Some Signs of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a form of cancer that manifests itself in different ways and signs. The most common of skin cancer signs is a change in the skin like growths or sores that don't heal. If you find lumps that are smooth, shiny or waxy looking, or is red or reddish brown in color, it is better to visit the doctor to find out if you are suffering from skin cancer as early as possible.

Red spots that are rough or scaly are other skin cancer signs that should be shown to the doctor when in doubt. As skin cancer can start from or near a mole, make it a point to have your health care provider check all unusual moles that seem to be larger than others, have different colors or have irregular edges. This is because these are all signs for skin cancer.

Skin cancer signs are listed as the "ABCD" warning signs of melanoma where:

A - Asymmetry means that one half of the mole does not match the other half.

B - Border irregularity where the edges of the moles are ragged, blurred and notched.

C - Color where you find irregular pigmentation in the moles of your body. There may be moles in shades of tan, brown or black with a mottled or splotchy appearance.

D - Diameter where you find the width of the moles to be more than 6 millimeters, or the size of a pencil eraser. Abnormal growth in the mole should be reported and investigated.

The other signals for skin cancer are usually mottled, light brown to black and flat blemishes having irregular edges. These moles may turn red, blue or white and may also bleed or crust on its surface. The earliest skin cancer signs for squamous cell carcinoma are skin growths called actinic keratosis.

These are small and scaly spots that develop on the parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. They usually start as small, red and flat spots that grow large, scaly and thick like a wart and usually form on the face or back of hands.

The other signs you should keep an eye out for are:

* Changes in color or shape in existing moles, or moles that start to bleed or ooze.

* Moles that grow into unusually large size.

* Sores on the mole that heal very slowly.

* Blood blisters which you find under toenails, which develop on its own, and not because of a blow.

* New moles that develop after the age of 30. People usually get moles within the age of 30s; new moles that start after it have to be studied and investigated.

These skin cancer signs can be identified and declared skin cancer only by your doctor. So if you find any of these skin cancer signs, make sure that you consult your doctor to find out the next step to be taken.

Easy to Recognize Non Melanoma Skin Cancer Symptoms

Non-melanoma skin cancer is something that no one wants to have. However, it is a highly curable cancer if caught in the early stages. That is why it is so important to recognize the symptoms so that you can get diagnosed and treated early. Non-melanoma and melanoma are the two types of cancers that can occur. Non-melanoma cancers are the easiest to treat and are much more common than melanomas.

Millions of people suffer from non-melanoma skin cancer each year and go for treatment because they have one or more of the following symptoms:

1.) A mole that has a smooth texture and is shiny, light in color and waxy.

2.) Reddish or brownish scaly patches on the skin surface.

3.) Rough skin patches.

4.) A sore that doesn't heal.

5.) A small lump reddish in color that is firm to the touch.

6.) A strange new growth on the skin. Generally, most of these symptoms cause little if any pain, so it is sometimes easy to simply ignore them.

Often, skin cancer is detected at a routine physical exam. However, you can perform your own skin exams quite easily at home. Look closely at any changes or growths on your skin. If anything looks suspicious, go see your doctor immediately. It's always better to be safe than sorry. If you have a personal or family history of cancer, then it's better for you to see a dermatologist that specializes in skin disorders.

Anyone can get skin cancer, but fair skinned people with freckles are more at risk. If you sunburn easily or have been sunburned badly as a child, then you run a higher risk of getting the disease. Blue- and green-eyed people also are more susceptible as are "outdoorsy" individuals. While certain people run a greater risk, it is always advisable for everyone to use precautions any time they are out in the sun.

Skin cancer symptoms should never be taken lightly. Non-melanoma skin cancer is very common and is highly treatable. But, it must not be ignored. Always avoid UV radiation from the sun and limit your use of sun lamps and tanning beds. Do your routine skin exams and go see your doctor if you are at all in doubt.

Comments: Skin Cancer Symptoms

Stage 4 Lung Cancer - What Is It?

What is stage 4 lung cancer? It is the most advanced stage of lung cancer known today. Having cancer at this stage means that the tumor at the lungs has spread out to the other parts of the body. This is also called metastasis. Identifying lung cancer stage is important to determine the extent of the spread of cancer and what possible treatment that a willing cancer patient must go through if he opt to be treated. This type of lung cancer may affect the brain, the liver, the adrenal glands and the bone.

Usually, a lung cancer is not detected on its early stage. Most symptoms start to manifest only at the later stage of the disease. Some stage 4 lung cancer symptoms are persistent coughing and sometimes with bloody mucous, shortness of breath, hoarseness of voice, difficulty in swallowing, tenderness of muscles with intolerable muscle pains, repeated occurrence of pneumonia or bronchitis and fatigue. Affecting the brain, the symptoms are severe headaches, vision changes and seizure attacks. For the liver and adrenal glands, a cancer patient may experience abdominal pain, fever, yellowish skin, swollen legs, weight loss and loss of appetite. Bone breakage occurs even when there is no injury that took place. Note however that different people may show different symptoms as this will depend on the other organs affected.

One should undergo multiple tests when most of the symptoms manifest. Stage 4 lung cancer can be diagnosed through various tests like chest x-rays, bone scans, CT scans or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound and other blood tests. After taking all the necessary tests and a diagnosis has been made, an individual who is said to have this disease is entitled to get a second opinion, after all, its his life that is at stake. Note however that this lung cancer has no more cure but there are treatment methods that an individual may undergo to reduce pain at a certain level, slow down the growth of cancer cells and extend his life.

The common treatments recommended to slow down the spread of cancer cells for stage 4 lung cancer are chemotherapy, radiation therapy and in some cases the combination of both. Why not surgery? Surgery at this point in time is not recommended because as stated, this stage is characterized with the spread of tumors in various organs. The purpose of surgery is to remove the organ affected with tumor. To remove all the organs with tumor will just make the cancer patient weaker and may even be the cause for him to pass away sooner than he should. Chemotherapy, as a treatment, makes use of chemical agents to destroy the cancer cells. There are three ways to take this treatment. It can be taken orally, through injection or through the veins. What is important is the dosage of administering this treatment. But there is a setback. The treatment can also destroy non-cancer cells. Chemotherapy can not distinguish a good cell from a cancer cell. Radiation therapy on the other hand use radioactive substances to target and destroy the DNA of the cancer cells. An external machine can be used or a radioactive material can be inserted into the body and position it close to the area affected by the tumor. Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy can also damage normal body cells.

In consideration of the family of a cancer patient, they will also experience agony as they witness the physical hardships that their love one is going through. The cancer patient with so much effort will try not to show how much physical pain he is experiencing because he knows that his love ones will also suffer. In reciprocity, family members will try hard not to show how much they sympathize and empathize for their cancer patient. For most families, a disease such as stage 4 lung cancer has brought the family members closer to each other. One concern that brings the family together is the fact that this is a terminal case. It is but human nature to want to spend time with a love one who you know will be gone soon. Another reason concerns family decisions and support that need to be made. When a patient decides that he wants to undergo treatment, he will be needing all the support that his family can give.

Stage 4 lung cancer is a dreadful disease that no one wants to have but there are ways not to reach this stage if you already have lung cancer.

Signs of Skin Cancer - Finding the Threat

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in the world's population. Leading researchers theorize that nearly every case of skin cancer is curable if it is detected early enough. For this reason, learning about signs of skin cancer can literally save your life!

The signs of skin cancer can be described by a popular alphabetical mnemonic, or memory trick. Commonly known as the ABCs of skin cancer, each letter indicates a certain characteristic of those skin sores, or lesions, which may be cancerous. For example, "A" refers to asymmetry, because cancerous skin lesions are often irregularly shaped.

The second sign of a cancerous lesion, designated as "B," is a reminder that skin cancers, unlike normal moles or other skin tumors, often lack clearly defined borders. "C" stands for color, because cancer sores are often red, blue, white, or black in appearance, and look very different from benign skin growths.

The diameter, or size of the skin lesion, is described by "D," and reminds people that growths that are greater than a quarter of an inch in size should be evaluated by a medical professional. The final letter in the mnemonic is "E," which refers to elevation. Skin cancers are often raised above the surface of the skin, and have an uneven surface.

Other signs that characterize this type of cancer include the presence of sores that do not heal. These sores may begin to bleed or drain yellowish fluid for a time, then scab over and appear as though they are healing. They do not heal, however, but begin to drain and then scab over again.

Occasionally, cancerous tumors may grow from a mole or freckle. More often, however, these tumors appear as new growths on the surface of the skin. The presence of a new growth that can be described by any of the letters described above is a red flag; persons who discover these growths on their body should see a physician as soon as possible.

Although it is somewhat unusual, these sores may sometimes be painful or tender. Occasionally, they can itch. Most often, however, they do not cause tenderness or itching.

If you are an individual with fair or freckled skin, or if you frequently experience prolonged exposure to sunlight, or if anyone in your family has ever had skin cancer, be aware of these signs of skin cancer. Identifying a sore that may be skin cancer in its early stage may save your life!

Determining Skin Cancer Moles

People nowadays are likely to develop skin cancer moles because of long exposure to sunlight. The good news is that this type of cancer is the most curable if detected at the early stage. But if it is not treated, can result to death.

Moles are growth on the skin that is clustered and often brown, black or flesh-color and appears anywhere on the skin. The normal average of moles is from 10 to 40. However, an individual who have more than 100 moles are at risk to acquire melanoma.

Listed below are types of mole cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma that is developed on skin that is sun-damaged which is likely to affect Caucasian.

• Melanoma which is the rarest form of skin cancer and if not treated will spread to the other parts of the body and will then lead to fatality and is blue in color.

• Squamous cell carcinoma is targeting fair skinned people but affects men than women.it can destroy tissues and is invasive. Causing health problems and if untreated will lead to death.

• Actinic Keratosis can lead to squamous cell carcinoma if not cured early. It affects fair skinned people, eyes that are blue, hazel and green and individuals who have blonde and red hair. People who have weak immune system are also susceptible to acquire this type of skin cancer. This mole is typically rough, pink or red patches and.5 inch in size.

• Actinic cheilitis or commonly known as "sailors lip" or "farmers lip". The lower lip is affected and can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. People that are fair skinned, elderly, men and those that use tobacco are affected. The growth of this skin cancer is accompanied by cracking on the lips and dryness.

Here are the guides to be able to identify if the mole on your skin is cancerous. The ABCDE are vital in enabling you characterize the risky moles.

• A - Asymmetry. If the other half of the mole is not the same in size, color, thickness and shape.

• B - Borders. The edges are irregular, blurred, poorly defined and rough.

• C - Color. Uneven shades of brown and black or the mole has added colors of brown, red, black, blue and white

• D - Diameter. A mole that is greater than 6mm or the size of a pencil eraser.

• E - Elevation. Part of the mole is raised.

If you are suspecting that you have skin cancer moles, it is important to consult a dermatologist. They are the ones who are capable of examining the mole if it can cause health problems.

There procedures that can remove the moles that pose risk to your health. Don't get sun exposure when the sun is shining at its hottest (10am-3pm) and apply sunscreen. Be aware of the changes and have a skin check regularly.

What Does a Cancerous Mole Look Like?

Not all moles are precancerous and not all moles look like melanoma, skin cancer. If you want to know, "What does a cancerous mole look like?", then you need to know what normal moles look like first.

The scientific term for moles is nevi. A normal mole is symmetrical. That means that if you folded it in half, the two halves would match, or be very close to matching. The borders of a normal mole are smooth and even all the way around. The color of a normal mole varies. They are black, brown, flesh toned, red, blue and translucent. They usually are uniform in color throughout. Some are flat, some are raised and some moles are almost bulbous and very soft.

Normal moles grow in different layers of the skin and that's one way to classify them. Those that grow in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, are junctional nevus. This type of mole is almost flat to the skin, although they may be slightly raised. A second type of mole has cells in both the dermis and epidermis and it's called a compound nevus. These are more raised than the junctional nevus and have a brown to black color. The third type of mole grows in the dermis, the inner layer of skin. They are brown to flesh tone and often soft and raised to form a small mound or ball on the skin surface.

Some normal moles that look like cancerous moles are blue nevi. The coloring of these moles often gets them confused with cancerous growths.

Most normal moles are smaller than six mm. Very large moles that remain the same throughout your lifetime often aren't cancerous, but should continuously be checked for changes.

Now that you know what a normal mole looks like, what does a cancerous mole look like? First cancerous moles have irregular edges. There are twists and turns in the boarders that normal moles don't have. Normal moles are mostly round or oval.

Next, normal moles are symmetrical. Cancerous moles are not. Sometimes a cancerous mole has indentations on one side, but the other is perfectly smooth. There is no way the two sides match.

Cancerous moles tend to have irregular colors. The color is often not consistent throughout the cancerous mole.

Cancerous moles sometimes ulcerate and bleed. One sign that should send you to the doctor immediately is a bleeding mole.

Some moles are atypical, meaning that they don't fit the pattern for regular moles but are not cancerous. These are dysplastic moles. They sometimes develop into cancer but they aren't necessarily cancerous. Their borders are irregular, they are asymmetrical and often look like cancerous growths.

If you can remember the first four letters of the alphabet, you'll know what to look for when you look for a cancerous mole. A means asymmetry, B stands for the borders with irregular edges, C is the lack of uniform color and D is the diameter or size greater than six millimeters. Also, watch for any mole that suddenly develops where there was none before and beware of a mole that bleeds.

How Ordinary Moles Can Turn Cancerous

Summary

By definition, a mole is a lesion found on or under a person's skin. The skin mole has nevus cells. Moles are typically acquired during the early stages of an individual's life, sometimes vanishing during the middle age.

The average person may have somewhere between 10 and 40 moles. The most common kind of moles are moles that occur above the surface of the skin, flat moles, and skin tags. Skin moles that lie in the dermis are embedded in the skin and those that on or covered by the epidermis rest on the skin's outer layer. They're usually benign and range in size, color, texture, and may occur at any part of the body. Although most skin moles are oval and not larger than a pea or raisin. However, some of them may resemble malignant skin lesions since they show a different color with an amorphous shape.

What is melanoma?

Some moles are melanomas which are harmful tumors that are a type of skin cancer. Although it's less common than other kinds of skin cancer, it's considered the deadliest form. Diagnosis is more prevalent in women that live in warm climates, as excessive exposure to the sun is one of the top causes of melanoma. Fair-skinned people with light-colored hair and eyes are also more at risk. This is such because the skin is less resistant towards the grueling and harsh rays of the sun which may or may not contain ultraviolet light, which further increases the chances of developing melanoma.

What are causes of cancerous moles?

While ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is usually the culprit of the most typical cause of cancerous moles, there's also other ways to become afflicted with melanoma. Tanning beds are another common cause, as well as extreme exposure to x-rays. Additionally, those who have impaired immune systems from taking various medications at once are more susceptible to fall victim to melanoma. Frequent contact with chemicals in oil, soot, and tar are contributors as well.

How are cancerous moles diagnosed?

Dermatologists are skin specialists that are most likely to detect melanoma. They may run diagnostic tests if they see symptoms, such as darkish blue coloring and irregular shaped moles, on the skin. Most indications are easy to spot with the naked eye, and it's important to act on clues early to prevent metastasis or the spread of cancer to other organs.

What treatments are available for cancerous moles?

There's several forms of treatment for cancerous moles that are often performed by nuclear medicine technologists or plastic surgeons. Many people choose to undergo cosmetic surgery to have their mole(s) removed. Some endure chemo and/or immunotherapy while radiation therapy may work better for others.

Check out my website for more information on cancerous moles.

Cancerous Moles - Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Skin moles, known medically as nevi, are clusters of pigmented skin cells which are almost always benign. However, cancerous moles are a serious health concern; if you have moles that appear on the surface of the skin after you reach the age of 20, or if you have moles that change in shape, size or color, it is crucial that you have them examined by a doctor or dermatologist. If you have cancerous moles, they will need to be treated immediately to avoid long-term health complications.

How are moles formed?

Moles occur when a large number of skin cells reproduce in a small area, forming one or more raised patches of skin. Because these skin cells contain a large amount of pigment, they often appear darker than the surrounding skin.

Moles that are present at birth or shortly afterward are called congenital nevi, and they tend to be small and more or less symmetrical in shape. While they are most often black or brown in color, they may appear in a variety of other shades, as well.

How do I know if I have cancerous moles?

Most moles are completely harmless, and they are not likely to develop cancerous cells. However, if you have moles on any part of your skin, you should be vigilant about checking them periodically for any of the following symptoms:

• An uneven, asymmetrical appearance;


• Changes in their appearance;


• Moles that do not appear until after age 20 or later;


• Moles that increase in size;


• Moles that become itchy or scaly;


• Bleeding or tenderness.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is very important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you do develop skin cancer, early treatment is the key to a successful cure.

Will I need to have my moles surgically removed?

If you have cancerous moles, your doctor will recommend that they be removed immediately. Cutting into a mole with cancer cells will not cause the disease to spread. Although non-cancerous moles are harmless, people who are bothered by their appearance may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

Is there a way to get rid of moles without permanent scarring?

Conventional methods for getting rid of moles typically involve cutting the growths away with a specialized surgical tool. Unfortunately, this method can be rather painful, and it ordinarily results in some degree of scarring.

Skin Moles - 3 Dangers Signs To Look Out For

Melanoma's pose a real and very present danger to almost all of us. With the sun getting more and more dangerous every year, its remarkable how many people are still oblivious to the dangers that UV poses to your skin. Skin cancer is one of the biggest killers worldwide and in certain countries it is one of the diseases that claim the most victims. Australia is one such country and apart from people's outdoors lifestyles the fact that the ozone layer is getting thinner means the risk is getting bigger.

If you have moles on your body then you need to pay particular attention to the danger signs of skin cancer. If diagnosed early and treated quickly is can be controlled. Moles are particularly fragile in the sun and knowing your moles on your body is very important. Usually when a moles starts changing you need to take action and see a doctor. Lets quickly look at 3 of the most prominent danger signs.

1. Shape And Boarder Of The Mole

Most healthy moles are round or oval shaped with s smooth and uniform shape. When your moles starts changing shape and become more irregular in form or becomes more square shaped then its a danger sign. Also, when a dark outline develops around the perimeter you need to get it checked out.

2. Texture

In a healthy state it should be the same texture as your skin and although it tends to protrude ever so slightly above the skin surface its not swollen. When it does become swollen though you need to take care. When the texture changes you need to pay very close attention because when scales start forming or it becomes more rough in texture then something is probably wrong.

3. Color

One of the first and most prominent signs of an unhealthy mole is when it starts changing color. If it becomes very dark and/or when it becomes red then its not a healthy sign. You should also pay attention to black or dark spots developing in the moles itself as this can be a bad sign.

While none of these signs imply anything serious its mere a guide to help you take action. Often its as simple as getting a doctor to have a quick look. Its always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Skin Cancer Symptoms to Look Out For

These days, it pays to be careful. Growing up, we were often allowed to play outdoors for hours on end in the hot summer sun, completely unprotected from the sun's harmful UV rays. These days, we know a lot more about the damage that direct exposure can bring and are taking measures to protect ourselves and the ones we love. For some of us, it may be too late to not get skin cancer but we can protect our skin from any further damage in the future. Learn what skin cancer symptoms to look for and check yourself frequently.

Many times, skin cancer goes undetected because the person who has it did not realize anything was wrong. Generally, the easiest way to detect skin cancer is by checking all of your moles and freckles as well as looking for any other spots on your body. If you have moles that have changed shape or size quickly, you should have this looked at.

Often times, raised red bumps will appear beside a freckle or mole or they may even appear to have developed under a mole. If you have lots of freckles and moles, this can be quite difficult to determine. However, you should always keep an eye on your body and be watching for new growths or your old marks changing shape, size or color.

Sometimes when people gain and lose weight, their skin changes and so do the marks on their bodies such as their moles or freckles expanding. Sometimes skin cancer can be detected by a spot on your body getting darker and beginning to burn or itch. This is a sign that there is something wrong. It is, of course, completely normal to get bug bites and have bumps that may itch for a short period of time but if it is persistent, you should have it checked out.

You should be on the lookout and most concerned about dark patch of skin that is surrounded by lighter brown areas.

Other skin cancer symptoms include flat bumps on your face or body, tough round lumps on your face, back and around your ears and patches of itchy, scaly skin that seem to not go away with treatment or moisturizing. Lesions on your skin and in and around the mucous membranes are typically a sign of melanoma, a form of skin cancer, as well. Always be on the lookout for changes in your skin and know your body, inside and out.

Skin Cancer Symptoms - How Do You Know If You Are Affected?

Sun exposure has been linked for several years with skin cancer. More people are diagnosed with this cancer than with any other. Therefore, it is important to learn about skin cancer symptoms in order to protect yourself and the ones you love.

Skin cancer often appears as a growth on the surface of the skin. Moles or marks that have been present since birth are rarely cancerous. Changes in the appearance of these moles or marks, however, can be a sign of malignancy, and should be evaluated by a physician.

Sometimes skin cancer looks like a sore or pimple that does not heal. These areas may bleed, or seep clear fluid. They may develop scabs, appearing as though they are beginning to heal, but then begin to bleed or seep again.

Different skin cancers develop in different areas of the body. Basal cell carcinomas usually appear on skin surfaces frequently exposed to sun, like the face, neck, or upper back, and occasionally the hands or arms. They often seep yellowish fluid, scab over, and begin again to ooze. When the skin is pulled taut, basal cell cancers are often light grey in color. Sometimes tiny blood vessels can be seen inside the tumors.

In comparison, squamous cell carcinomas are more likely than basal cell cancers to appear on the backs of the arms or hands, but are found most frequently on the face, neck, or upper back. These appear as painful reddish, scaly growths. These also seep or bleed, scab over, and drain again.

Malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type, usually appears on the trunk or legs. These may appear as changes in moles or freckles, or may begin to grow spontaneously from a part of the skin that appears completely normal. These are often multi-colored, and can be brown, black, white, red, or blue.

Rarely, people may develop other types of skin cancers. Kaposi's sarcoma is found in people with weakened immune systems, such as persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or those who have had organ transplants. These are painful purple spots that appear on the skin and can spread to the lungs or digestive organs.

People with a high risk for skin cancer, such as those frequently exposed to sunlight or individuals with a family member who has had cancer should consider examining their skin often. Skin cancer is usually very curable if it is found and treated early. Being aware of skin cancer symptoms and examining your skin often will allow you to get medical treatment early, and may save your life.

How to Tell If You Have a Toenail Melanoma

Toenail melanomas are similarly found on the skin but they are on the skin beneath the toenail or thumbnail. This makes them less noticeable especially for people who frequently wear dark nail polish. This is also the reason why most toenail melanomas are only treated or removed only when they have reached the more advanced stages of growth.

Fortunately, toenail melanoma is commonly benign, in which case a simple surgery can be done to remove the skin tumor. Since toenail melanoma is covered by the nail, the operation would require the partial or total removal of the covering nail as well.

This is all done under local anesthesia so there is nothing to worry about. With the advances in modern medicine, this surgery will only last about an hour.

The first symptom of this kind of skin cancer is a small dark spot resembling a mole. Oftentimes, a toenail melanoma is dark yellow, brown or black.

In rare cases, the spot is colorless, making it more difficult to detect. These types are the riskier ones especially if they turn out to be malignant. They can keep growing with the person not even knowing he has it.

To differentiate between a regular mole and a toenail melanoma, you will have to observe the spot for a few days or even weeks. If the spot grows in size, there is a large chance that it is in fact a toenail melanoma.

Although most toenail melanomas are benign, this is not a certainty. You need to go in for a biopsy to determine the kind of toenail melanoma you have.

Sometimes a toenail melanoma starts not as a spot but a streak, similar to the white streaks that sometimes appear on the nail following trauma. If you notice these streaks on your nails without undergoing any kind of nail trauma, you should have your nail checked as this can be the beginning stages of a tumor.

Although this condition is generally called toenail melanoma, it can actually occur in any of your other nails as well. They do appear much more frequently on the toenails and thumbnails but you should regularly check your other nails as well.

Once you begin to notice these changes in your nails, it is best to consult a doctor right away. Melanomas are still a kind of cancer, and just like other cancers, they are more easily treated if detected early. Also, since they are just like any other tumor, you will need to undergo chemotherapy and radiation in case the toenail melanoma turns out to be malignant.

Medical studies have shown that this particular kind of melanoma, also called acral lentiginous melanoma in the medical community, is more common in Asians and other people with darker skin. However, Caucasians are not totally risk-free as there have also been several cases of toenail melanoma in very fair-skinned people over the years.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

The most common form of cancer in humans is skin cancer. There are over one million cases annually, although not all are reported. Cases of skin cancer has continually risen, this raises concerns over public health. Almost half of Americans that reach retirement age will develop skin cancer at some point.

A common indicator of skin cancer is new growths or sores that will not heal. There are three different types of skin cancer. squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma also known as carcinoma epithelioma, melanoma. Of these basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common. These are examples of non melanoma cancers. Because of its ability to rapidly spread, melanoma is regarding as a very dangerous form of cancer.

More than 90% of skin cancer cases in the U.S. are Basal Cell Carcinoma. This type of cancer causes damage by invading the surrounding cells. It is usually not life threatening. People with fair complexions are at greater risks of developing basal cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinomas cancer can form any where on the body. Skin cancer is also more common in areas where the UV rays of the sun are stronger. An example of this would be Florida having a higher rate than Michigan.

The appearance begins as a small bump, often appearing to have a pearly texture. These bumps often grow slowly taking years to become large.

General treatment consists of performing a biopsy. The goal of the doctor is to remove the entire infected area, sometimes this may require a few stitches. In most cases this is done right in the doctors office. Another form of treatment is freezing called Cryosurgery.

Skin Cancer Symptom

Sunlight can cause many different problems the most serious of which is skin cancer. Examples of what sunlight exposure can cause also include premature aging, cataracts, and wrinkles. The amount of damage can depend on the strength of the light, the length of exposure time and what type of protection is used. There is no such thing as a safe suntan. Those who have fair complexions sure exercise the most caution. Skin cancer may develop from exposure to sunlight, often times people do not realize that skin cancer may not develop until several years after exposure. Skin cancer may also appear anywhere on the body, the area that is exposed may not be the area that develops cancer. The most dangerous type of skin cancer is Melanoma, Melanoma can be life threatening. Those at highest risk often display physical features that include Fair skin, Blond, red, or light brown hair, freckles, and possibly moles. Self examination is a good idea for early detection, a simple examination can be done monthly. Skin cancers that are detected early can almost always be cured. The most important warning sign to look for is a spot on the skin that is changing size, shape, or color during a period of 1 month to 2 years. If you find any of the following items you should consult a health care specialist immediately

1. Pale, wax-like, pearly nodules.

2. Red, scaly, sharply outlined patches.

3. Sores that don't heal.

4. Small, mole-like growths, may be melanoma,

the most serious type of skin cancer

So how can you protect your family

1. Cover up.

Try this test: Place your hand between a

single layer of the clothing and a light source. If

you can see your hand through the fabric, the

garment offers little protection.

2. Use sunscreen.

A sun protection factor (SPF) of at

least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. You want to

block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin

cancer. Be sure to follow application directions

on the bottle.

3. Wear a hat.

A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap)

is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes,

forehead, nose, and scalp.

4. Wear UV-absorbent shades.

Sunglasses should block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays

5. Limit exposure.

UV rays are most intense

between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you're unsure about

the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your

shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are

the day's strongest.