The Skinny on Cancer Skin

Of the many types of cancer one may suffer from, it is cancer skin that is predominant in the United States. In fact, about one in three new cancer cases is diagnosed with skin cancer in US where it is predicted that about a million Americans were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2007.

Skin cancer is characterized with a malignant growth on the outer layers of the skin. As it is clearly visible, skin cancer is usually detected at its early stages and thus, has a better chance of getting treated. Skin cancer is linked to over exposure to the sun for long periods while it is the high influx of UV rays in the atmosphere that increases the risk of cancer.

Cancer skin is broadly classified into:

• Basal cell carcinoma which is the most common form of skin cancer. It is associated with a hereditary factor and does not spread in the body. It remains confined in its starting point where surgery or topical chemotherapy is effective options for its treatment.
• Squamous cell carcinoma may attack both the outer skin and internal organs. Its cause is once again, excessive exposure to sunlight, along with other factors.
• Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer where if not treated early can be dangerous. However, fortunately, it is the least prevalent form of skin cancer.

Besides these three types of cancer skin, the other uncommon forms of skin cancer are Merkel cell Carcinoma, Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans and Kaposi’s sarcoma.

The common symptoms of cancer skin are incurable changes in the skin, ulcers and sores and discoloration and changes you find in existing moles.

• Swollen, pearly and smooth bumps on exposed parts of the body are symptoms of basal cell carcinoma where you may find occasional vessels in the tumor. Sometimes crusting and bleeding in the tumor develops and is mistaken for an incurable sore.
• Exposed skin show reddening, scaling and a thickened patch to suggest squamous cell carcinoma. There may be ulceration and bleeding, and if not treated properly, a large lump may form in the affected area.
• Brown or black lesions depict melanoma. Any changes in size, shape, elevation or color of moles should be investigated as it may signify melanoma.

Cancer skin treatment:

• Skin cancer in the early stages can be cured with radiation therapy or cryotherpay. However this option is not as successful as surgery.
• Elimination of lesions where edges are free of tumor cells is an effective treatment for both early and high risk skin cancer.
• Skin cancer in areas with limited excess skin like the face is best treated with Mohs microsurgery, where the smallest quantity of tissue is removed.
• Cancer skin that has spread has to be treated with chemotherapy or further surgical procedures.

Some of the Skin Cancer Signs

Skin cancer is a form of cancer that manifests itself in different ways and signs. The most common of skin cancer signs is a change in the skin like growths or sores that don’t heal. If you find lumps that are smooth, shiny or waxy looking, or is red or reddish brown in color, it is better to visit the doctor to find out if you are suffering from skin cancer as early as possible.

Red spots that are rough or scaly are other skin cancer signs that should be shown to the doctor when in doubt. As skin cancer can start from or near a mole, make it a point to have your health care provider check all unusual moles that seem to be larger than others, have different colors or have irregular edges. This is because these are all signs for skin cancer.

Skin cancer signs are listed as the ‘ABCD’ warning signs of melanoma where:

• Asymmetry means that one half of the mole does not match the other half.
• Border irregularity where the edges of the moles are ragged, blurred and notched.
• Color where you find irregular pigmentation in the moles of your body. There may be moles in shades of tan, brown or black with a mottled or splotchy appearance.
• Diameter where you find the width of the moles to be more than 6 millimeters, or the size of a pencil eraser. Abnormal growth in the mole should be reported and investigated.

The other signals for skin cancer are usually mottled, light brown to black and flat blemishes having irregular edges. These moles may turn red, blue or white and may also bleed or crust on its surface. The earliest skin cancer signs for squamous cell carcinoma are skin growths called actinic keratosis.

These are small and scaly spots that develop on the parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. They usually start as small, red and flat spots that grow large, scaly and thick like a wart and usually form on the face or back of hands.

The other signs you should keep an eye out for are:

• Changes in color or shape in existing moles, or moles that start to bleed or ooze.
• Moles that grow into unusually large size.
• Sores on the mole that heal very slowly.
• Blood blisters which you find under toenails, which develop on its own, and not because of a blow.
• New moles that develop after the age of 30. People usually get moles within the age of 30s; new moles that start after it have to be studied and investigated.

These skin cancer signs can be identified and declared skin cancer only by your doctor. So if you find any of these skin cancer signs, make sure that you consult your doctor to find out the next step to be taken.