Facts about skin cancer

Skin cancers are basically of three types and these are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. There are also other skin cancer types that are quite unusual such as dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans and Merkel cell tumors. Most of the skin cancers diagnosed today and squamous cells carcinomas and base cell carcinomas. Even though there are malignant, their likelihood o spreading to other body parts are very low. Failure to get an early treatment can make them locally disfiguring. A small number of types of skin cancers but very significant are indeed malignant melanomas. This type of is very aggressive and quickly spreads to other body parts. According to recent cases, skin cancer has become a serious concern in US. Fortunately, the ever-increasing awareness by Americans and providers of health care services has resulted in earlier diagnosis thus leading to improved outcomes.

What causes skin cancer?

The overwhelming cause for skin cancer is exposure to Ultraviolet light from sunlight. However, there are other causes such as using of tanning booths, immune system impairment or immune suppression that provides the body with protection from substances or germs, which leads to an allergic reaction and when one is exposed to high radiation levels like x- rays. In addition, getting into contact with contact like arsenic, especially among sheep shearers, farmers and miners as well as hydrocarbons found in soot, tar and oils can also lead to skin cancer. Some people are exposed to a much greater risk of getting skin cancer; especially those with far skin that can be painful when exposed in sun and suffer sunburn easily.

People with light hair and green or blue eyes, those with some genetic disorders which lead to depletion of skin pigment like albinism are at a high risk of suffering from skin cancer as well. Numerous, large and unusual moles also increases the risk as well as those people whose occupations deal with outdoor recreational habits. The likelihood of older people getting skin cancer is also higher than young people. Symptoms of skin cancer majorly depend on the actual type of cancer. Such symptoms range from visible small blood vessels within the tumor, sore BCC that doesn’t heal, a change in shape, size, elevation or color of a mole and similar symptoms.

Treatment overview for skin cancer

Although skin cancer is a very serious illness, it is curable, especially when diagnosed in early stages. Treatments for melanoma range from home treatments and modern medications to surgery and other treatments like radiation therapy for melanoma. If you suspect that you have any symptom of skin cancer, it is important that you visit your doctor as soon as possible and get professional advice on the best treatment approach to consider.

If the cancer is at an advanced stage, you will need a lot of care and support. You may feel stressed and depressed which could trigger heart problems. Thus, the caregivers should have CPR recertification to take good care of you.