Skin Cancer
What is Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three common types of skin cancer, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises. Cancers caused by UV exposure may be prevented by avoiding exposure to sunlight or other UV sources, wearing sun-protective clothes, and using a broad-spectrum sun screen
What are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer
The general warning signs of skin cancer include:
- Any changes in size, colour, shape, or texture of any skin growth.
- An open or inflamed skin wound that won't heal.
Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, may appear as:
- Changes to an existing mole.
- A small, dark, multicoloured spot with jagged borders (either elevated or flat) that may bleed and form a scab.
- A clump of shiny, firm, dark bumps.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may appear on sun-exposed skin as:
- A flesh-coloured oval lump which may develop into a ulcer that bleeds.
- A smooth red spot pierced in the centre.
- A reddish, brown, or bluish black patch of skin on the chest or back.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may appear on sun-exposed skin as:
- A firm, red, bump that grows gradually.
- A flat spot that becomes a bleeding sore that won't heal.
What are the Causes of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is caused by too much sun exposure. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that can alter the genetic material in skin cells, causing mutations.
Also things to avoid to much exposure to are sunlamps, tanning booths, and x-rays. As these instruments can also damage skin and cause cancerous growths.
Melanoma is linked to excessive sunbathing that causes your skin to be scorched and blistered. It is reported that one blistering sunburn episode during childhood can double a person's risk for developing melanoma later in life.
Traditional Medical Treatments for Skin Cancer
Fortunately, most skin cancers are detected and cured before they spread. Melanoma that has spread to other organs poses the greatest problem.
Standard treatments for localised basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are safe and effective and cause very few side effects. Small tumours can also be removed.
In some cases where BCC or SCC has begun to spread beyond the skin, tumours are removed surgically and patients are treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. Although it is usually rare for the cancers to spread beyond the localised site.
Melanoma tumours must be removed surgically as soon as they are detected. Neither radiation nor chemotherapy will cure advanced melanoma, but either treatment may slow the disease and relieve symptoms.
If you have had skin cancer previously, you are more at risk of getting it again. Anyone who has been treated for skin cancer of any kind should have regular checkups.
Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Skin Cancer
Once skin cancer is diagnosed, the only acceptable treatment is medical care. However, alternative treatments may be useful in preventing the disease and also in helping the body cope with the side effects from the conventional treatments.
Nutrition And Diet: It is generally agreed that zinc and the antioxidant vitamins A (beta carotene), C, and E can help repair damaged body tissue and promote healthy skin.
Herbal Therapies: African sausage tree (Kigelia pinnata) to treat skin cancer. There needs to be more conclusive research performed on this herb.