Skin Cancer

Skin cancer the abnormal growth of skin cells most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. While skin cancers can be found on any part of the body, about 80 percent appear on the face, head, or neck, where they can be disfiguring as well as dangerous. Some form of skin cancer is diagnosed in more than 1 million people in the United States each year. But this common form of cancer also can occur on areas of the skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells are found in the outer layers of the skin. There are several types of cancer that originate in the skin. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are slow growing and highly treatable, especially if found early. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It affects deeper layers of the skin and has the greatest potential to spread to other tissues in the body. The epidermis layer of the skin contains three kinds of cells. 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. If left unchecked, these cancer cells can spread from the skin into other tissues and organs.

Skin cancer is the most common of all human cancers. Perhaps because of our love for the sun, skin cancer is being reported more frequently every year. Skin cancer is categorized as one of two general types, melanoma and non-melanoma . There are four types of melanoma and two common types of non-melanoma cancer. They are superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) , nodular melanoma (NM) , acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) , and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM ) These types are the most common skin cancers, and BCC occurs more frequently than SCC. Although BCC and SCC are often treatable, malignant melanoma has a fatality rate unparalleled by either non-melanoma type. Early detection is important to increase the chance for successful treatment. Many experts suggest a monthly self-exam, especially in high-risk individuals (e.g., patients who have a history of skin cancer). After or during a bath or shower, the skin (including the underarms, the backs of the legs and feet, the skin between the buttocks, the genital area, the soles of the feet, the spaces between the toes, and the scalp) should be examined in a bright room with a full-length mirror. The location, size, shape, number, and color of all familiar moles, birthmarks, scars, and blemishes should be noted, as well as any new or unusual changes in the skin. Because BCC rarely invades and spreads, it is rarely life threatening; however, early detection and treatment is necessary to mimimize tissue destruction and scarring.

Causes of Skin Cancer

The common Causes of Skin Cancer :

People with light-colored skin, hair, and eyes are more prone to get affected by skin cancer.
The rays of the sun are strongest near the equator, So people living there are more prone to this disease.
Occupational exposure to coal tar , pitch , creosote , arsenic compounds , or radium may also cause 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.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Some Symptoms of Skin Cancer :

A scaly or crusted growth on the skin
Any lesion bigger than the top of a pencil eraser.
A central depression with crusting and bleeding (ulceration) frequently develops.
Itchiness, tenderness or pain associated with lesion.
Pearly or waxy bump on the skin of your face or neck.

Treatment of Skin Cancer

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.
Photodynamic therapy uses a certain type of light and a special chemical to kill cancer cells.
This may also help by using a narrow beam of light to remove cancer cells.
It is often used as a treatment for skin cancer. There are several types of surgery depending on the stage and location of cancer.
Uses a skin graft to replace skin that is damaged when cancer is removed.
Biological therapy tries to get your own body to fight cancer by using materials made by your own body, or made in a laboratory, to boost, direct, or restore your body's natural defenses against disease.

Nails Care

Anychia
Clawing of the Nails
Clubbing
Discoloration of the Nail Plate
Ingrowing Toe Nail
Koilonychia
Longitudinal Striations
Loss of Nail Plate
Onycholysis
Paronychia
Pitting of Nail Plates
Pterygium
Thickening of Nail Plate
Transverse Ridges

Disclaimer : All information on www.removeacne.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.