Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer is a malignancy in the skin and is the most common of all cancers. There are three types of major skin cancers, which are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type, develops in the basal, or bottom, layer of the epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the upper layers of the epidermis. Melanoma develops in the melanocytes, or pigment cells, which are the basal layer of the skin. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Skin cancers can grow in any part of the skin, however, most grow in areas that are exposed to the sun, especially the face, neck, hands, and scalps. Exposure to direct sunlight, especially in early childhood, is the major risk factor in getting skin cancer. People with pale skin are the greatest risk of skin cancer, particularly if their skin burns or freckles easily. A family history of skin cancer can also increase a person's risk. Another factor is a person's diet. A recent study found that patients on a diet of 20 percent fat had fewer precancerous growths and non-melanoma skin cancers than those who had a diet of about 38 percent fat. Early detection and treatment are the keys to survival
There are three major types of skin cancer which are all very dangerous, some more than others, however, if you are aware of the risk factors and symptoms then you should be all set. People with melanoma that has not spread throughout the body have a five-year survival rate as well, however, it rises to 94 percent. To confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer a doctor may perform a biopsy, by removing a small piece of the skin to examine under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells. However, the drugs can cause liver abnormalities, bone problems, fetal malformation, and other undesirable side effects. Both UV-A and UV-B contribute to sunburns, which can cause skin cancer, as well as premature wrinkling of the skin. The sunlight that reaches the earth's surface contains two ultraviolet radiations. There are also vaccines to reduce the reoccurrence of melanoma. One of the several surgical methods is usually used to remove cancerous cells. Another cause of skin cancer is indoor tanning parlors, which have the same ultraviolets as the sun, therefore, they should also be avoided. Skin cancer is a very serious and dangerous disease if not caught at an early stage. The only way to stay safe in the outdoors is to have hats, glasses, and cover yourself with clothing. If the disease is spread throughout the body organs then the five-year survival rate lowers again to 16 percent. Having sunscreen on helps, however, the ozone layer is so strong now that there is not to much that can prevent skin cancer 100 percent. People with melanoma have a five-year survival rate, which is 87 percent.
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