SOAR Cancers Material
Skin Cancers Text
There are three types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of the three types. Cells just below the surface of the skin become cancerous, causing a tumor to develop that often becomes an ulcer. The cell damage is usually the result of long-term exposure to strong sunlight, but it can be years before skin cancer develops. The ulcer grows slowly as it destroys the tissue at its edges. Unlike many malignant or life threatening growths, it does not spread to other parts of the body until a long time after it forms.
A small, flesh-colored lump appears on the skin when basal cell carcinoma is present. The face is a common site, especially next to the eye or nose. In about six weeks, the lump becomes an ulcer with a hard border and a moist center that might bleed. Scabs might repeatedly form over the ulcer but never heal.
Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes but it does cause local tissue destruction and disfigurement if neglected. Untreated, it will grow relentlessly and destroy nearby body parts such as an eye or ear. Death rarely occurs from this type of skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma can be prevented by using a sun block lotion and by wearing protective clothing such as a wide brimmed hat when exposed to the sun. When this type of cancer is diagnosed by a physician, it is removed using any of the following procedures: conventional surgery, laser surgery, cryosurgery, destroyed with a cautery device, or destroyed by radiation. All of these methods share high success rates.
Following treatment, patients should be checked regularly for two years because a small percentage of these cancers reoccur and must be treated again. Moreover, people with skin cancer are at higher risk for more skin cancers in the future.
In squamous cell carcinoma, underlying skin cells are damaged. This leads to the development of a life-threatening tumor that can spread throughout the body. The main cause is many years of exposure to strong sunlight.
A firm, fleshy, hard-surfaced lump is apparent with squamous cell carcinoma. The lump can look like a wart or an ulcer. It appears most commonly on a place constantly exposed to sunlight such as the ears or hands. Those most at risk live in sunny areas, have light skin, and are middle aged or older.
If the cancer reaches an advanced stage, it might metastasize. If this happens, the outlook is poor and death can occur. Fortunately, treatment is effective is the problem is detected early.
Squamous cell carcinoma can be prevented by using a sun block lotion and by wearing protective clothing. People who develop a lump that does not heal in two weeks should see a physician who is likely to biopsy the suspected tumor. Most cancers are removed through conventional surgery or cryosurgery. Most patients are completely cured if treated early. Regular checkups are recommended for five years to be certain the cancer does not reoccur.
Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer because it often metastasizes and spreads throughout the body. Changes in underlying skin cells that produce melanin, skin coloring pigment, cause a malignant tumor to develop. This type of cancer develops from pigment cells in a mole present since birth, in a mole developed later, or in what looks like ordinary skin.
Thus, a melanoma can develop on any skin surface. It usually begins as a flat spot or bump with some black or brown pigment visible. In addition, other colors such as gray, blue, red, and white are present. Occasionally, melanomas are asymmetrical and the edges are jagged rather than smooth. They are usually greater than a ¼ inch in diameter.
Malignant melanoma is becoming more common but it is still the least common type of skin cancer. Its increase is probably due to the popularity of sunbathing because the condition is most prevalent among middle-aged people that live in sunny areas.
Early diagnosis is essential, otherwise it will spread quickly and the outlook is poor. Of course, malignant melanoma is preventable by using a sun block lotion and wearing protective clothing while in the sun. However, if symptoms develop, one should see a physician immediately. If melanoma is present, a surgeon will remove it along with surrounding normal skin and nearby lymph nodes.