains three kinds of cells. The most serious kind of skin cancer is called melanoma. All three types of skin cancer are on the rise but most skin cancers can be prevented by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and by paying attention to suspicious changes in your skin. If caught early enough, most skin cancers can be successfully treated.

Most of those cells are squamous cells. Cells near the bottom of the epidermis are called basal cells. The cells that provide pigment (color) to the skin are known as melanocytes. Skin cancer is more common in people with light colored skin who have spent a lot of time in the sunlight. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common in places that have been exposed to more sunlight, such as the face, neck, hands, and arms. Skin cancer can look many different ways. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won't heal. Sometimes there may be a small lump. This lump can be smooth, shiny and waxy looking, or it can be red or reddish brown. Skin cancer may also appear as a flat red spot that is rough or scaly. The skin is the body's largest organ. It protects us against heat, light, injury, and infection. It regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The two most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Causes of Skin Cancer

Find common causes and risk factors of Skin Cancer :

• Non melanoma skin cancers are more common after age 40. Thus, it affects mainly to old aged peoples.
• If there is a history of skin cancer in your family , you are probably at a higher risk.
• Having many moles , freckles or birthmarks may also indicate the occurrence of this disease.
• Sunburn can damage your skin, and this damage can lead to skin cancer. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important factor in the development of skin cancer.
• Occupational exposure to coal tar , pitch , creosote , arsenic compounds , or radium may also cause skin cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Large brownish spot
• A simple mole that changes in color or size.
• A waxy bump , may also be seen in skin cancer.
• A large brownish spot with darker speckles could occur in skin cancer.

Treatment for Skin Cancer

Treatment may include:

• It is often used as a treatment for skin cancer. There are several types of surgery depending on the stage and location of cancer.
• Immunotherapy of melanoma involves injecting a medication to boost the body's own immune system, helping it to slow the growth of the cancer.
• Laser therapy: This may also help by using a narrow beam of light to remove cancer cells.
• Topical Chemotherapy : is done directly onto the skin rather than being given by mouth or injected into a vein.
• It is an effective remedy for skin cancer, with high-energy rays (such as x-rays) to kill or shrink cancer cells. The radiation may come from outside the body or from radioactive materials placed directly in the tumor.