Melanoma Skin Cancer
March 10th, 2009 | by Clare |
A cancer diagnosis is still a terrifying event in anyone’s life It’s easy to lose all hope and just give up then and there, but it is important to keep in mind that the number of cancer survivors has increased over the last few years, and with proper treatment, it is possible to be one of them.
There are several types of cancer, and even in a smaller subset such as skin cancer there’s more than one type.
Skin cancer can take either the form of a carcinoma or melanoma. A melanoma skin cancer is the skin cancer that starts from the melanocytes. Melanomas cancer can metastasise (invade other parts of the body) unlike carcinomas, but luckily are rarer than the other types of skin cancer. The most common forms of skin cancer are basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
So what are basal and squamous cells and melanocytes? The epidermis (top layer of the skin) is composed of three types of cells:
Squamous cells – An upper layer of thin, flat cells.
Basal cells – Found under the squamous cells, these are round.
Melanocytes – These produce melanin, the pigment that colours skin.
Risk factors for 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 certainly get skin cancer. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true and people who don’t show any of the risk factors may also get skin cancer.
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. An excellent source of information is the National Cancer Institute, which has a comprehensive and clear website, and experts available to assist by telephone, email, post or chat.