does any one know the affects of skin cancer?

Question

well ive been in the sun a lot the past summer and i think i have or might have skin cancer does any one know the affects? i will go see a doc but first i want to see if i have it first

Answer 1

Hi,

Don't waste any time, you should see a Dr. as soon as possible.

Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor.

* any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth
* scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule
* the spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
* a change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain

Here is a link to a good website that will also give you reputable information: http://dermatology.about.com/cs/beauty/a/suneffect_2.htm

I prey you don't have any cancer, and I wish you well.

Answer 2

Basal and squamous cells are the most common non melanoma skin cancers. A basal cell rarely spreads inward but can be very disfiguring if left untreated or if located somewhere like an eyelid, tip of nose or top of the ear. Squamous cells are 2nd most common and grow more quickly than a basal cell. Squamous have a very small but statistically significant chance of spreading when not treated promptly and if they metastasize the cancer remains treatable but not curable. Most small squamous cells are easily cured with excision followed by curettage and cautery. Only a biopsy and pathologist exam can definitely determine if a suspected lesion is cancer or not.

http://www.dermnetnz.org/procedures/curettage.html

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer in that they often spread inward quite soon after becoming malignant, in which case you have a serious problem. Here is the NIH web page for skin cancers and you can look at some pictures of various skin cancers. Remember they often use worst case scenario photos for these web pages so if you think you have a skin cancer you don't want to wait around until the growth is as bad as the photo because that is asking for real trouble. See a dermatologist soon. Good luck and in the future remember your hat and sunscreen.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001442.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/skincancer.html

Answer 3

There are many kinds of skin cancers, most of which will not kill you. Skin cancer is the fastest growing type of cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 62,190 new cases of melanoma in the USA this year. Some 7,910 will die from the disease. Squamous cell carcinomas start in the top layer of skin. If left untreated, it can cause a lot of problems, (i.e. having to have skin grafts, etc.) but it won't kill you. Basal cell carcinomas start in the lower layers of skin. This type of skin cancer if left untreated causes the same problems as Squamous cell, and again, it won't kill you. Melanomas start in the cells that produce melanin and gives the skin its pigment. There are many types of melanomas, for example, there are melanomas that won't kill you. But Malignant Melanoma spreads to other organs, so if it is not treated early there can be a bad outcome. The only way to remove large skin cancers is to cut them out surgically. If they are small, it can be treated in other ways. So I would urge you to seek the attention of a Dermatologist as soon as possible, just to improve your chances of a good outcome in case you do have skin cancer.

Answer 4

Most skin cancers are harmless and can easily be removed, but melanoma can be very serious. You should not wait! Early detection and staging is crucial. If you are found to have melanoma get other docs opinions because they are behind the times.

Answer 5

I had malignant melanoma when I was 24. They cut it out and luckily we caught it early and I did not have to have radiation or anything. Scary stuff. See a doctor ASAP.

Answer 6

Don't waste time...make an appointment with your dermatologist today. The dermatologist will assess your risk and examine your skin for anything that looks suspicious. Suspicious areas will be measured, photographed, and possibly biopsied. Please go as soon as you can.