Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three common types of skin cancer, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises. Cancers caused by UV exposure may be prevented by avoiding exposure to sunlight or other UV sources, wearing sun-protective clothes, and using a broad-spectrum sun screen.
Skin cancers are the fastest growing cancers in the United States and in the USA represent the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2007.
Skin cancer is most closely associated with chronic inflammation of the skin. This includes:
sunburn or excessive sun damage,especially early in life. UVA & UVB have both been implicated in causing DNA damage resulting in cancer. Sun exposure between 10AM and 4PM is thought to be most harmful. Natural (sun) & artificial UV exposure (tanning salons) are associated with skin cancer.
chronic non-healing wounds, especially burns. These are called Marjolin's ulcers based on their appearance.
genetic predisposition, including Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Syndrome. CMNS is characterized by the presence of "nevi" or moles of varying size that either appear at or within 6 months of birth. Nevi larger than 20 mm (3/4") in size are at higher risk for becoming cancerous.
skin can be protected by avoiding the sunlight. Skin cancer is usually caused by exposing skin to UV rays excessively.
Signs and symptoms
There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms. These include sores or changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcers in the skin, discoloration, and changes in existing moles.
Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Sometimes small blood vessels can be seen within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor frequently develops. It is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal.
Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. When SCC is not treated, it may develop into a large mass.
Most melanomas are brown to black looking lesions. Signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole. The appearance of a new mole during adulthood, or new pain, itching, ulceration or bleeding of an existing mole should be checked.
Treatment
Most skin cancers can be treated by removal of the lesion, making sure that the edges (margins) are free of tumor cells. The excisions provide the best cure for both early and high-risk disease.
For low-risk disease, radiation therapy and cryotherapy (freezing the cancer off) can provide adequate control of the disease; both, however, have lower overall cure rates than surgery.
Moh's Microsurgery is a technique where the cancer is removed with the least amount of surrounding tissue and the edges checked immediately to see if tumor is found. This provides the opportunity to remove the least amount of tissue and provide the best cosmetic surgery, especially when excess skin is limited, in areas such as the face. Cure rates are equivalent to wide excision. Special training is required in this technique.
In the case of disease that has spread (metastasized) further surgical or chemotherapy may be required. (Greenfield's Surgery 4th ed.)
2007-06-25 06:36:46
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answer #1
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answered by J_wind 2
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When cancer forms in the cells that make pigment it is called melanoma.When it forms in cells that do not make pigment,it may begin in the basal cells or squamous cells.Skin can can occur anywhere but is most common in areas exposed to sunlight.With melanoma,Surgery is used as the primary treatment.They can do local excision,wide excision.Local excision is when the melanoma and a small amount of surrounding tissue is removed.Wide excision is the same except sometimes lymph nodes are taken.After the surgery sometimes skin grafting has to be done.If the melanoma is advanced,chemotherapy or radiation may be used.For non melanoma skin cancers,simple excision,shave excision,as well as Mohs microsurgery, cryosurgery and laser surgery can be used.Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can also be used for these cancers also.To get checked,call a dermatologist.
2007-06-25 06:53:04
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Nearly 8 years ago I had a bleeding mole.. they removed it and sent it to be biopsied and days later it came back it was melanoma so they go in and hope to get all the margins (deeper layer of skin) and that will tell if / how deep the cancer could be.. if it doesn't come back as melanoma it could be a basil cell cancer - a wake up call -
If the melanoma has spread it hits the closer organs - stomach, lymph nodes - lungs, liver - you will be given a stage -
and treatment options will vary due to that -
Go see your MD if they can't do the full body check they will send you on to a specialist to keep an eye on all moles that seem "odd" or new or changed shape/color.
2007-06-25 07:40:18
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answer #3
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answered by kelly e 7
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Skin cancer CAN be removed, doctors can do it multiple different ways.
The most used way is my laser precision cutting removal, which cuts off the piece, removing the cancer. You can get a full body check to make sure it isn't coming back in 3-6 months. I feel your pain, I have/had have skin cancer twice now. Don't worry though, it is fully treatable, but it CAN COME BACK!
2007-06-25 06:31:08
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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basal cell skin cancers are cut out. After, you simply wait for the wound to heal.
melanomas are never removed, or the cancer will spread, those must be treated with chemo therapy and radiation. Melanoma often leads to metastasis and death.
See any doctor or nurse in a health care setting to get a skin check.
2007-06-25 06:32:50
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answer #5
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answered by essentiallysolo 7
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Of course not, especially now if he's really your everything as u say. I don't know much about skin cancer. But I do believe he needs you more than ever right now. Stay together you'll soon see past that.
2016-03-14 07:24:27
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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I do agree with your point that skin cancer is the fastest growing disease, so it is important to check your body whenever you feel any problem. A regular visit with doctor can help you a lot. Visit skincancerclinic.net.au
2014-10-14 20:05:20
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answer #7
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answered by skincancer 2
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