Diagnosing Skin Cancers
March 12th, 2009 | by Clare |
Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the scariest things that can happen to a person. While fear can subdue one’s will to survive, one should remember that with early detection and treatment, the cancer can be defeated.
There are several types of cancer, and even in a smaller subset such as skin cancer there’s more than one type.
Skin cancers can be either a carcinoma or a melanoma. As the name suggests, the melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes. It is more likely than the carcinomas to spread to other parts of the body, but fortunately is the rarest form of skin cancer. The most common forms of skin cancer are basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
How can basal and squamous cells and melanocytes be identified? The epidermis (top layer of the skin) is composed of three types of cells:
Squamous cells – these are thin, flat cells that make up the topmost layer.
Basal cells – Round cells just under the squamous cells.
Melanocytes – These produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.
Factors that increase the risk of skin cancer include having fair skin, chronic inflammations or ulcers, scars or burns, having had radiation therapy and being exposed to a lot of either artificial (as in tanning booths) or natural UV rays. Remember that just because one of the risk factors applies to you, it doesn’t mean that you will definitely get skin cancer. However, there is a chance of forming a skin cancer in the absence of any visible risk factors.
Use of sunscreen is advised to prevent skin cancer caused by excessive sunlight. Also, the sooner a cancer is caught and treated, the higher the chances of success. Skin cancer looks different depending on which type it is, and a professional opinion can be invaluable in diagnosing the disease at its early stages.
For those diagnosed with skin cancer, there are several organizations out there that provide support and information. A good source of information is the National Cancer Institute, which has a comprehensive and clear website, and reliable professionals available to assist by telephone, email, post or chat.