Types Of Skin Cancers

Symptoms and Dangers of Skin Cancer
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    March 12th, 2009DaveSkin Cancer


    With skin cancer being highly treatable form of cancer, early detection and monitoring is required. If this is done there are treatments to cure it. One very bad fact of skin cancer is if left untreated there is a dangers of skin cancer spreading to other parts of the body. If this happens the chances of survival are greatly reduced. Today it is very important to learn about the dangers and the symptoms of skin cancer.

    If a person does pay attention skin cancer can go undetected and unnoticed. It is recommended to always do a good self examination of the skin at least once a month. Be on the lookout for any changes on the skin.

    What to Look For?

    You should be watching for sudden growths on your skin that are asymmetrical in appearance.  The borders of a skin cancer growth can be indistinguishable and it might have an uneven surface.  A skin cancer can also be a brown, black, tan, white, red or blue color or a multitude of colors.  If you notice a growth like this has made a sudden appearance you should have it checked out by your doctor immediately.

    Other Symptoms Include

    Pay attention to wounds or cuts that won't heal as well.  This is another of the symptoms of skin cancer.  There are different types of skin cancer and you should be familiar with their appearance so that you can properly examine your skin for the signs.  Ask your doctor about any suspicious wound or growth on your skin if you are unsure.

    The danger of skin cancer is the longer it goes untreated the better chance it has to spread to other parts of the body.  As the cancer moves through the different stages the chance of survival drop dramatically.  Skin cancer will travel to the other organs of the body and begin to spread precipitously. You should be aware of the symptoms and dangers of skin cancer so that you can be better prepared to look for it.  You should know what the dangers are so that you are taking your skin cancer self examinations seriously.

    Skin Cancer is Preventable and Treatable

    Skin cancer is preventable and can be easily treated.  You should do all that you can to prevent skin cancer by protecting your skin whenever you are exposed to sunlight.  Overexposure to sun is one of the leading causes of skin cancer.  Whenever you are out in the sun you should make sure to wear a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least fifteen.

    Wear hats and clothing to minimize your exposure to the sun whenever you are out.  Use these precautions in all seasons not just during the summer months.  The sun can cause harm at any time of the year and even when it is overcast. Now that you know a few of the symptoms and dangers of skin cancer you are better armed than you were before.

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    February 18th, 2011Bruce JopplesSkin Cancer

    If you or anyone in your family spends a great deal of time outdoors, one of the most important things you can do for your health is to protect yourself from the sun. Especially if you have kids that are involved in outdoor activities, such as school sports, it is very important to teach them how to be smart about the sun.

    The best way to protect yourself and your family from the suns powerful rays is to prevent sun damage before it happens with a bit of prevention. When summertime comes around and the sun comes out, your kids are likely to be thinking about one thing only: getting outside and having fun! It's up to you as parents to educate your young ones about sun protection and the dangers of over-exposure.

    Summer sun can be quite enticing; it's during this time of year when everyone just can't wait to get outside and enjoy the great weather. Whatever your favorite sport or outdoor activity, a sunny day always seems to be the perfect day to get out in the fresh air. Before sending your kids out to play this summer, take the time to make sure they do so safely.

    Although we might just think about how good the sun feels or what a great mood it puts us in, unfortunately we also need to think about the harmful side effects too much sun can bring about. The most instant effect of over-exposure is the all-too-common sunburn. Although mild cases are usually no more than painful inconveniences, deep sunburns can require a hospital stay and cause severe skin damage.

    Another typical side effect which many people would be happy to avoid is premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. Although your kids are hardly thinking about preserving their youth, it's never too early to warn them about this long-term effect caused by too much sun.

    Another much more serious side effect from too much sun is skin cancer. A beautifully-bronzed body was once a coveted beauty trait, but as we now know the price to pay for this is way too high. Skin cancer is a serious disease that can be easily prevented with simple measures. Especially during the summer and school sports seasons, parents need to make sure their kids are protected from the sun's rays.

    In fact, you can never be too safe when it comes to protecting yourself from the sun's powerful rays. You can still suffer from a sunburn even on cloudy or overcast days; sun protection is something to be considered throughout the entire year, not only on sunny summer days.

    It is recommended that you protect yourself from the sun anytime you go outside; whether this means covering up or applying an effective sunscreen, or even a combination of both. Protecting yourself from day-to-day exposure to UV rays will go a long way in preventing any permanent damage.

    Make sure to share these sun protection tips with your entire family, especially kids that will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Enjoy the summer sun safely and wisely, your skin will thank you for it.

    There is no product which compares to shade shelters to protect you from sun burn. This is why Byron Jonas suggests the use of shade canopies at outdoor events.

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    January 31st, 2011Kristine LibradoSkin Cancer

    The most common type of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. Over one million people per year get diagnosed with some type of skin cancer which results in about 10,000 deaths. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is considered to the most dangerous form and account for over 75% of skin cancer deaths.

    Melanoma develops in melanocyte cells. These cells actually create melanin or the skin pigmentation that gives our body its hue. When you are exposed to the UV rays of the sun, your skin produces melanin in an attempt to protect the skin and keep it from burning. This ends up damaging the DNA skin cells. However, the sun is not the only thing that emits harmful UV rays. Tanning booths, beds and lamps do also. That means that indoor tanning can be harmful as well.

    When your skin is exposed repeatedly to harmful UV rays, there is a risk for skin cancer. However, with some people the risk is even greater. People who have many moles are at a higher risk because certain moles called dysplastic nevi has the potential of turning into melanoma.

    Caucasians are 20 more times likely to have skin cancer than African Americans are. This is due to the skin pigmentation. Other risk factors to developing melanoma include -family history, certain medicines, genetics and even gender.

    Melanoma is a serious skin condition. It can be treated and contained if caught in the early stages. However, if left undiagnosed it can be life threatening. There are many medicines and treatments for melanoma but none is as effective as early diagnosis. If you have a spot on your skin that you are unsure about, it is extremely important to be checked by a dermatologist. Don't wait. Get in and get checked out. It could save your life.

    Our top of the line Dermatologist Augusta center provides professional treatment for a variety of skin conditions. If you are looking for an Augusta Dermatologist you know you can trust, then look no further. We strive to give our clients the best of treatment available. Please visit our website for more information on how we can help you.

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