Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common of all human cancers and the numbers of diagnosed cases keep growing year after year.  Cancer results when normal cells undergo a transformation that causes them to grow and multiply uncontrollably.  Following are the basics of cancer that you and your loved ones should be familiar with:

ü  As cancer cells multiply, they form a mass that is referred to as a tumor.

ü  Tumors are cancerous only if they are malignant, meaning they invade surrounding tissues because of their uncontrollable growth.

ü  Tumors may also travel to organs via the bloodstream, which indicates metastasis.

ü  Tumors may become a burden to surrounding tissues by invading their space, which depletes the oxygen and nutrients the tissues use to function.

There are three major types of skin cancer that you should know about to have a basic understanding.  The three types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.  The first two skin cancers are considered non-melanoma.  The majority of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma; while they can be malignant they are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body.  However, if left untreated or not caught early, they may be locally disfiguring.  A small but significant number of skin cancers then, are malignant melanomas.  Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer that tends to spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal if not treated in the early stages.  A good fact to know is that basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are more common in older people, whereas melanomas are more common in younger people, especially ages 25 to 29.

The following list contains certain populations along with risk factors and causes that may result in skin cancer.  It is important that you or your loved one be familiar with these in order to better prepare yourself.  Those at risk, along with other risk factors and causes include:

ü  Exposure to ultraviolet light, most commonly from sunlight

ü  Use of tanning booths

ü  Impairment of the immune system

ü  Exposure to high levels of radiation, such as from x-rays

ü  Contact with certain chemicals

ü  Increased chance if you have fair skin, especially types that freckle or sunburn easily

ü  People with light hair (blonde or red) and blue or green eyes

ü  Individuals with certain genetic disorders that deplete skin pigments (albinism)

ü  Those who have been previously treated for skin cancer

ü  Those with numerous moles, unusual moles, or large moles present since birth

ü  Individuals with close family members who have skin cancer

ü  Those who had at least one sunburn early in life

ü  Individuals with indoor occupations and outdoor recreational habits

Now that you know some causes and who in the population is more at risk for developing skin cancer it will be beneficial to know some of the symptoms to look for.  The symptoms will depend on the type of skin cancer that has developed.  A basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun exposed skin of the head, neck, or shoulders.  In addition, you may notice that it often appears as a sore that does not heal with time.  A squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a well-defined, red, scaling, thickened bump on sun-exposed skin.  It may ulcerate and bleed, and if left untreated it may develop into a large mass.

The majority of malignant or cancerous melanomas are brown-to-black pigmented lesions.  There are other signs of a cancerous melanoma which include:

ü  A change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole

ü  The appearance of a new mole during childhood

ü  New pain, itching, ulceration, or bleeding of an existing mole

There is also a guideline that should ring a bell for you that is useful for identifying malignant melanoma, it is the “ABCDE” acronym and is described as followed:

·      Asymmetry – One side of the lesion does not match up with the other

·      Border irregularity – Margins of the lesion may be notched or irregular

·      Color – Melanomas are often a mixture of black, tan, brown, blue, red, or white

·      Diameter – Cancerous lesions can be larger than 6 millimeters across

·      Evolution – You must recognize and ask yourself, “Has this mole changed over time?”

Being familiar with the “ABCDE” guideline and being aware of who is at risk and what activities put you more at risk, you or your loved one could take many preventive steps to significantly decrease your chances of being diagnosed with skin cancer.  You know your body the best and should be alert to changes that could occur at any time.  The quicker you get a medical opinion and start treatment, the better your prognosis.

Total Home Health has a program that is right for you and any kind of skin cancer that you may be experiencing.  It can be very devastating to hear the word cancer in your diagnosis.  Our professional and caring staff will be with you to answer any questions and tend to any concerns that you may have.  Whether we help you carry out your treatment or are just there when you need someone to listen, our program at Total Home Health is definitely right for you!