Skin Cancer

Abstract

The paper attempts to discuss the disease skin cancer in a holistic context. The paper highlights the effects of skin cancer and explains the various types of skin cancers known. It also discusses the causes and symptoms of skin cancer. The paper explains the various methods of skin cancer treatment and emphasizes on the prevention techniques regarding the disease.

Table of Content

Introductioniv

Thesis Statementiv

Effects of Skin Canceriv

Types of Skin Cancerv

Basal Cell Carcinomav

Squamous Cell Carcinomavi

Malignant Melanomavi

Causes of Skin Cancervii

Sunlightvii

Fair Complexion Skinvii

Family Historyviii

Carcinogen exposureviii

Symptoms of Skin Cancerviii

Treatment and Prevention of Skin Cancerix

Treatment of Skin Cancerix

Radiation Therapyx

Surgical Treatmentx

Drug Treatmentx

Prevention of Skin Cancerxi

Conclusionxi

Skin Cancer

Introduction

Skin cancer is one of the most common tumors. Skin cancer is one of the most common among the tumors, usually occurring in open areas of the body and almost 80% of them on face. Standardized incidence rates among men constitute 26 and among women 21 per 100 000 population. It is a malignant proliferation of skin cells. The UV light from the sun is regarded as the main cause. It damages the DNA causing the cells to die off and degenerate.

Thesis Statement

“Skin cancer is a common form of tumor that can be treated at early stages with proper treatment and remedial procedures.”

Effects of Skin Cancer

The effects of skin cancer are numerous and in accordance with the location and stage of skin cancer. However, some common effects of skin cancers are listed below:

Scars on skin

Weakening of skin

Rashes

Mutated moles

Frequent bleeding in affected areas (Colditz & Hunter, 2000)

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be sorted out into three most common forms of the disease, which include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma (Egan, 2005). These are discussed below:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma, also called basal cell epithelioma, it is the most common type of cancer in humans and is associated with badly damaged skin by exposure to the sun. Extremely fair complexion skin does not tan in the sunlight, but tends to turn red, burn and shed. Over 70% of these tumors are based on the face, ears and neck, but may also develop in arms and legs (Delfino & Day, 2006).

Epitheliomas and basal cell carcinomas grow very slowly and may take months or years to become noticeable to the eye, but may invade surrounding tissues causing profound destruction. That is why it is very important to remove these tumors completely on the first therapy (Stanton, Janda, Baade & Anderson, 2004).

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The second type of skin cancer is also termed as squamous epithelioma. It is also seen to be common in people with fairer skins with freckles and sun damage. It affects the face, the edge of the ears, scalp and lips, particularly the lower lip, which is more exposed to the sun (Delfino & Day, 2006). It may also grow in the mouth and genitals region. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, this tumor can metastasize to the lymph in the affected region and other organs, sometimes compromising the patient's life (Egan, 2005).

It forms solid and rounded bumps on ...