INTRODUCTION
Now the most common type of cancer.
INTRODUCTION
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and can appear anywhere on the skin. Non-melanoma skin cancers, like Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma, are the most common. The first signs of non-melanoma cancers are often patches or lesions on the skin that show unnatural growth.
Cases of skin cancer have been on the rise for decades now. When found early, most skin cancer types can be treated. That’s why it is important to check your skin regularly for any irregularities and see a doctor whenever you worry about something.
While melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it is still important to pay attention to non-melanoma skin cancers and understand the forms they can take.
“The main symptom of non-melanoma skin cancer is the appearance of a lump or discolored patch on the skin that doesn’t heal.” – UK National Health Service
Skin cancer is caused by the mutation in the DNA of skin cells. But what is causing that mutation? In most cases, the answer is UV exposure from the sun. Both ‘normal’ day-to-day exposure when outside, and also from actively trying to tan. But skin cancer often appears in places that is usually hidden from direct sunlight, so there are other factors in play.
Studies have shown that exposure to toxics can be a cause, for example from the environment that you live in. Also, genetics can be a cause of skin cancer.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and can appear anywhere on the skin. Non-melanoma skin cancers, like Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma, are the most common. The first signs of non-melanoma cancers are often patches or lesions on the skin that show unnatural growth.
Cases of skin cancer have been on the rise for decades now. When found early, most skin cancer types can be treated. That’s why it is important to check your skin regularly for any irregularities and see a doctor whenever you worry about something.
While melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it is still important to pay attention to non-melanoma skin cancers and understand the forms they can take.
“The main symptom of non-melanoma skin cancer is the appearance of a lump or discolored patch on the skin that doesn’t heal.” – UK National Health Service
Skin cancer is caused by the mutation in the DNA of skin cells. But what is causing that mutation? In most cases, the answer is UV exposure from the sun. Both ‘normal’ day-to-day exposure when outside, and also from actively trying to tan. But skin cancer often appears in places that is usually hidden from direct sunlight, so there are other factors in play.
Studies have shown that exposure to toxics can be a cause, for example from the environment that you live in. Also, genetics can be a cause of skin cancer.
Skin cancer has been on the rise for years for different reasons. Increased tanning, low awareness and more sun exposure during holidays. Early detection is the key to treating it. The earlier it is found, the more treatment options there are.
Make sure to self-check your whole body every 3 months if you have more than 50 moles. In other cases, do it at least twice per year.
Skin cancer has been on the rise for years for different reasons. Increased tanning, low awareness and more sun exposure during holidays.
Early detection is the key to treating it. The earlier it is found, the more treatment options there are.
Make sure to self-check your whole body every 3 months if you have more than 50 moles. In other cases, do it at least twice per year.
KNOW YOUR SKIN
RISK SIGNS
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN
ESSENTIALS ON SKIN CANCER
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer you will be discussing treatment options with your doctor. Of course this depends on the type of skin cancer, the stage, and other factors. But it’s good to know which treatment options are commonly available and what they mean.
Most cancers have some pretty obvious signs; lumps and bumps, tenderness, pain or sickness. But when it comes to the symptoms of skin cancer, they aren’t always as plain to see. Skin cancer is slow growing and often free of glaring warning signs. This can make early detection tricky.
More: Skin cancer symptoms
Many doctors identify painful or itchy skin lesions as an indication or warning sign of skin cancer. Although not the only sign or symptom, itchy skin is amongst one of the features associated with skin cancer.
If the diagnosis is superficial skin cancer (like Basal Cell Carcinoma), then a biopsy removing all the tissue involved could be treatment enough. But in other cases, further steps are needed.
How skin cancer affects the body heavily depends on the type of skin cancer that occurs. There are 3 common types: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer you will be discussing treatment options with your doctor. Of course this depends on the type of skin cancer, the stage, and other factors. But it’s good to know which treatment options are commonly available and what they mean.
Most cancers have some pretty obvious signs; lumps and bumps, tenderness, pain or sickness. But when it comes to the symptoms of skin cancer, they aren’t always as plain to see. Skin cancer is slow growing and often free of glaring warning signs. This can make early detection tricky.
More: Skin cancer symptoms
Many doctors identify painful or itchy skin lesions as an indication or warning sign of skin cancer. Although not the only sign or symptom, itchy skin is amongst one of the features associated with skin cancer.
If the diagnosis is superficial skin cancer (like Basal Cell Carcinoma), then a biopsy removing all the tissue involved could be treatment enough. But in other cases, further steps are needed.
How skin cancer affects the body heavily depends on the type of skin cancer that occurs. There are 3 common types: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.