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Cancer, Chapter 16 |
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Cancer Links: Causes of Cancer Types of Cancer Treatment Prevention
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Skin Cancer Skin cancer is the most common cancer when the easily treated skin cancers are counted. Out of the 1 million skin cancers diagnosed each year, only 51,000 are of a serious type - Melanoma.
There are two types of ultra violet light that can cause problems with one's health. UVB, which has a shorter-wavelength, causes problems with the eyes and causes sunburn. UVA, which has the longer wavelength, gradually damages the connective tissues, injuring the skin. Both have been traced to skin cancer. Other things can lead to the disease as well: having moles, being light-skinned, spending time at high altitudes, and having somewhat of a family history of the disease.
There are three main types of skin cancer: Basal Cell, Squamous Cell Carcinomas, and Melanoma. Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas are responsible for 95% of skin cancer every day. These normally attack the areas of your body that are always exposed to the sun, like the face, neck, hands, and arms. The sores are often painless but may bleed or make on open sore. They normally appear as wax-like, pale, scaly patches.
Melanoma is the most dangers skin cancer. Since 1973, the amount of people who get Melanoma has increased 4% each year. This happens to be the most popular cancer among women 25-29 years. This can cause sores on any area of the body, although mostly the back, chest, abdomen, and lower legs. Sores normally show themselves at the sight of a pre-existing mole. They look larger, pink, and have an irregular surface area. These may itch or burn, or bleed.
To make sure you don't develop something like this, you should limit your exposure to the sun or sun lamps. Also check your skin regularly for bumps or itchy, unfamiliar places. If you have warts or moles, watch them regularly and make sure you get to the doctor if they drastically enlarge or change in appearance. Look for uneven symmetry, border irregularity, color variation, and a wart/mole with a diameter large than 1/4 an inch.
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