Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer

Introduction

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans. Skin cancer occurs due to an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the abnormal cells in the skin. It also occurs when genetic defects and mutations are caused by the damage that the unrepaired DNA causes to the skin. This cause the cells of the skin to divide rapidly in large numbers and form tumors which are malignant (www.skincancer.org). It has also been estimated that half of Americans who live to 65 years will develop cancer at least once. According to surveys, more than 2 million new cases of skin cancer are reported each year (Raleigh, 2011). The warning signs of skin cancer include any changes in the skin, especially a change in color or texture of a mole, a spot, growth or any new growth in the skin. Other warning signs of skin cancer include oozing, scaliness, bleeding or a change in shape or the appearance of a nodule or a bump. It is also a warning if a pigmentation spreads beyond its border, such as dark color spreading across a mole or a mark. Tenderness, pain and itchiness in any part of the skin are also a warning sign for skin cancer. There are also other symptoms of skin cancer like skin wounds, which do not heal, and symptoms of ulcering in the skin.

Discussion

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It is the leading form of skin diseases which is causing deaths. Melanoma is developed due to pigmented nevi, changes and abnormal developments in the skin cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, a skin pigment. Melanin is responsible for the color of hair and skin in human beings. Melanin can appear on normal skin, or it may appear as an area that has changed its appearance. Moles are also formed because of this. Some moles that are already present by birth may also develop into melanomas (Marghoob, 2012). There is a genetic disposition to melanoma. More than 10% of the patients have affected parents or siblings. Melanoma is increasing at an alarming rate, and the death rate caused by it is second only to lung cancer. Melanoma is currently the seventh most common form of cancer in American women and sixth most ordinary in the American men. It is the leading cause of death in women aged between 25 to 30 (Lotze et al, 2001).

Types of Melanoma

There are two main types of melanoma. The most common form of melanoma is superficially spreading melanoma (2012). It typically occurs from a lesion, mostly a dysplastic nevus. It can also arise a skin that was previously normal. Growth in the lesions make them thick, and it is, therefore, frequently cured than the later nodule melanoma. The most aggressive form of melanoma is nodular melanoma. It penetrates the skin than increasing in the diameter. It can occur at a place where previously no lesion has occurred. It is mostly darkly pigmented but light colored lesions ...