<<Gynecologic cancer

Skin Cancer

    Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer. It is also the easiest
to avoid, because the vast majority of these malignancies are caused by
overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Our modern-day culture promotes
tan skin as a barometer of success, well being and health. Ironic, that
last one, in view of the fact that a suntan is actually the visible
manifestation of injury to the skin. Although the skin can heal superficial
damage, repeated exposure over time impairs its ability to ward off the
sun's cancer-causing effects. It is a fallacy, incidentally, that dry,
wrinkled skin is the inevitable badge of aging. The physical ideal of a
golden, lean body is a recent phenomenon. The emotional fallout from skin
cancer can be devastating. Patient's realisation that they unwittingly
contributed to their condition often places on them an added burden on
guilt, something that is always painful to witness.

The skin

    The skin is the human body's largest organ. It performs a number of vital
functions like from infection, injury, heat, chemicals and sunlight. Nerve
endings embedded in the skin speed messages about pain, touch, temperature,
pressure and other sensations to the brain. It also governs body
temperature, stores water and fat, and assists in manufacturing vitamin D.
The skin consists of two main layers - epidermis (which contains three main
types of cells: basal cells, squamous cells and melanocytes) and a thicker
layer, dermis. The latter produces melanin, the dark pigment that gives
skin its color and protects it from the sun. A tan, very simple, is the
skin's response to UV rays. Within about 48 hours of sun exposure, the
melanocytes transfer melanin to nonpigment-forming cells as a means of
safeguarding against further injury. The dermis, can be likened to a
bustling control centre. Blood vessels and lymphs transport their essential
fluids. Sweat glands regulate body temperature by excreting water, urea and
other waste products through the pores, while another gland produces sebum,
which keeps the skin lubricated. Hair follicles, nerves and fatty tissue
also reside in the dermis.

Basal-Cell Carcinoma

    It is the most common skin cancer, which affect the tiny, round basal
cells. It usually expresses itself as a small, pearly bump on the face,
neck or hands, the nose being the most frequent site. Left untreated,
basal-cell carcinomas can bleed, crust or ulcerate. It can root under the
skin, causing disfigurement and considerable damage to the underlying bone,
cartilage and muscle.

Treatment

1) Curettage. An instrument called a curette to remove the tumour.
Electrodesiccation, is sometimes necessary to stance bleeding and destroy
any remaining cancer cells by applying an electrical current through a
needle electrode. It frequently leaves a faint scar.
2) Surgical excision. The malignancy and a small border of normal skin are
surgically removed. Healthy skin is transferred from one area of the body
to another.
3) Mohs' technique. It is generally reserved for difficult-to-treat or
recurrent skin cancer, or those located on the eyelid, face or head. It
requires utmost precision, for the growth is removed layer by layer and
checked under the microscope until only healthy tissue remains.
4) Radiation therapy. Used esp. for large or recurrent tumours. Skin
cancers of the eyelid, ear and tip of the nose are treated this way.
5) Tropical chemotherapy. An anticancer drug that comes in both cream and
lotion form, is applied to the affected area every day for several weeks.
6) Carbon dioxide laser. It vaporizes skin tumours. Sometimes, it is
employed in conjunction with curettage.


Squamous-cell Carcinoma

    It is the second most frequently seen skin cancer. It forms in the flat,
scalelike squamous cells, is also typically found on areas of the body
exposed to the sun: face, ears, lips, mouth, neck, hands, arms and back.
The tumours are a raised red or pink scaly nodule, or a wart-like growth
with an ulcerated cancer. It expand far more rapidly and have the capacity
to spread to other organs. It can be treated with the same methods as
basal-cell carcinoma.

Malignant Melanoma

    Three fourths of all skin cancer mortalities stem from melanoma. Although
it mainly affects the skin, the disease can surface wherever melanocytes
exist in the body, including the eye and oral cavity.

Signs and symptoms of Melanoma

1) unusual existing moles or new pigmented growths.


Prevention

1) Avoid the midday sun.
2) Wear protective clothing.
3) Apply sunscreen to unprotected skin.
4) Avoid tanning parlors.
5) Esp. avoid the sun if you are taking medications contain Retin-A,
tetracycline, sulfa drugs, thiszide diuretic or indomethacin.
6) Periodic self-examination
7) Annual dermatologic exam (starts at age 40)