Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer, with over 1 million new cases annually. Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your skin. There are three types of skin cancer, because the skin contains three types of cells.

1. basal cell carcinoma (or basal cell carcinoma epithelioma)
2. squamous cell carcinoma
3. melanoma

The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer, these cancers almost never spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. They can, however, cause damage by growing and invading surrounding tissue.
Skin cancer is more common in people with light colored skin who have spent a lot of time in the sunlight. It can occur anywhere on your body, but most often in places which have been exposed to more sunlight, such as your face, neck, hands, and arms. The people most likely to get skin cancer are those who easily burn, never tan, and are fair with red or blonde hair, green or blue eyes and .

Sun exposure is not the main cause of skin cancer, but during sun exposure mutations will inevitably be induced by UV radiation, and a proportion of them will start the long winding path towards skin cancer.
You can protect yourself from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation by using sunscreens and avoiding going to the beach between 10 am and 4 p.m. Sunscreens prevent skin cancer and you should use them frequently, applying it liberally and uniformly. Try to buy sunscreens with the highest Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The sun protection factor (SPF) measures the length of time a product protects against skin reddening from UVB, compared to how long the skin takes to redden without protection.
Skin cancer is diagnosed after an examination of the skin growth or lesion under a bright light. A biopsy may be taken. Like other types of cancer, skin cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed early and treated promptly and appropriately. Usually it may be removed by one of several methods including excisional surgery, curettage-electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy, or by Mohs micrographic surgery.

Skin cancer sites

• The Skin Cancer Foundation - Learn how the great things you buy can help support The Skin Cancer Foundation. … A forum for MDs and scientist to receive the latest skin cancer …
• Introduction to Skin Cancer - General information and links. Includes the UV index for several cities.
• MedlinePlus: Skin Cancer - Specific Conditions; Eyelid Skin Cancer (American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and … Related Issues; Golfers and Skin Cancer (American Cancer Society) …
• The American Academy of Dermatology - The American Academy of Dermatology is committed to advancing the science of medicine and surgery related to promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, …
• Skin Cancer and Benign Tumor Image Atlas - Contents - A skin tumor image database from the Loyola university dermatology medical education network.

Tags: skin+cancer, cancer, skin