Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Prevention
The main risk factor for cancer is overexposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Avoid intense or prolonged sun exposure, trying not to be exposed at times when the solar radiation is larger is the best preventive measure that can be used.
Other forms include using materials that protect those sensitive areas such as the use of hats, sunglasses that absorb UV rays by 99% to 100%, or using appropriate fabrics to cover the skin.
Most inexpensive fabrics that are made of light colored summer clothes do not have ultraviolet filters let through much of this kind of radiation. It should be sunscreen in the trunk if it is to remain long in the sun, even wearing t-shirt.
The use of sunscreens reduces the risk of exposure. Must be used correctly, there are different degrees depending on the type of skin. They should be used with a time of sun exposure before and get better after bathing in the sea or pool.
As seen, the booths and tanning lamps are dangerous and should therefore be used with caution, avoiding excessive tanning.
When you notice a mole that has changed in appearance, or bleeding, call your doctor. This can be removed and biopsied to see if it is malignant or not.
This type of cancer can be prevented more than many others. Following the instructions above can be reduced or canceled much of the risk factors, so that the chances of developing skin cancer also decreased.
Skin Cancer Risk Factors: Genetic and Other Factors
Genetic factors
The nevoid basal cell epithelioma syndrome is an inherited disorder in which patients develop numerous basal cell carcinoma from the second decade of life and that ultimately affect any area of the skin.
Xeroderma pigmentosum is an inherited disorder that is caused by an alteration in DNA repair, is also associated with the occurrence of multiple cutaneous carcinomas.
In cutaneous malignant melanoma has been described a familial predisposition. The estimated risk is 70% present in patients with neurocutaneous melanosis and different types of xeroderma pigmentosum, from 1% in children of patients with non-familial melanoma alone and 6% in families with dysplastic nevus syndrome and history of two or more malignant melanomas.
Those who have been treated with medicines that suppress their immune systems, are more likely to develop melanoma. Read the rest of this entry »
Skin Cancer Risk Factors: Physical Characteristics Factors
Physical Characteristics
The white people of Scottish, English or Irish with blond or red hair, blue eyes and abundant freckles are especially susceptible.
Melanoma is very rare in the population being predominantly black or Oriental, when it occurs, little pigmented areas such as palms and plants and their prognosis is worse. The sensitivity of skin to sun tanning and the difficulty increases the risk of melanoma.
The skin reaction to sunlight is associated with factors such as skin pigmentation, the number of freckles in childhood or adulthood and the number of nevi (moles-like formations, which are benign melanocytic tumors), accounting for all factors risk for cutaneous malignant melanoma. Read the rest of this entry »
Skin Cancer Risk Factors: Environmental Factors
The reason that causes this type of cancer is not entirely known. Yes, we have studied some factors that influence their occurrence.
Environmental factors
Excessive exposure to the sun influences the production of these cancers. People who work outdoors, such as farmers and sailors, have a higher incidence. Often occur on exposed skin, often in head and neck.
Although sunlight helps to synthesize vitamins A and D, overexposure, produce or burns, increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including malignant melanoma.
There is a correlation between risk of melanoma and latitude. It also influences the time period during which a person has lived in Ecuador-latitude countries, which means excessive sun exposure maintained for a period of life. Read the rest of this entry »
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
The non-melanoma skin cancer may look like under various brands in the skin. In general, you should consult any stain that grows, changes shape or color, especially when it gets dark. Also, if bulges, itches or bleeds.
Basal cell carcinomas appear as red areas, flat or scaly areas or small waxy, shiny and translucent to the relief that may bleed. There may be some irregular blood vessel visible, or show areas of blue, brown or black.
Squamous cell carcinomas can look like growing lumps, rough surface, or flat as reddish patches of skin that grow slowly.
Melanoma may appear as a change in those spots on the skin. Any sore, lump, mark, etc. that is suspected might be a melanoma. The skin may become rough or scaly or may bleed or ooze.
You can take a melanoma from a mole, change in appearance or texture. In general, a mole is a spot of uniform color, brown, tan or black skin. Read the rest of this entry »
Types of Skin Cancer: Melanoma
Melanoma skin cancer
This disease develops in the melanocytes, skin cells that produce melanin that gives color. Melanocytes are found in the epidermis, layer of outer skin.
Melanoma is the type of skin cancer less common and more severe. You can easily spread to other parts of the body through blood or lymphatic system. If diagnosed early, the prognosis is better.
It can occur from existing moles, or a new formation, small, pigmented, appearing in an area of normal skin.
Will have to consult with your doctor if you notice a change in the size, shape or color of a mole. Or a mole that is swollen or painful to the touch or oozing or bleeding. Read the rest of this entry »
Other Types of Skin Cancer: Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Other less common types:
* Kaposi’s sarcoma: originates in the dermis but can also occur in internal organs.
Kaposi sarcoma in two forms:
That which usually develops in those patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and children and young people of equatorial Africa. This form grows very fast and tends to affect internal organs.
Before the onset of the disease, tended to present only the elderly of European origin Mediterranean. In these people grows very slowly on the skin and rarely spreads.
In the first the characteristic appearance is a sin pink, red or purple round or oval, in any part of the body but more often in the face. Read the rest of this entry »
Types and Description of Skin Cancer
Nonmelanoma skin cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma (or squamous cell carcinoma) develops in the middle layers of the epidermis and accounts for 20% of all cases of skin cancer.
Usually appears in areas that have been exposed to the sun, like the top of the nose, ears, forehead, lip and back of hands.
You can also occur in areas of skin that have been in contact with chemicals, which have undergone radiotherapy, or have been burned. In the genital area, appears less frequently.
Generally tend to have a hard red bump. Sometimes it may look, scaly, or bleed and develop a scab that never heals. As will having enlarged nodular and sometimes presents a warty surface. In the end, it becomes an open sore and grows into the underlying tissue.
Through the lymph system can extend to any part of the body, although this rarely happens. It is a tumor with a tendency to grow and fall in the same place, once removed. But it tends to spread. Read the rest of this entry »
Cancer, skin cancer: prevention by eating broccoli
According to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, broccoli 25% decreases the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
Always known that eating fruits and vegetables is good for the body.
Always doctors and nutritionists recommend eating lots of fruits and vegetables because the beneficial effects on healthy life and to take over five servings per day.
Broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are used as adjuvants in cancer therapy because foods contain significant amounts of magnesium, potassium, calcium, as well as of sulfur compounds. Are rich in chlorophyll, mucilage, fiber, vitamins C, A, K.
A vaccine will cure skin cancer
A new vaccine being tested gives new hope for treatment of skin cancer. The drug, called “OncoVEX” attacks cancer cells, leaving healthy cells intact, and stimulates the body’s response to melanoma, so patients can fully recover, even those with the disease, advanced.
Dr. Howard Kaufman of the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago said that the vaccine will bring relief to thousands of people with skin cancer every year. The drug not only affects cells that are injected, but also in other parts of the body can not be reached, inducing an immune response by the flow of blood.
The BioVex, manufacturer is currently recruiting more than 400 patients for the final stages of testing, which will be made in the USA and the UK. Read the rest of this entry »