Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer; it is a harmful, malignant growth on the skin affecting about 1 million people annually. It can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburns or long-term exposure to Ultra-violet rays of the sun.
The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. It can occur in three forms - Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. Here is some general information in identifying, diagnosing, and preventing or treating them.
Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common form of skin cancer; and it almost never spread to other parts of the body. However, it can cause damage by growing and invading surrounding tissue. It usually begins (mostly in the face) as a small, dome-shaped bump and is often covered by small, superficial blood vessels. It grows slowly, taking months or even years to become sizable.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: It usually appears on the face, lips, or rims of the ear. It begins in the Squamous Cells that are found in the tissues forming the surface of the skin, linings of the hollow organs of the body, and passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Can grow quickly, form into large masses, and spread to other parts of the body, substantially destroying the skin. Appearance of reddish or brownish wart-like lesions or nodules on parts of the body like the forehead and cheeks, as well as the backs of the hands, are potential signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Melanoma: It is the most serious form of skin cancer because it tends to spread throughout the body quickly. It begins when certain cells in the skin called melanocytes (also called moles) become malignant. A melanoma cancer may itch, ooze, or bleed, but it usually does not cause pain. Change in the texture (hard, lumpy, or scaly), symmetry, border, color, and expansion in diameter of the mole are sure signs of Melanoma.
The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. If any of these symptoms crop up, it is best to undergo a biopsy (the standard form of diagnosis) under the care of a reputed pathologist immediately.
It is best to prevent than to undergo a curing process. Since skin cancer is commonly caused by the harmful UV radiation of the sun, it is best to use SPF (Sun Protection Factor) sun-screen lotions and creams having SPF 30 or higher, and at the same time avoid unprotected exposures to the sun.
As regards treatment, Curettage and desiccation, Surgical Excision, Radiation Therapy, Cryosurgery, Mohs-Micrographic surgery, Chemotherapy, and Biotherapy or Immunotherapy are the options for removing cancer from the skin.