Skin cancer is a common condition in the United States and the world today. This article will explain more about skin cancer and what it is.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer, commonly known as Melanoma, involve abnormal changes in cells on the outer layers of the skin. This type of cancer is by far the most common type of cancer in the world, which makes up for about 75% of all cancer diagnoses. Most cases are cured, but this disease is a major health concern because it affects so many people. The incidence of skin cancer is rising, even though in most cases it could be prevented by limiting the skin’s exposure to UV radiation.
This type of cancer is about three times more common in men than in women, and the risk increases as one gets older. Most people who are diagnosed with skin cancer are between ages 45 and 54, although many forms of the disease are often found in those of younger age. If you or any close relatives have had skin cancer, you are more likely to get the disease.
Every skin tumor in time becomes visible on the skin’s surface, making skin cancer the only type of cancer that is almost always detectable in the early stages, which makes it easier to diagnose and treat quickly, and gives a better chance of a full recovery.
What causes skin cancer?
Excessive exposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer, as well as the most commonly known cause. Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that can alter the genetic material in skin cells, which cause mutations. Sunlamps, X-rays, and tanning booths can generate rays that damage skin. These can also cause malignant cell mutations. Most carcinomas are linked to prolonged and chronic sun exposure. Melanoma is more associated with infrequent exposure that causes sunburns that scorch. One blistering sunburn during ones childhood can double a person’s risk for developing melanoma later in life.
As well, fair-skinned people are more susceptible to skin cancer, because they are born with less melanin in their skin, which causes them to have less protection from the sun. People with many freckles or moles may also be very susceptible to melanoma.
Skin cancer is a very difficult condition, but if caught early, can be treated quickly and usually presents good chances for a proper recovery. Seeing a plastic surgeon for skin cancer treatment is a wise idea, simply because they can help detect problems early on and provide diagnoses for the problems. This also allows for proper reconstructive surgery if necessary. This type of surgery may be required if the melanoma is over a large portion of the skin that needs to be removed, or if there are other symptoms that may change the appearance of the body after it is removed.
Talk to your doctor today if you are concerned you have skin cancer. If you think you might, you may need to get it removed immediately. As well, it is imperative that you start now to protect yourself from prolonged sun exposure.
To learn more about skin cancer, click here.