Skin Cancer Causes, Treatments and Effects

Skin Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer with about one in five Americans being affected each year. The incidence of the cancer of the skin has been recorded to have risen over the years with the increase in the level of risk factor and carcinogens in the environment.

Though there are three common form of skin cancer; the Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma, the first two are not very serious and can be treated and cured easily. The third type, Melanoma, the cancer of the melanocyte is the most severe of the lot and causes the most number of skin cancer associated death around the world.

What are the main causes of Skin Cancer?

.Exposure to sun

The number one cause of skin cancer is the over exposure to the Ultra Violet rays of the sun or any other sources. The time of exposure, the intensity of the UV rays and whether or not the skin was protected (with clothes or anti sun creams) all decides the chance of getting skin cancer in the long run.

.White skin

White skinned people are more prone to cancer of the skin than the darker skinned ones, and the difference comes due to the level of naturally occurring sun protecting pigment in the skin; melanin. Melanin pigment which is high in dark skin protects it from the harmful rays of the sun thus saving it from cancer. But dark skinned men too, do have a chance of the disease though comparatively less.

.Exposure to carcinogen

Certain chemicals like arsenic, tar, nicotine and oil are found to elevate the change of getting skin cancer. Though these come under skin carcinogen, only long term exposure is found to trigger the disease in many cases.

.Family history'

The genetic makeup and the family history can also contribute to the occurrence of skin cancer. Having someone in the family affected with skin cancer increases the chance of getting the disease.

Besides all these risk factors, there are still many factors that might cause skin cancer or elevate the chance of it.

How can skin cancer be treated?

There are a number of approaches to treat skin cancer depending on the severity of the disease and where it has affected. Early and proper diagnosis of the disease helps to treat it better and more effectively. The different approach towards effective treatment includes

.Surgery

Non melanomas cancer or tumour can be completely removed by different surgical approaches being followed today. Cryosurgery, simple excision, dermabrasion, laser surgery are among the surgical techniques that effectively removes the cancerous skin tissue.

.Chemotherapy

Inter venal or oral chemotherapeutic treatment targeted specifically on the cancerous cells can treat the cancer by either killing the cells or arresting their cell division capability. Cancer of the skin is also sometimes treated by applying the chemotherapeutic medicine on the affected skin in the form or creams or ointments.

.Radiation Therapy

The two forms, external or the internal radiation therapy may be used for the treatment depending on the type of cancer. Depending on the type of skin cancer and how much it had advanced, either form of the therapy is chosen.

.Photodynamic therapy

This is a more novel method to treat cancer and has little effect on the normal healthy tissue. Here photoactive drugs are given to the patient and these drugs specifically bind to the skin cells which are cancerous. When laser light is shone on the patients affected areas, the drug becomes active and kills off the diseased cells leaving of the normal cells.

What are the effects of Skin cancer treatment?

Different approaches towards the treatment of skin cancer have proven to be very effective in removing the tumour and controlling the cancerous growth. But as in every other cancer treatment, these treatment too comes with a few side effects.

Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue in the skin can result in a lifelong scar on the body. and sometimes even an expert surgeon cannot assure a cent percent zero scar removal of the cancer.

Chemotherapeutic treatment using creams and ointments can cause inflammation in the area of application. The inflammations caused in some people are so severe that they might have to discontinue the medication and switch to other treatment scheme. Chemotherapy can also cause nausea, vomiting and hair loss in the patients undergoing the treatment.

But after all the patent will be in gain undergoing the right cancer treatment on time, coz it will get rid of the most serious problem of all 'Cancer', set aside the smaller side effects coming with it.

Best sunless tanning lotions

Did you know that sunless tanning lotion can make you look stunningly gorgeous? For real, yes! And that is even safe compared to sun bathing. But why is it in trend? Is it simply because nearly everybody is mindful about the greater risk of getting skin cancer while staying outdoors for sun tanning? Well, that's one clear reason. But aside from that, sunless tanning lotion is not just proven safe but also cost-efficient. You heard it right - cost-efficient.

A lot of us are after with self satisfaction, and that self satisfaction is always tough to obtain. We tend to switch from one product after another - most especially if we're not contented with its quality and even its price. That's why we always shop around for best offers we can perhaps acquire. We always need to stand out, when it comes to beauty; we always want to be stunningly gorgeous. With sunless tanning, it's definitely a dream come true!

Sunless tan comes in different methods and with the help of different sunless and safe tanning products. And of course, each product offers benefits and features - disadvantages is a big no-no. You can undoubtedly say it's worth it with sunless tan lotion.

There are several sunless tan lotions available in the market, and there are best products as well. Safe and sunless tan can be done at your convenient time and place. It doesn't require too much preparations and all you have to do is purchase a sunless tan solution and apply it all over your body. But do you know that sunless tanning lotion present healthy benefits?

Sunless tan lotions are used for the purpose of effective tanning. This can satisfy those who are after with healthy glowing skin. This can also help maintain the moisture and smoothness of the skin.

Some of the best sunless tanning lotions have amino acid in it. Amino acid is good in maintaining and increasing the number of melanin in your skin, chiefly in your whole body. Do you know that tanning lotions with amino acids can keep your skin from looking younger? Of course, yes! In fact, it gives stunning effect to persons who are using this kind of sunless tanning lotion - and can even provide a natural tan effect on their skin.

There are various types of tanning lotions and they even come in different shades for different types of skin. Other essential components in these types of lotions are hempseed oils and aloe vera. These components can protect your skin as it strengthens.

One of the best tanning lotions tans immediately right after it is applied and has no streaking odor or orange color. It is also non-comodegenic and you can control your shade, and even eliminates the risk of skin cancer. It leaves no sticky feeling as most of them dry immediately and non-greasy.

A sunless tan solution is originally designed for delicate face area. It is also designed to create stunning and golden tan for your entire body and prevent the pores from clogging. And here's the catch, after it is applied, it will soon leave the skin soft and supple with a natural looking glow on your skin.

About Author: Be stunningly beautiful with the best Sunless Tanning.What's more interesting than getting your own free sample of the safest Tanning Lotions ever and look like a celebrity.

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Skin Cancer and Melanoma

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged, for example, by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Between 95 and 99% of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to the sun.

Types of skin cancer:

1) Melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer

2) Non-melanoma skin cancer.

a) Basal cell carcinoma

b) Squamous cell carcinoma

Skin cancer comes in two forms, melanomas and non-melanomas. Melanomas usually account for only four percent of diagnosed skin cancers, but they are considered to be the most deadly.

There are four stages of melanoma that classify the severity of this skin cancer. Each stage pertains to the thickness and the amount that the melanoma has spread. When the stage of melanoma has been diagnosed, it is then possible for the doctors to determine the best type of treatment. In this article, we will discuss what the different stages of melanoma signify.

Stage 1 of melanoma is thin and the epidermis usually appears scraped. This stage of skin cancer is subdivided into two other categories. These additional categories describe the thickness of the tumor. Stage 1a is less than 1.0 mm and has no ulceration. Stage 1b is less than 1.0 mm but has ulceration. It is also considered to be in stage 1b if it is 1.01 – 2.0 mm even if it does not involve ulceration.

Ultra violet radiation emanating from the sun accounts for the majority of skin cancer. It is therefore one of the leading causes of skin cancer. UV rays, the other name for ultra violet radiation are said to come from the sun. The sun’s energy is made up of two components which are the visible and invisible rays.

Skin cancer prevention is preached by medical professionals all over the United States. This is no surprise given that the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation reported more than one million Americans were diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in 2005.

Preventing skin cancer is often associated with older generations, but today you see more teenagers and young adults spending excessive amounts of time in the sun. Without the proper protection, our society could see a surge in skin cancer diagnosis.

Basel cell carcinoma

Many people fear the words skin cancer, and with good reason as it the fastest growing type of cancer. In recent years it has surged past lung, prostate and breast cancers as the most common type. Even in the United States alone it is estimated that over a million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer each year.

Skin cancer is in essence a malignant growth in the epidermis layer of skin. The fact that a tumor of some sort grows makes it one of the more easily identifiable forms of cancer, and should be caught early enough to treat because of it. There are three main forms of skin cancer; basel cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Of the three types malignant melanoma is the most serious, and accounts for almost fifty thousand deaths around the world each year, this is in no small part due to the fact that it can spread to other bodily organs.

Basel cell carcinoma is normally identified by a small and smooth lump in the skin, and crusty red spots. Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms include a firm red lump. Both versions are relatively easy to treat although malignant melanoma does require surgery to remove discolored moles, as well as chemo and radiation treatments. Treatment though is not without dangers and is no guarantee that skin cancer will not return at some future date.

It is evident that there has been an increase in the number of cases of skin cancer being diagnosed in recent years. This has been put down to an increase in the number of people wishing to tan themselves in artificial booths and in the more natural surrounds of the hot holiday destinations. It should be fairly easy to reduce the numbers of diagnosed skin cancer, reversing trends back to the figures of even twenty years ago. It could happen with simple education and warning people about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation. The dangers of the sun can be easily avoided with the wearing of appropriate clothing and the use of sun screen.

Skin cancer has the possibility to become a major killer worldwide, and a great deal of education needs to occur in the next few years otherwise it could overtake many any other diseases as a major killer. Like many disease though it can be prevented to a large degree and as long as identified early enough it can be successfully treated.

Manuel Wiggins is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about skin cancer [http://preventskincanceronline.info/skin-cancer-2] visit Prevent Skin Cancer Online [http://preventskincanceronline.info] for current articles and discussions.

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Skin cancers

Melanoma is one of the worst skin cancers in the world. this is just a video for a project in school, so please ignore the randomness of it

The Causes and Symptoms of Melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor predominantly found in the skin but can be found elsewhere, especially the eye. The vast majority of melanomas originate in the skin. Melanomas are the most lethal form of skin cancer. As with most forms of cancer, earlier detection gives patients a better chance of survival. Epidemiologic studies from Australia suggest that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the major contributors to the development of melanoma. Occasional extreme sun exposure resulting in a sunburn is causally related to melanoma. Those with more chronic long term exposure (outdoor workers) may develop protective mechanisms. Melanoma is most common on the back in men and on legs in women (areas of intermittent sun exposure) and is more common in indoor workers than outdoor workers (in a British study). Other factors are mutations in or total loss of tumor suppressor genes.

Use of sunbeds with deeply penetrating UVA rays has been linked to the development of skin cancers, including melanoma. Possible significant elements in determining risk include the intensity and duration of sun exposure, the age at which sun exposure occurs, and the degree of skin pigmentation. Exposure during childhood is a more important risk factor than exposure in adulthood. This is seen in migration studies in Australia where people tend to retain the risk profile of their country of birth if they migrate to Australia as an adult. Individuals with blistering or peeling sunburns especially in the first twenty years of life have a significantly greater risk for melanoma. Fair and red-headed people are at greater risk for developing melanoma.

A person with multiple atypical nevi or dysplastic nevi are at a significant risk. Persons born with giant congenital naevi are at increased risk. A family history of melanoma greatly increases a person's risk. Certain 'melanoma families' display features of mendelian inheritance of cancer causing genes. It is critical that individuals with family members who have been diagnosed with melanoma be checked regularly for skin cancer. Patients with a history of one melanoma are at increased risk of developing a second primary tumour. Do you suspect that you may have Melanoma? Any mole that is irregular in color or shape should be examined by a doctor to determine if it is a malignant melanoma, the most serious and life-threatening form of skin cancer.

Following a visual examination and a dermatoscopic exam (an instrument that illuminates a mole, revealing its underlying pigment and vascular network structure), the doctor may biopsy the suspicious mole. If it is malignant, the mole and an area around it needs excision by a surgeon or dermatologist. The diagnosis of melanoma requires experience, as early stages may look identical to harmless moles or not have any color at all.

Where any doubt exists, the patient will be referred to a specialist dermatologist. How to Prevent Melanoma Minimize exposure to sources of ultraviolet radiation (the sun and sunbeds). Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and broad-brimmed hats offers the best protection. Use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or better on exposed areas. Disclaimer -

The information presented here should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you suspect you have Melanoma, please consult your physician as early as possible for diagnosis and treatment options.

Skin blotches

Sunless tanning has become increasingly common today, especially among people. But why is it so popular? It is because it has so many benefits over traditional sun tanning. The following are the many benefits of sunless tanning.

Be sure to read all the way to the end of this article. At the end there will be some very helpful information for you.

Sunless tanning is literally what the word implies-you get a tan without the assistance of the sun. But why have people selected for this modern technology? There must be some convincing reasons for this alternative.

Here are the good effects of sunless tanning.

1. Protection from the sun's harmful rays

o We all know that the UV rays emitted from the sun are the main cause of cancer and other skin diseases. People who are into tanning directly expose themselves to this risk. This is probably the chief benefit of sunless tanning-freedom from disease and looking lovely. It's a great combo, if you ask me.

2. Attain a good tan at home

o You don't need serious and fussy basis just to get the sun-kissed look that you need. Going to the beach can be arduous at times because of the travelling and preparation that it demands.

3. Get a good tan fast

o If you need to envelop those skin blotches and uneven skin tone before a big date, a wedding or a party, getting a tan is the simple way to do it. You don't have to lie under the sun for more hours to get this done. You can do it in a span of 10 minutes or so. You save money, time and effort.

4. Affordable

o If you think that sunless spray tanning is expensive, think again. Maybe it 'was' high-priced, but not anymore. Between going to the beach and spray tanning, the latter is the most affordable way of having that bronzed skin everybody will take a second-look at.

5. Get a tan anytime you desire

o Unlike sun tanning, you don't need to proceed to the beach to look like you went on a vacation to some tropical paradise. In fact, you can acquire your tan anytime you desire all year round. Isn't that amazing?

6. Stay away from tan lines

o If you want an unvarying skin, this is the most excellent way to do it. Spray tanning is also the most excellent method to blend away existing tan lines. Not a lot of people are fan of tan lines as it doesn't look nice. If you're one of those people, you know what to acquire.

7. Look untreated

o New developments have improved the technology so you get a more actual looking tan. You get the bronze look without the streaks.

This is the safest way to avoid premature wrinkles, sagging skin and skin cancer. By using this helpful method, you get to get pleasure from the best of both worlds-freedom from skin problems and a glowing tan to boot.

There are other helpful ways of sunless tanning that you will have to learn for yourself. As for the ones mentioned above, these are just the chief benefits that you will reap. Just keep in mind that tanning doesn't give you defense from the sun. So bear in mind to rub on your sunscreen before you leave the house.

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Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Skin Cancer Information

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. There are some types of this cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and also melanoma.Basal, the most common form, develops in the base or the bottom of the epidermis, the top of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type, invented in the upper layers of the epidermis. The American Cancer Society estimates that basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in the name of over 1.3 million new cases every year, but only 1900 deaths. In Canada, 68 000 cases of basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancers are diagnosed each year.

The third type of skin cancer is melanoma. It develops in the melanocytes, or pigment cells in the basal layer. Melanoma is the hard one form of this cancer and is responsible for almost 1/3 of all deaths from this cancer. around 48,000 last cases of melanoma diagnosed each year die in the United States, also 7,700 people from the disease per year. The condition of malignant melanoma is increasing faster in the U.S. than any other cancer, and one person in the 1990s to 12 times more likely to develop melanoma, a person born in the 1940s. In Canada, about 3,100 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed every year.

Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the skin, but about 90 percent develop in sun-exposed areas, especially in the face, neck, back, hands and scalp from the sun men.Direct bald head, especially during childhood, is the most important risk factor for this cancer, and the number of blistering sunburns a person has, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer in the future. People with fair skin are at increased risk of skin cancer, especially when the skin burns or freckles easily.

A family history of this cancer, the risk to a person. Studies are under way to determine which individuals are predisposed to genetic disease. In the year 1996 has enabled such as scientists discovered a gene they believe causes basal cell carcinoma. The gene, such as patched or PTC contributes to cell growth and gene development.If missing, broken or damaged by ultraviolet radiation known, can be uncontrolled cell division. Another aberrant gene, called multiple tumor suppressor, made as part of a melanoma.

Diet can also play a role. A recent study showed that patients on a diet high in fat to 20 percent fewer precancerous lesions and skin cancer than those who eat ordinary of about 38 % fat.

The sunlight reaching the earth's surface are two types of ultraviolet (UV). UV-A and UV-B contribute to sunburn and also cancer, and diseases such as premature aging of the skin. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the increased degradation of the ozone in the atmosphere, the radiation damages the skin and the rates of skin cancer in the future.

The Cancer Foundation recommends that people avoid the sun at the highest level (10-4 m) in the shade, and with clothing and a hat with wide brim. It also ask to use the regular use of sunscreen, which has proven to prevent the development of precancerous actinic (skin lesions that occur in middle age) and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Because skin cancer increase slowly over the years, it is necessary for protection against excessive sun exposure in childhood.Tanning should be avoided because they are the people are exposed to the same type of UV light than the sun. More to identify early signs of skin cancer also important that regular self-examination of the skin.some changes or skin diseases, the doctor reported.

Take Skin Cancer Seriously

Skin cancer is a very common variety of cancer. Far more than one million persons all around the planet fall victim to this ailment annually with Australia being the nation taking the lead. This disease is the most preventable form of cancer in the United States with 1 in 5 Americans being likely to receive the diagnosis in their lifetime.

Skin cancer is defined as a problem in which the epidermis seems to lose its normal power to divide and reproduce cells ordinarily. Typically, new tissue is formed to replace deceased cells; irregular cells can increase and form a collection of cells in what is called a tumor. Some varieties of this disease have been known to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body to cause more cancers. Skin cancer is not restricted to any particular region in the human body; it can arise just about anywhere. The prevalent sites of cancerous growth are those spots uncovered to the sun's rays like the forearms, facial area, hands, back and neck.

Nearly all skin cancers are curable if detected and dealt with early on, previous to their having propagated to other body cells. It is practically 100% treatable and curable when it is discovered early and dealt with appropriately. That is the reason that you should never fail to examine your skin each and every calendar month for new growths or suspicious changes.

There are about three significant causes of most skin cancers; family history, the environment, and sun damage to your epidermis. Smoking has also been shown to double a person's risk. There have been scientific studies performed that have revealed that grownups obtain practically fifty percent of their UV exposure for their lifetime by the time they reach twenty years. This disease also can be genetic and takes place more often in selected racial groups, particularly individuals with fair coloration such as Northern Italians, Scandinavians and Brits. Everybody, regardless of skin darkness, should watch for changes to their skin. It is not unheard of for people of African descent to have skin cancer.

Skin cancer is firmly related to being exposed to ultraviolet light, that aspect of the power that derives from the sun as well as all those man-made sources like sun lamps and tanning beds. UV light is composed of two types: UVA and UVB rays. Sunburn has been attributed to UVB, but UVA rays are believed to be the cause of melanoma, the most dangerous kind of skin cancer. Originally researchers were led to believe that only UVB radiation causes the variety of harm that can cause skin cancer and premature aging. UVA radiation is now believed to have those same consequences, too. It does not matter if the UV rays originate from the sun or the tanning booth; the consequences are the same.

The most effective way to protect against skin cancer is to minimize your direct exposure to the sun's rays. Ultraviolet light is most powerful during the middle of the day, so the recommendation is to avoid the sun from 10 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, depending on your country. If you must go out consider protecting the skin by donning hats, loose long-sleeved tops, long skirts, or slacks. Having said that, kids and small babies are especially at extreme danger of acquiring sunburn. There has been a solid link established between skin cancer in later life and sunburn in children or babies, so be excessively cautious where children are concerned. If you must go out in the sun choose to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen or sun block. That is the type that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply often, especially if your application's effectiveness is getting diminished by sweat or water. Be especially mindful of those areas that can get a great deal of sun like the hands, feet in sandals, the tops of heads that are not well-covered by hair, and more.

Sunless tanning lotions

Among other tanning products, tanning lotions are becoming increasingly popular as more masses are becoming aware of the unhealthy effects of sun bathing. These skin care products are known not simply because they offer natural tan looking skin but also enhance your skin's texture, making it look more soft and tidy. But have you ever tried the most amazing sunless tanning lotions available in the market? Or, are you rather in reservation of using it?

If you want to know more facts about the best tan lotions and to find what benefits you can get from it, then you have stumbled on a right article.

One type of tanning lotion is proven to providing high-quality and cutting-edge beauty products with the use of the safest and most natural ingredients sourced from many continents. It always has safe active ingredients like Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that usually extracted from sugar cane.

Remember that the best lotion for tanning is always proven safe by FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Meaning, it should not have alcohol content, instead should have moisturizers to add moisture to your skin.

Plus, most amazing tanning lotions should be water-based and with rapid-dry formulation, washable and contains no non-staining element, and should have a cooler effect on any type of skin. Upon, application, best tanning lotions should provide evenly-bronzed tan, and should not make any patches once it started to fade out. Another thing to consider is the 'orange' effect, which poor tanning lotions usually cause this. Remember that 'orange' is a big no-no. You must look naturally tanned, not a Sunkist but sun-kissed.

Alternative way to check if you got the best one is through smelling. No kidding, smell is another consideration. Best lotion for sunless tanning should be good smelling without overpowering or too flowery. The best lotion that I found is both offered in tube or spray style bottle and of course comes with mild and unisex perfume.

It also has easy application procedure. Just apply it all over your body, from your elbow, to your knees and even to your face, but don't forget to wear gloves, otherwise you will have bronze tan palm too. In addition, it should dry fast without drying your skin.

Best sunless tanning lotions should have ingredients that can eliminate the need for unhealthy UV exposure and should last for a week, not just for 3 to 4 days. And of course, it should give what you want, but it should look more natural and not that 'orange' colored skin.

But there's a catch. Most best sunless tanning lotions should be reapplied after 7- 8 days. And although it is proven safe by FDA, you still have to test it first on just one part of your skin. Remember, some skin types are allergic to lotions, even to ordinary ones. But that's not the main concern as it can't cause skin cancer.

To sum up, the positive feature of the best tanning lotions should not be limited to just preventing skin cancer, but also to gaining healthier and younger looking skin. Plus, it should be easy to apply and can be done anywhere, even at home and without the assistance of another person.

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Article Source: ArticlesAlley.com

Tanning bed

After Britain bans teen tanning bed use, American lawmakers consider the same. For more, click here: abcnews.go.com

The Truth About Melanoma!

Melanoma is unique among cancers in its ability to spread literally anywhere in the body, but it usually recurs in predictable patterns. The most common place for an initial recurrence of melanoma is in the lymph nodes that drain the region of the primary lesion. For example, if a primary melanoma on the left shin spreads to lymph nodes, it will almost always spread first to the lymph nodes in the left groin. A primary lesion located on the middle of the back, however, may spread first to the lymph nodes in either of the armpits, to those in either the groin or collarbone region, or even to either side of the neck. When melanoma spreads to lymph nodes, it shows up as a hard lump or lumps that are usually not painful unless they become very large.

It is important to realize that not all swollen lymph nodes are cancerous. We all get swollen lymph nodes from time to time as a result of infectious or inflammatory processes that we may not even be aware of. People with a history of melanoma are no different.

So, if you feel a lump you think is a swollen lymph node, don't panic, but do have it evaluated by your doctor. In other patients, the first sign of melanoma recurrence may be the appearance of a lump or lumps under the skin. These subcutaneous nodules may show up either within or near the wide local excision scar or farther away from this site. These are usually very easily seen and felt under the skin, although they are usually not painful.

Often they are darkly pigmented (blue or black). Less commonly, melanoma may spread directly to an internal organ or organs without first showing up in the lymph nodes or under the skin. When it spreads to organs, melanoma most commonly metastasizes to the lungs, liver, and brain, but it may spread anywhere.

Melanoma may be present in the internal organs for months or even years before you have any symptoms, because cancer in these locations cannot be seen or felt and usually does not cause problems until the lesions are quite large. Symptoms experienced by people with melanoma that has spread internally vary depending on the organs involved. For example, melanoma in the brain may cause headaches, numbness, weakness, sleepiness, dizziness, or a seizure; melanoma that has spread to the lungs or the heart may cause shortness of breath or cough; and melanoma that has metastasized to the liver or other abdominal organs may cause fatigue or abdominal pain. Other lesions may cause other problems. We all experience many of these symptoms from time to time, of course.

If they are caused by metastatic melanoma, however, they will persist. A headache that is relieved with Tylenol, that is gone in a day or two, or that is typical of a person's usual headaches is almost certainly not the result of melanoma in the brain, nor is a fleeting pain in the abdomen likely to be metastatic melanoma in the liver. You should contact your doctor if you develop any symptom out of the ordinary that persists for more than a few days. Lasting symptoms of any sort may be a sign of some sort of trouble, but not necessarily melanoma.

Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the rarest and most deadly form of skin cancer. It affects the melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin, the skin's pigment) and seems to be more prevalent among city-dwellers than among those who work outside. This seeming paradox is because scientific data indicates that episodic sun exposure resulting in burn is linked to melanoma, but constant exposure is not.

Melanoma does not necessarily occur in sun-exposed areas of the body which contributes to the belief that it is linked to brief, intense periods of sun exposure and a history of severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that metastasizes easily making it often fatal if not treated early enough. Bear in mind, however, that all statistics of melanoma come from tissue that has been examined after some form of excisional treatment or biopsy. Melanoma becomes more common with increasing age but it still appears in younger people.

A melanoma can develop in any area of the skin or from an existing mole. A typical melanoma appears as a small darkened area of skin similar in appearance to a mole. It is recognisable as being different to a mole in four different ways known as the ABCDE of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving.

Asymmetry: Most early melanomas are asymmetrical: a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.

Border: The edges of melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped, notched, or blurred edges. A mole has a smooth, well-defined edge.

Color: The pigmentation of a melanoma is often not uniform, with more than one shade of brown, tan, or black. Moles are usually a single shade of brown

Diameter: A melanoma is usually larger than a mole, continues to grow and is often at least the size of a pencil eraser (about 6mm, or 1/4 inch, in diameter).

Evolving: Change in size, shape and color shade.

Types of Melanoma

Melanomas are described according to their appearance and behavior. Those that start off as flat patches (i.e. have a horizontal growth phase) include:

• Superficial spreading melanoma (SSM)
• Lentigo malignant melanoma (sun damaged skin of face, scalp and neck)
• Acral lentiginous melanoma (on soles of feet, palms of hands or under the nails - under the nails is called subungual melanoma)

Melanoma skin cancers tend to grow slowly, but at any time, they may begin to thicken or develop a nodule. When this happens they progress to a vertical growth phase.

Melanomas that grow quickly, involving deeper tissues, include:

• Nodular melanoma (presenting as a rapidly enlarging lump)
• Mucosal melanoma (arising on lips, eyelids, vulva, penis, anus)
• Desmoplastic melanoma (fibrous tumour with a tendency to grow down nerves) Melanoma may present in combinations e.g. nodular melanoma developing within a superficial spreading melanoma.

Treatment of Melanoma

Usual protocol for the treatment of melanoma is:

Biopsy to confirm.

Surgical removal with wide margins encompassing healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.

Surgical removal of lymph nodes if their involvement is suspected.

There are natural options. I have used them and seen them used on many people. The natural treatment of melanoma and other skin cancer is viable and effective. I have written a book outlining my experiences of using a herbal paste with bloodroot as one of the main ingredients. I do not sell a product, I merely present the information so that people have a source of information and can be self-informed enough to have the confidence to make their own decision.

From my own experiences and also from seeing the results on other people I can assure you that these herbs work and they work profoundly.

I hope the researched information as well as the personal experiences in my e-book may be of assistance to anyone searching for natural methods of treatment for skin cancer.

The Skin Doesn't Forget

The end of winter, no more short, cold and dark days. Spring is finally here and summer is fast approaching. Hot days and lots of sunshine. But not all fun and sun. The hot sun can pose a great danger for our skin and our children’s skin. In fact, one of the most important factors for feeling young and healthy is the way we take care of our skin during the summer months.

Over the last century, ever-increasing rates of skin cancer have taken some of the greatest tolls on all age groups, young and old. Yet most people don’t realize that skin cancer is a very preventable form of skin cancer, and, that if recognized early enough, is very treatable. The simple fact is, if we take care of our skin during the summer, we can dramatically reduce the chances of ever getting skin cancer in the first place. The chance of getting skin cancer is directly related to the amount of sunlight we expose our skin to, especially during the summer. Furthermore, it has been shown that going to the solarium on a regular basis is also a risk for the development of skin cancer.

Overexposure to UV A and B light from the sun and the solarium damages skin cells. UV A light in spite of its lower energy, is received by the body in much larger doses, and penetrates into the skin easily causing damage. UV light mainly affects the skin and underlying connective tissues by decreasing the quantities of collagen and elastic fibers present in these tissues. With passing time, the skin becomes more wrinkled and flaccid. One of the most important factors in the pathogenesis of cancer is the fact that the absorbed UV light breaks down water molecules and induces the formation of free-oxygen radicals, which are toxic to certain elements of the skin.

For those of us who have a light or very fair complexion, (type I skin tone) avoidance of the sun and solarium as much as possible is recommended. The rest of us should adjust the amount of sun (UV light) exposure to our proper skin tones.

The reason its important to know what type of skin tone you have is because the lighter the skin, the less it is capable of dealing with the damaging elements of the sunlight and thus, more the skin needs to be protected.

It’s not difficult to determine what your skin type is. There are six types and by using the scale below, you can determine for yourself how much skin protection you may need.

Skin type I never turns brown, only burns.
Skin type II browns very slowly and easily burns.
Skin type III browns easily and rarely burns.
Skin type IV is typical of that of southern Europeans (Mediterranean type).
Skin type V is slightly pigmented similar to those living in India.
Skin type VI is black.

If you fall into either of the first two categories, your skin must be protected at all times from the dangerous effects of the sun!!!!!

Skin cancer can be broken down into Melanoma- and non-Melanoma types. The latter consists of both squamous cell- and basal cell skin cancer. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. The proliferation of pigmented skin cells anywhere in the body can, if not diagnosed and treated early, cause death. The frequency of Melanoma around the world is increasing at very rapid rates!!

Squamous cell type of skin cancer is also a malignant form of skin cancer that is directly related to the amount of sun exposure and can quickly spread to other parts of the body.

Basal cell type skin cancer is not malignant and thus wont spread to other parts of the body. However, there is local destruction of the affected skin areas and thus excision of the lesion is a must.

Well, you may ask how do I protect myself from the dangers of the skin cancer? The answers may not be as difficult to follow as you may think. First and foremost, always protect skin of young children and kids. Their skins are sensitive to sun exposure and burning the skin only increases the risk in later years of developing cancer. It is important to remember that the many years of continuous sun exposure increase the chance of getting skin cancer. In other words, the skin doesn’t forget!! Sporadic sun exposure is more than enough to guarantee a nice brown skin color and the proper production of vitamin D in the body.

If someone wants to get a quick tan, than be sure to use self-browning creams, but remember, they wont protect your skin from sun overexposure and burning. Carotin derivative products have been shown to protect the skin from within and in general have an anti-cancer effect.

During the hot months, a good rule of thumb is to avoid strong sun exposure in the middle of the day, say between 2 and 3 pm, when the sun is hottest. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible and when going into the sun, put on a hat, sunglasses and a shirt just to be sure. Sun tanning protective creams are also a must. A wide spectrum UV protection and a minimum factor of 15 should be applied to the skin at all times for maximum protection. But remember, the best protection from skin cancer is to avoid the exposure to the skin.

Finally, and equally important, is that we recognize on ourselves any first signs of potential cancer. Especially be aware of any small wounds or scars on the skin that don’t seem to heal after a month or so. Be aware of skin moles that suddenly begin to itch, bleed, peel, grow, change color or become painful. In any of the above instances, be sure to contact your dermatologist immediately for a full check up. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment along with regular screening is the best way to ensure many happy, healthy summers to come.

Dr. Randy Simor is a medical graduate from the Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest, Hungary, 1999. Since 1999, he has worked continuously within the healthcare industry as a clinical research associate, a consultant for a multi-national pharmaceutical company, and a business development director for one of Budapest's largest private outpatient, one-day surgery clinics. As an entrepreneur, Randy is owner and director of a newly established management company for medical tourism, CARE Ltd. The company primarily focuses on medical tourism for plastic surgery, dental & oral surgery, Laser eye surgery and a wide variety of other diagnostic, surgical and wellness services.

Can you Prevent Melanoma?

There are many risk factors for developing melanoma. The risk factor you can best control to reduce your risk of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Some experts believe that 65% or more of melanoma is caused by exposure to the sun, especially during childhood.

Do the following to help prevent skin cancer. Protect your skin. Stay out of the sun during the midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Wear protective clothing. This includes a hat with a brim to shade your ears and neck, a shirt with sleeves to cover your shoulders, and pants. The best fabric for skin protection has a tight weave to keep sunlight out.

Use daily a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Look for a sunscreen that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation in the sun's rays-UVA and UVB. Use a higher SPF when you are at higher elevations. Set a good example for your children by always using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.

Avoid sunbathing and tanning salons. Studies suggest that UV rays from artificial sources such as tanning beds and sunlamps are just as dangerous as those from the sun. Examine your skin regularly, and have your doctor check your skin during all other health exams, or at least once a year.

People who live in warm, sunny climates or who have jobs that require them to be outdoors most of the time have a higher risk of developing melanoma. People who burn rather than tan, especially those who have red hair or blue eyes, also have a high risk and should take extra precautions to prevent melanoma.

Some people feel that a tan may protect against a sunburn and thus protect against skin damage and skin cancer. But if you do not tan easily, the amount of sun exposure needed to get a tan will cause excessive skin damage and outweigh any possible benefit from having a tan. Check your skin every month for odd marks, moles, or sores that will not heal.

Pay extra attention to areas that get a lot of sun, such as your hands, arms, and back. Ask your doctor to check your skin during regular physical exams or at least once a year. Even though the biggest cause of melanoma is spending too much time in the sun, it can be found on parts of your body that never see the sun.

Plant medicine is a very vast field and new discoveries are constantly coming to light. CURED's background is in biochemistry specializing in the field of medicinal plants and evidence based natural medicine. This has allowed them to develop specialized and incredibly effective remedies, available to health practitioners and the general public with guaranteed results.

Preventing Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but is also one of the most easily avoided. To prevent skin cancer, observe the following five rules:

1. Use Sunscreen
Even on cloudy days, sunscreen is a must for those who spend time outdoors, especially if you are outdoors between the peak hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. To most effectively prevent skin cancer, sunscreen should be used in both winter and summer months and even water-proof sunscreen should be reapplied often. Whether your skin is naturally light or naturally dark, sunscreen is an absolute necessity.

2. Avoid Tanning Beds
In our society, tanned skin gives off the appearance of health. Nothing could be further from the truth. Both sunburns and suntans are signs of damaged skin and could lead to a higher probability of skin cancer. To achieve darker skin without the risk of a tanning bed, consider using self-tanning sprays or lotions that gradually darken skin. With the advancements in self-tanning technology, streaking is much less likely than it was in the past. If you are unsure of your own ability in applying self-tanner, many spas and salons offer tanning treatments or spray-tan booths. Though the self-tanner will have to be reapplied about once a week, it is a successful method of accomplishing the appearance of a sun-darkened glow while preventing skin cancer.

3. Perform Regular Skin Exams
To prevent the severity of skin cancer, men and women of all skin types should perform a spot check once each month. You should observe any moles or skin abnormalities, looking for signs of possible cancer. Some of these may include moles that change color or shape, growths that bleed, and moles or growths that are particularly large or asymmetrical. Any concern that is detected by a self exam should be immediately brought to the attention of a physician.

4. Eat Healthy
To prevent skin cancer as well as other types of cancers, it is recommended to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are thought to help the body to naturally fight free radicals that can cause disease within the body. Some foods that are high in antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and spices including cinnamon, oregano, and cloves. Foods richest in antioxidants are red kidney beans, pinto beans, and blueberries. It is also wise to take a daily multivitamin that is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which are both thought to aid in lowering the risks associated with sun exposure.

5. Reduce Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption
As with eating well, reducing or removing the presence of alcohol and tobacco can improve overall health along with preventing skin cancer. Studies have shown a correlation between alcohol use and malignant melanoma. According to the American Cancer Society, smokers are three times more likely than non-smokers to develop squamous cell carcinoma.

How to Spot Melanoma and Tick Disease

Melanoma sometimes starts with a simple alteration of the skin tissues. Tick bites that cause tick diseases are usually painless. The moment this animal bites you, the symptoms may appear abruptly. To discover more about the detection and prevention of these conditions here are some guidelines that you have to know.

Melanoma builds up within melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment cells found beneath the skin. Therefore, it is safe to say that melanoma can also be called skin cancer. This condition may be more severe than other types of skin cancer because the disease can spread or metastasize to other areas of the body. Melanoma can cause severe diseases and even bereavement. Many people are actually unaware that they have this disease. It would be very devastating to detect this disease on its late stage. The only way to survive this disease is early detection.

Early detection is very crucial. These alterations of the skin tissues may be cured relatively with minor surgery. There are certain guidelines that a person can use during his own self assessment. These guidelines can be your basis in making a decision of seeking the expertise of an oncologist. Oncologists are physicians who particularly specialize on managing cancer and its symptoms. The guidelines for melanoma detection will be discussed further.

The first guideline is about the spots on your skin. If you notice a spot that appears as though it is changing or new, consult a doctor immediately. When it comes to this feature, it is frequently better to be safe than sorry. The second guideline includes the involvement of moles. Moles are also known as nevi in medical terms. Nevi are observed carefully for any gashes or wounds around them. This can be a sign of a developing skin cancer. These moles should be observed according to their asymmetry, color, diameter, and border irregularity.

Tick disease can be transmitted via tick bite. The majority of people may not even notice the bite because tick bites are usually painless. Lyme disease can be transmitted through bites of small ticks, such as deer ticks. They are typically very tiny and might be practically undetectable. Nevertheless, there are few distinct manifestations that can be directly associated with tick itself. Sporadically, a toxin that targets the nervous system is secreted during the attachment on the skin of its host, to create the bite, may cause paralysis or muscle weakness. It occasionally causes respiratory paralysis. The attack can mimic an anaphylactic shock.

Same with bee stings, it is very essential to remove the tick to stop any further toxin production. The bite can cause manifestations only subsequent to the detachment of the tick. Some people can have itching, local redness, and burning pain due to the reaction of the immune system beneath the skin. Outcomes of the diseases spread by ticks frequently start days to weeks following the bite. That is why physicians might not assume an illness cause by tick bites because the majority of people forget or ignore about barely visible bites. The most essential hint about diseases caused by tick bites is to tell the doctor about a recent tick bite.

Symptoms of Melanoma

The most important warning sign for melanoma is any change in size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin growth, such as a birthmark. Watch for changes that occur over a period of weeks to a month. Use the ABCDE rule to evaluate skin changes, and call your health professional if you have any of the following changes.

A is for asymmetry. One half of the mole or skin growth doesn't match the other half. B is for border irregularity. The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred. C is for color. The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance.

Changes in color distribution, especially the spread of color from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, also are an early sign of melanoma. D is for diameter. The mole or skin growth is larger than 6mm or about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be of concern. E is for evolution. There is a change in the size, shape, symptoms, surface, or color of a mole.

Signs of melanoma in an existing mole include changes in the following aspects. (1) Elevation, such as thickening or raising of a previously flat mole. (2) Surface, such as scaling, erosion, oozing, bleeding, or crusting. (3) Surrounding skin, such as redness, swelling, or small new patches of color around a larger lesion. (4) Sensation, such as itching, tingling, or burning. (5) Consistency, such as softening or small pieces that break off easily.

Many other skin conditions have features similar to those of melanoma. Melanoma can develop in an existing mole or other mark on the skin, but it often develops in unmarked skin. Although melanoma can grow anywhere on the body, it often occurs on the upper back of men and women and on the legs in women.

Less often, it can grow on the soles, palms, nail beds, or mucous membranes that line body cavities such as the mouth, the rectum, and the vagina. On older people, the face is the most common place for melanoma to grow. And in older men, the most common sites are the neck, scalp, and ears. They are so common that they have a wide range of classifications.

Later signs of melanoma include a break in the skin or bleeding from a mole or other colored skin lesion, and pain in a mole or lesion. Symptoms of metastatic melanoma may be vague and include: swollen lymph nodes, especially in the armpit or groin; a colorless lump or thickening under the skin; unexplained weight loss; gray skin; ongoing cough; headaches; seizures.

Call your doctor immediately if you have been diagnosed with melanoma; you have difficulty breathing or swallowing; you cough up or spit up blood (hemoptysis); you have blood in your vomit or bowel movement ; your urine or bowel movement is black, and the blackness is not caused by taking iron or Pepto-Bismol.

Laser and electrocautery treatments are not always effective because they only reach the outermost layers of the skin, while moles penetrate very deep into the dermal tissue, often beyond the reach of these treatments. Surgery, the other option doctors commonly offer, involves cutting out the mole

Information About Skin Cancer

Cancer that is formed in the tissues of the skin is known as Skin Cancer. It is one of the most common kinds of cancer that affects men and women. This cancer affects about a million people every year and there are many factors that cause this including excessive sun exposure, tanning, weak immune systems, etc. Read on to get a complete awareness of this most common form of cancer and on steps to prevent it.

How is skin cancer caused?

When the skin cells modify and multiply in an abnormal fashion, the uncontrollable growth causes the development of a mass known as a tumor. This tumor that occurs in the skin is also known as a lesion and these cancerous growths are malignant in nature which causes the destruction of adjacent cells leading to random growth. These tumors flow through the blood stream and affect other remote organs also during the advanced stages of skin cancer.

Types of skin cancer

Skin cancer is divided into two kinds depending on their ability to spread around. The two types of skin cancer are non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma includes the type basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in it.

1. Melanoma - The cancer that affects the melanocytes or the skin cells that create the pigments.
2. Basal cell carcinoma - The cancer that affects the lower part of the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin.
3. Squamous cell carcinoma - The cancer that affects the squamous cells or the flat cells that form the skin surface.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma normally do not spread to other parts of the body whereas melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer which spreads to other parts of the body. The major ratio and the most common type of skin cancer are the carcinoma types with the aggressive melanoma forming the least portion.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

The symptoms of skin cancer are skin changes which take time to heal along with ulcers. Sometimes skin discoloration and changes to moles on the skin can also been seen. The most common symptom is a small lump that is shiny and pale in color or a firm red lump. Some types of cancer also are associated with rough and scaly patches or flat scaly patches of red or brown color. Also beware of any new suspicious growth and consult a physician in such cases. Though these growths are most of the times painless, they can also be painful at times.

A smooth round bump is normally developed on the head, shoulder or neck with signs of crusting and bleeding with development of the tumor in cases of basal cell carcinoma. In squamous cell carcinoma, a thick red color patch along with ulcer and bleeding can be developed. Brown or blackish lesions are formed in cases of melanomas. The lesion exhibits change in size, color or shape as a symptom of the melanoma becoming malignant.

Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

This cancer is diagnosed by the physician in two main methods. The first and the most common method is the skin examination. In this method the doctor looks out for any abnormal growth or irregularity in the skin. This can be followed by a biopsy in case of finding any abnormal growth. In case of biopsy, the affected area or abnormal growth is well studied under a microscope to check for the presence of cancerous cells.

Treatment of Skin Cancer

Surgery is one effective method for the treatment of non-melanoma cancer types. The complete procedure of surgical treatment begins with surgery and includes follow-up methods of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In the surgical methods, the lesion and a calculated amount of tissues around it is removed so as to make the body tumor free. The Moh's micrographic surgery is one effective technique that is used for this process.

Prevention of Skin cancer

Early diagnosis and detection can help treat skin cancer before it turns dangerous and hence self evaluation of your skin on a regular basis is a must on a frequent basis. Look for any kind of abnormal changes, discoloration or growth in your skin. You can also undertake a doctor visit once a year to detect any signs or symptoms of cancer. In certain cases of high-risk situations, you can consult a skin specialist on a regular basis to screen for this cancer.

Skin cancer can be prevented by adopting a few basic tips which can be very useful in your daily life.

1. Use Sunscreens - 90% of the skin cancers are known to be caused by harmful UV radiations and sunscreens are the best protector when you are someone who spends a lot of time outdoors. UV rays damage our cell DNA structure and modify them making them cancerous. Minimize outings during the time when the sun is at its brightest. Also try to maintain your presence within the shade where ever possible. But even if you are in a shade, remember to wear your sunscreen,
2. Avoid excessive tanning - Artificial lights as in tanning beds, lamps and booths, all contain UV rays and increase the chances of melanoma.
3. Wear protective dressings - Though sunscreens do protect, you can consider wearing protective dressings like a hat or sunglasses, which can protect your eyes and facial skin from the sun.
4. Avoid childhood sunburns - Most of the times, a burn during your childhood can increase your risk of being affected with skin cancer along the years as you grow. Thus it is required that you monitor kids when they are in the sun reducing their exposure.
5. Eat healthy - A weak immune system is a ready agent for skin cancer. Make sure that you include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables so as to improve your body's immunity power.

People who run a higher risk of Skin cancer

Though many people are equally exposed to the chances of this cancer, there are a few who run a higher risk. Individuals with a family medical history of skin cancer or those who possess fair skin tone and freckles run a higher risk. Also people who are addictive to tanning and spend a lot of hours outdoors in the sun along with a weak immune system also possess equal risks of getting this cancer.

Surgery for Melanomas

Nevi are so common that they have a wide range of classifications. Blue nevi occur very deep in the dermis. Compound nevi are very dark in color and are slightly raised. Intradermal nevi are usually flesh-colored and raised. Intramucosal nevi occur in the mouth or genital area. Nevi of ito and nevi of ota are found on the shoulder or face, which are flat and brownish in appearance.

Clark’s nevi are also called dysplastic nevi. They tend to stem from abnormal cell growth and can be pre-cancerous. These moles tend to be larger with irregular borders and coloration. As a result, they look like melanomas, and are often removed to confirm the diagnosis. Dysplastic nevi do not morph into melanomas, but are markers of risk when there are many of them.

Epidermal nevi usually appear on the upper half of the body. The recognized cause of these nevi is genetics. Giant hairy nevi are often very large and hairy and are unsightly. In terms of health, they can pose a risk as melanoma may be present in approximately 10-15% of the cases. Spitz nevi usually occur on children. They are often reddish in color and are raised.

Diagnostic punch or excisional biopsies may appear to excise the tumor, but further surgery is often necessary to reduce the risk of recurrence. Complete surgical excision with adequate margins and assessment for the presence of detectable metastatic disease along with short- and long-term followup is standard.

Often this is done by a wide local excision with 1 to 2 cm margins. Melanoma-in-situ and lentigo malignas are treated with narrower surgical margins, usually 0.2 to 0.5 cm. Many surgeons consider 0.5 cm the standard of care for standard excision of melanoma-in-situ, but 0.2 cm margin might be acceptable for margin controlled surgery (Mohs surgery).

The wide excision aims to reduce the rate of tumour recurrence at the site of the original lesion. This is a common pattern of treatment failure in melanoma. Considerable research has aimed to elucidate appropriate margins for excision with a general trend toward less aggressive treatment during the last decades.

Mohs surgery has been reported with cure rate as low as 77% and as high as 98% for melanoma-in-situ. Melanomas which spread usually do so to the lymph nodes in the region of the tumor before spreading elsewhere. Attempts to improve survival by removing lymph nodes surgically were associated with many complications but unfortunately no overall survival benefit.

Although controversial and without prolonging survival, sentinel lymph node biopsy is often performed, especially for T1b/T2+ tumors, mucosal tumors, ocular melanoma and tumors of the limbs. A process called lymphoscintigraphy is performed in which a radioactive tracer is injected at the tumor site in order to localize the sentinel nodes.

Further precision is provided using a blue tracer dye and surgery is performed to biopsy the nodes. Recently the technique of sentinel lymph node biopsy has been developed to reduce the complications of lymph node surgery while allowing assessment of the involvement of nodes with tumor.

As with other skin abnormalities, moles are classically removed by laser, surgery, or electrocautery. Most of these treatments require multiple visits to the doctor. Surgery, the option doctors commonly offer, involves cutting out the mole. The resulting wound requires stitches, which will in turn leave a scar.

5 Myths About Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer

Sara spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she opts for tanning salons to get her 'golden glow' while being sure to apply sunscreen every day before heading out.

Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be very humid, but most of the year is mild or even below freezing during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor activities or at his job. Joseph doesn't worry about sunscreen and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that was when he was a child.

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Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these myths and facts:

MYTH ONE: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun

20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB rays, 'The Skin Cancer Answer' states that 'UV-A penetrates more deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause skin cancer, and may suppress the immune system.'

MYTH TWO: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection

85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or letting your children out to play at any time of year - even when you're not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.

MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You

Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.

MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You're More Protected

Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.

MYTH FIVE: You Can't get Burned on Overcast Days

Just because the sun is hidden by some cloud does not mean that you don't need protection from the harmful effects of the suns rays.

So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun - especially for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Excisional Skin Biopsy for Melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes which are found predominantly in skin but also in the bowel and the eye. It is one of the less common types of skin cancer but causes the majority of skin cancer related deaths. Melanocytes are normally present in skin, being responsible for the production of the dark pigment melanin.

Around 60,000 new cases of invasive melanoma are diagnosed in the US each year, more frequently in males and in Caucasians. It is more common in Caucasian populations living in sunny climates than in other groups, or in those who use tanning salons. According to a WHO report about 48,000 melanoma related deaths occur worldwide per year.

Excisional skin biopsy is the management of choice for melanoma diagnosis; this is where the suspect lesion is totally removed with an adequate ellipse of surrounding skin and tissue. The preferred surgical margin for the initial biopsy should be narrow in order to prevent the disruption of the local lymphatic drainage.

The biopsy will include the epidermal, dermal, and subcutaneous layers of the skin, enabling the histopathologist to determine the thickness of the melanoma by microscopic examination. This is described by Breslow's thickness. Large initial excision will disrupt the local lymphatic drainage and can affect further lymphangiogram directed lymphnode dissection.

A small punch biopsy can be utilized at any time where for logistical and personal reasons a patient refuses more invasive excisional biopsy. Small punch biopsies are minimally invasive and heal quickly, usually without noticeable scarring. Thus, a small punch biopsy in representative areas will give adequate information and will not disrupt the final staging or depth determination.

For large lesions such as suspected lentigo maligna, or for lesions in surgically difficult areas (face, toes, fingers, eyelids), a small punch biopsy in representative areas would be enough. In no circumstances should the initial biopsy include the final surgical margin, as a misdiagnosis can result in excessive scarring and morbidity from the procedure.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) tests are often used to screen for metastases, although many patients with metastases have a normal LDH; extraordinarily high LDH often indicates metastatic spread of the disease to the liver. It is common for patients diagnosed with melanoma to have chest X-rays and an LDH test, and in some cases CT, MRI, PET or PET/CT scans.

Although controversial, sentinel lymph node biopsies and examination of the lymph nodes are also performed in patients to assess spread to the lymph nodes. Sometimes the skin lesion may bleed, itch, or ulcerate, although this is a very late sign. A slow-healing lesion should be watched closely, as that may be a sign of melanoma. Some patients with metastatic melanoma do not have an obvious detectable primary tumor.

Be aware also that in circumstances that are still poorly understood, melanomas may 'regress' or spontaneously become smaller or invisible; however the malignancy is still present. Amelanotic melanomas do not have pigment and may not even be visible. Lentigo maligna, a superficial melanoma confined to the topmost layers of the skin is often described as a 'stain' on the skin.

The treatment includes surgical removal of the tumor, adjuvant treatment, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Skin Cancer Chart

Skin cancer is a deadly and common disease. Skin cancer charts graphs is at least partially preventable. Overexposure to the sun and tanning beds are two causes of the disease. Some forms of the disease are also hereditary.

Skin cancer is cancer that can be found on the skin, including the face, arms, and legs. Typically, it comes from moles or spots on the skin that form into cancer at a later time. There are several ways to detect if a mole on your skin is suspicious. If it is irregular or asymmetrical, then it should be checked by a doctor called a dermatologist. Everyone is recommended to have at least one exam a year by a dermatologist to check the entire body for skin cancer.

There are many types of skin cancer as well. The deadliest type is melanoma. There is also basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer charts graphs are different depending on the kind of skin cancer that is found. Treatment is dependent on the type of cancer found also. The prognosis for survival and recovery depends on how soon the cancer was found and the type of cancer. Biopsies are used to find out this information after the suspicious spot is discovered. Charts and graphs have been made showing how common different types of the disease are.

How common is skin cancer relating to tanning? It is very common. People who have spent their entire lives baking in the sun are putting themselves at a huge risk for deadly skin cancer. It is good to stay out of the sun whenever possible. If you have to be in the sun, wear sunscreen and/or protective clothing to block out the harmful rays. Any tanning or sunburns put you at a higher risk for the disease. Skin cancer charts graphs prove that this disease are not worth messing around with!

The skin, also called the derma, is a very important organ. It covers all our internal organs, bones and muscles. It is the first impression we make on others. We should limit our sun exposure as much as possible in order to protect it! If you have been tanning or staying in the sun too much, make sure to get your skin checked often. It is not too late to start wearing sunscreen! Even if you have been taking care of your skin, still get checked out yearly by a dermatologist.

Skin cancer is a serious, common, and preventable disease. Although it is mostly treatable, people die every year from the disease. Many others wear scars from painful and embarrassing surgeries relating to cancer. They wish they had taken care of themselves while they had the chance to.