Skin Cancer

A detailed Summary of 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

Although skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, it is also the most curable, especially when it is detected early. One of the several surgical methods is usually used to remove cancerous cells. In some cases, the doctor's will destroy tissue through the application of intense cold, cyrosurgery. In advanced cases, the surgical removal of the tissue coupled with radiation, chemotherapy, or both may be required. A class of vitamin-based drugs called retinoids, have been shown to reduce the number of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. However, the drugs can cause liver abnormalities, bone problems, fetal malformation, and other undesirable side effects. There are also vaccines to reduce the reoccurrence of melanoma.

As an end result to skin cancer, which is a very common disease, you should stay out of the direct sunlight even when you have sunscreen. 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. The only way to stay safe in the outdoors is to have hats, glasses, and cover yourself with clothing. Also have had protection on your skin as a young child because skin cancer develops throughout many years. There are three major types of skin cancer which are all very dangerous, some more than others, however, if you are aware of the r

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Category: Science