There are several different types of cancer, all of which are very
dangerous and must be detected early in order to have the best possible
prognosis. Skin cancer, which is an increasingly common form, is often
associated with over exposure to sun or other ultraviolet radiation,
including tanning beds. Because individuals with fair skin are more
susceptible to a sunburn, they are also more susceptible to skin cancer.
In order to protect themselves from the sun’s strength, individuals
should wear sunscreen with a high SPF, hats and long sleeve shirts. In
addition, taking special care to not fall asleep in the sun or spend
hours every day in it’s presence may help to lessen it’s harmful
effects and possibly may even prevent skin cancer.
Symptoms of skin cancer are various, but the most common is a lesion
that will not heal. This may also include discoloration and overall
changes in the appearance of moles. The majority of skin cancer
patients can be treated with a surgical procedure that involves
removing the affected layers of the skin. If skin cancer is left
untreated, however, it may begin to involve the deeper layers of the
skin and possibly even the lymphatic system. In addition, it may spread
to other parts of the body and become resistant to treatment if not
detected early.
Of all the various forms of cancer, Skin cancer has one of the highest
survival rates because, unlike the others, skin cancer is usually
visible and leads to earlier detection. If a skin lesion does not heal
within 7 to 10 days, or if a mole begins to change in shape, color or
otherwise vary in appearance, a physician should be consulted in order
to determine whether or not the lesion is cancerous. During testing, a
piece of the skin will be removed by the physician and sent to a
medical laboratory for further testing. If the test results are
positive for the presence of cancer, the physician will invite the
patient to return to his/her office for a conversation regarding
possible treatment options.
The information in this article is intended for informational purposes
only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical
advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or
treatment of skin cancer. If necessary, individuals should consult a
medical doctor or dermatologist for information regarding the
likelihood of skin cancer, a proper diagnosis and recommended form of
treatment.
