Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a condition that develops as a result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. This prolonged exposure then causes the skin cells to grow in a rapid, out of control way ultimately leading to the formation of a cancerous tumour on the skin. Approximately 60,000 people in the UK develop this condition each year. However, what many people do not know is that not all skin cancers are the same. There are actually three different types; Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma. In this article article I will be discussing these three in greater detail.

1) BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC):- This is the most common form of skin cancer and accounts for 75% of all diagnoses. As the name suggests it begins when the process of cell division goes wrong in the basal cells of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and a cancerous tumour forms. This tumour often looks like a red ulcer on the skin which may bleed, crust or itch and is often given the nickname 'rodent ulcer'. Basal cell carcinoma typically appears on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun such as the arms, legs and face. Although it is the most common type of skin carcinoma it rarely kills. However, it can disfigure the skin if left untreated for a long period.

2) SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA:- This type of skin cancer accounts for between 15% and 20% of skin cancers. It begins when the squamous cells of the epidermis start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way which ultimately leads to the development of a cancerous tumour. This tumour often resembles a hard red lump or a flat, scaly, scab like area. Like BCC, squamous cell carcinoma often appears on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun and rarely kills. However, if left untreated it can spread to other areas of the body.

3) MALIGNANT MELANOMA:- This type of skin cancer represents less than 10% of diagnoses. It develops in melanin producing skin cells called melanocytes. Malignant melanoma begins when the process of cell division goes wrong in these melanocytes and they start to divide and multiply uncontrollably leading to the development of a tumour. This tumour has a large, brown mole like appearance and can appear on your arms, back, leg or face. Although it resembles a mole there are subtle differences, Malignant melanomas are often a different colour to normal moles and they are often larger and more uneven. Unlike BCC and SCC, this type of cancer is very dangerous if not treated quickly and accounts for the majority of skin cancer fatalities.

I hope this article has given you an insight in to this type of cancer. Whilst skin blemishes and odd looking moles may be non-cancerous they are a cause for concern. If you notice anything suspicious on your skin which does not disappear within a month then you should go see your doctor immediately. Early detection is a key element in the successful treatment of skin cancer and so it is far better to take the time and get yourself tested.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Skin cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Skin cancer is contracted by approximately 60,000 people in the UK each year. It is normally caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light which makes the process of cell division in your skin malfunction. As a result your skin cells start to multiply in a rapid, out of control way leading to the formation of a cancerous tumour which usually appears as a blemish on your skin. Fortunately, most of these cancers are very treatable if caught in the early stages. In this article I am going to be discussing three of the possible skin cancer treatments that are available to you.

1) SURGERY:- This is the most common treatment for this type of cancer. Smaller tumours can normally be removed under local anaesthetic. However, larger tumours may require a skin graft which involves the cancerous skin being removed and then replaced with a layer of healthy skin taken from another part of the body. If the cancer has spread beyond the skin and to the lymph nodes (glands that help the body get rid of unwanted bacteria) they may also have to be removed through surgery. This type of treatment has few side effects but may result in some permanent scarring of the skin depending upon the size and position of the tumour.

2) RADIOTHERAPY:- This type of treatment involves using high energy radiation beams to shrink or kill any cancerous cells. It is normally used as an alternative to surgery as it can treat the skin cancer without any scarring. Radiotherapy may also be used following surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the chances of the cancer returning. Although radiotherapy does not result in scarring there are a number of negative side effects including a feeling of sickness similar to the flu, general tiredness and hair loss in the affected area. However, these side effects are generally temporary and will stop once the radiotherapy treatment ends.

3) CRYOTHERAPY:- This type of treatment involves freezing the cancerous cells using liquid nitrogen. It is most effective for early stage skin cancers and may not be possible with more advanced cancers. If this treatment is used the affected skin will scab over and after about a month this scab will fall off. Cryotherapy is a very low risk procedure but there is a small risk of scarring or infection on the area of skin that is treated.

Although skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK it is highly treatable with the success rates being particularly high if it is discovered in the early stages. Therefore, if you notice any unusual skin blemishes that have been there for a while go see your doctor right away. It may turn out to be nothing but if it is an early stage cancerous growth your chances of successful treatment will be much higher if you get it diagnosed now instead of leaving it to grow.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Skin cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Around 60,000 people contract skin cancer each year. It begins when your skin cells start to grow in a rapid and out of control way. This then leads to a malignant (cancerous) tumour forming on your skin. Whilst exposure to sunlight is the leading risk factor for this type of cancer there are others too. In this article I will be discussing three of the main skin cancer risk factors.

1) EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET (UV) LIGHT:- As I mentioned above this is the main risk factor for this type of cancer. The reason for this is that UV rays cause damage to the DNA in your skin cells increasing the chances of cell division going wrong and cancer forming. Sunlight contains UV rays so prolonged exposure to the sun through spending a lot of time outdoors can increase your risk. Sunbeds and sunlamps also emit high doses of UV light and so make you more likely to develop this condition.

2) LIGHT SKIN:- People who have light skin are more likely to develop skin cancer because their skin offers less protection from UV rays. Those with very light skin that goes red or freckles in the sun are most at risk, especially if they were heavily exposed to UV rays from an early age. Contrastingly people with dark skin are much less likely to develop this condition because their skin contains a melanin pigment which offers protection from UV rays.

3) GENETIC FACTORS:- There are a number of genetic factors that can increase your chances of contracting this type of cancer. First, having two or more family members that developed skin cancer is thought to increase your risk. Secondly, having blonde or red hair makes you more likely to develop this disease. Thirdly, people with blue eyes are thought to be at a greater risk than those with other eye colours. Finally, people with a large number of freckles or moles on their skin are thought to have a greater chance of developing this cancer.

Unlike other cancers you have full control over many of the risk factors linked to skin cancer. Long term exposure to UV rays makes you more likely to develop this condition especially if you have light skin, blonde or red hair, blue eyes or lots of freckles and moles. Therefore, if you know you are going to be out in the sun for long periods take the necessary precautions by covering your skin and wearing sun cream. If your genetic features make you an even higher risk for this type of cancer then make sure you take shelter regularly and avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays when you can. If you take these precautions you should be able to reduce your skin cancer risk.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Skin cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.