Skin Cancer – Reason Behind It
This cancer type is the most common form of cancer. The main reasons of this problem are sun damage to skin and tanning under a hot sun. Non-hygienic surgery is also an important reason of this cancer type. Mostly skin problems develop on the body areas which are more exposed to the sun like face, neck and arms. Light-skinned, blue-eyed people have more risk of skin cancer while dark-skinned people have the less risk.
Fortunately, many types of skin cancer are not serious and easy to treat. Usually they are slow-growing, easy to diagnose, and treatable in a doctor’s clinic. However, a small percentage of skin cancers are more serious and hard to cure.
The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. These types of skin cancers usually develop in sun-exposed areas of the body. They differ from non-cancerous growths in many significant ways. Skin cancers:
o Tend to bleed more and are often open sores that do not heal.
o Tend to be slow-growing.
Mostly moles are not harmful but a specific type of cancerous mole called “malignant melanomas” can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately.
Preventive Measures
The most important preventive measure to avoid these cancer types is to stay out from excessive exposure to the sun. Prevention must begin in childhood because most people get almost fifty percent of their lifetime sun exposure by the age of 20. Avoid both direct sunlight and sunlight reflected from water etc.
Home Treatment
You should regularly check your skin especially face, back of the neck, chest, ears, arms and hands where sun exposure is greatest for unusual moles, spots, or bumps. Pay special attention for any change occurred and consult with your doctor.
When to Call a Health Professional
You may be at higher risk of this cancer type if you have a family history of malignant melanoma. In such a case, you should let your doctor know. You need not to be worry if your moles do not change over time. You should call your doctor or other health care professional, if you observe any of the below changes:
o Irregular shape: This means that one half of the mole does not match the other half.
o Border irregularity: The moles have uneven edges.
o Color: The color is not the same and consistent.
o Size: The size of moles is up to 6 mm or even larger.
o Moles become crusty, ooze or bleed.
o Any change in the appearance of the mole.
o If mole cause itching, tenderness, or pain.
o Unusual change in a mole or other skin growths such as a birth mark, especially till they bleed and keep growing.
