Skin cancer is commonly believed to be a non-life threatening type of cancer.
There could be nothing further from the truth. According to the National Cancer Institution, skin cancer is defined as a disease in which cancer cells are located in the outer layers of the skin. To better understand why this type of cancer is so deadly, you need to understand why your skin is so important and what it does.
Skin, is the largest organ in the body. It protects you from infection, injury, heat and light. Your skin protects your vital organs and also stores water and important vitamins such as vitamin D. When the skin is overexposed to the sun, it loses its protection and sunburn occurs. Without your skin you would not be able to survive. This article will explore your personal risk factors, precautions, symptoms and proper treatment and diagnosis of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer and the Environment
The number of skin cancer cases has increased in recent years. The main reason for this is that the reduction of ozone in the earth’s atmosphere. Because of this reduction, the level of UV light today is higher than it was in the 1950’s. Without the proper protection from the ozone we are more exposed to higher levels of UV light. If you live in an area with high elevation your chances of developing skin cancer are increased due to the strength of violet light in elevated places. The atmosphere is thinner in mountainous areas and can’t filter these rays. The nearer you are to the equator the stronger the rays of the sun will be. Countries such as Chile and New Zealand have a higher UV level.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are different types of this disease. The most common are basil cell and squamous cell. Basil cells account for the majority of the cases. Basal cell cancer is a slow growing type of the disease that is most often found in patients over age forty. Squamous cell cancers account for approximately thirty percent of cases. Squamous cell cancer usually starts with a pre-cancerous lesion that appears scaly. This lesion often appears at the site of old burns and other skin problems and irritations. The most serious type of skin cancer is melanoma. Melanoma spreads quicker than squamous cell or basil cell cancer and tends to attack the lymph nodes. This cancer is most treatable when found early. The key with all types of skin cancer is early detection.
People at High Risk for Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is most often found in people with light skin, light eyes and individuals that freckle easily. Obviously this means people of certain ethnic backgrounds are more likely to develop skin cancer. For example; a fair haired, blue eyed Irishman would be more at risk than an African- American brown eyed man. This is not to say that this is the only relevant risk factor that needs to be examined. Exposure to sunlight for extended periods of time and in climates where the sun is more intense puts everyone at risk. A sunburn increases your chances by as much as 50% over your lifetime. Your family history can also play significant role in this diseases development.
Skin Cancer Prevention and Precaution
Here are some suggestions for eliminating your risk factors:
- Know your family history
- Stay out of the sun between the hours of 10-3 PM
- Avoid tanning beds and other artificial light
- Wear clothes that cover sensitive areas, such as a visor for face protection
- Apply sunscreen when you are going to be out in the sun even for a short period of time. Begin applying at least 15 minutes prior to initial sun exposure. Look for a sunscreen with SPF-15 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Your sunscreen should contain at least one of these ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobezene. Reapply every couple of hours.
- Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes. Not all eyewear are equal. You will need eyewear that contains UVA, UVB and blue light protection.
- If you are fair skinned and or light eyed take extra precautions. Individuals with European heritage are at higher risk than other groups. If you are freckled or have lots of moles be aware that you are at greater risk
- Do not be fooled by an overcast day. Some of the worst damage is done when it is overcast. Always apply sunscreen each day.
- Wear sunscreen in the water and avoid long exposure while in the pool. Remember to reapply after you get out of the water.
- Avoid exposure in small babies altogether. Babies under 6 months should not be exposed.
- Most individuals receive the greasiest damage while under 18 years of age. Use adequate protection on children.
- Remember if you live or are traveling nearer the equator the sun is much stronger. Be sure to take extra precautions.
- Perform self-checks once a month. Use a mirror to see your back and other areas that are not readily visible.
- Regular check ups with your skin doctor for changes in skins appearance.
- Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer
- Change in color of mole. This includes: Moles that were once light brown or dark brown and are now a mixture of shades. Another warning skin is a mole that has patches of red, white or blue mixed in.
The size of the mole should be less than 6 millimeters to check on the size of a mole, place a pencil eraser over it. If you can see the mole you may want to check with your physician. This is a test that can be done on a regular basis to check the size and to see if there is any new growth.
- A mole that is growing
- A new mole
- A mole that is asymmetrical in shape.
- Moles with borders that are jagged, blurred or notched.
- Bleeding or oozing from a mole
- A mole that feels itchy or hurts when you touch it
- If a mole appears lumpy, hard or swollen
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Most of the time, a doctor can visually see if a mole is cancerous. If your doctor is unsure he will send a biopsy to the lab for proper diagnosis before beginning treatment.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cancers type and location.
Surgery
There are several type of surgery. The following is a list of the most commonly used.
- Mohs surgery- Involves removal of tissue. A pathologist usually performs this.
- Cryosurgery-Involves the freezing of cancerous tissue through the use of liquid nitrogen.
- Electrosurgery-Involves thermal destruction of cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Administered in topical form, this type of treatment is mostly used in older patients that can’t tolerate surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Used most often in patients with larger cancers where surgery may not be possible.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and not meant for diagnosis or treatment.
