New Treatments for Advanced and Metastatic Melanoma

Melanoma, the deadly skin cancer, is on the rise. In the United States in 2010, there were estimated 68,130 new cases of invasive cancer and 46,770 of in situ melanoma. In the same year, 8,700 people were predicted to die from this malignancy. Melanoma is curable if it is detected early and can be surgically removed. When melanoma has spread to lymph node(s) or when it is more than 4 mm thick, there is a chance of metastasis (spread to distant organs). Melanoma could spread to the following organs: lung, liver, brain, bone, intestine, pancreas, adrenal, kidney, spleen, heart, and thyroid. Imaging tests such as Pet CT and brain MRI may be done to look for metastasis. Most patients with metastatic melanoma die within one year. The 2-year survival rate is only 10-20%. Current treatments include chemotherapy, of which dacarbazine is the most commonly used. Over the past decades, many drugs and vaccines have been tested, with no success. The last drug approved was interleukin-2 in 1998, but it is so toxic that physicians rarely use it nowadays. Neither it nor the other approved drug, dacarbazine, has clearly demonstrated improved survival. This year, two new drugs are being introduced. The first drug is Yervoy (ipilimumab), which was approved by the FDA in March 2011. The second agent is vemurafenib; it has finished its clinical trial and awaits approval.

Yervoy is an antibody that blocks T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4). This blockage increases T-cell proliferation, which results in a more active immune system to attack the melanoma cells. A recent clinical trial enrolled 502 patients with previously untreated metastatic melanoma. The patients were randomly assigned to either dacarbazine chemotherapy plus Yervoy, or chemotherapy alone. Overall survival was significantly longer in the group receiving Yervoy plus dacarbazine than in the group receiving dacarbazine (11.2 months versus 9.1 months). At one year, 47% of the Yervoy patients are alive, in comparison with 36% in the chemotherapy only group. At two years, 29% of the Yervoy patients are alive, in comparison with 18% in the chemotherapy only group. At three years, 21% of the Yervoy patients are alive, in comparison with 12% in the chemotherapy only group. Yervoy can result in severe immune-mediated adverse reactions due to T-cell activation and proliferation. These immune-mediated side effects may involve any organ system. The most common severe adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. Yervoy costs $120,000 for a complete course of treatment, which consists of four infusions given over a three-month period.

The second promising new drug, vemurafenib, targets a mutation in the gene BRAF (Serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf). About 50% of melanoma cases have this mutation. The clinical trial enrolled 675 patients with previously untreated, metastatic melanoma with the BRAF mutation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either vemurafenib or dacarbazine. At six months, overall survival was 84% in the vemurafenib group and 64% in the chemotherapy group. Common adverse events associated with vemurafenib were joint pain, rash, fatigue, hair loss, squamous-cell carcinoma, photosensitivity, nausea, and diarrhea. In the study, 38% of patients required dose modification because of toxic effects. This drug is being considered for future potential approval by the FDA in melanoma patients. The price tag is unknown at this point.

Dr. Mai Brooks is a surgical oncologist/general surgeon, with expertise in early detection and prevention of cancer. More at http://www.drbrooksmd.com/, http://thecancerexperience.wordpress.com/

Original article

The Dangers of Sunburn and How to Prevent It

Sunburn is extremely common. In fact, every person will have it at least once in their lifetime. The problem is that most people do not realize the dangers associated with this condition. These include even skin cancer. That is why preventing sunburn should be your number one priority when going outside on a sunny day.

Sunburn is caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun. Usually, sufferers experience just redness of the skin, discomfort, a burning sensation and mild pain. However, the possible complications are many and different.

Infection is one of the most common and serious complications. If the skin damage is severe, blisters may form on the skin. Ruptured blisters offer the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria.

Photo aging is one of the long-term complications of sunburn. The long-term damages caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun include dry and rough skin, small red veins on cheeks and nose, freckles and large brown lesions. Deeper and more visible wrinkles are also associated with sunburn.

Skin cancer and its malignant form melanoma are the most serious dangers of sunburn. When your skin is exposed to the UV rays for a long time, this form of radiation may result in changes in the DNA structure of skin cells. As a result, benign skin cancer growths can appear. You may even develop melanoma which is potentially lethal.

How do you prevent sunburn, sun skin damage and skin cancer?

The best protection is to apply sunscreen to all areas of your body not covered by clothing every time you go out during the day. Do not miss to cover literally every bit of skin exposed to the sunlight including your feet and your ears. Use sunscreen with SPF over 20 or preferably over 30. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours and/or every time you get out of the water, if you are swimming.

You should consider wearing a wide brim hat and loose and breathable clothing that covers as much of your body as possible on very sunny days. Dermatologists recommend avoiding sun exposure between 11 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon. This piece of advice is particularly applicable to people with fair complexion and to children.

Finally, get professional treatment if you have sunburn. Inspect your body regularly for suspicious moles and call your doctor as soon as possible after you observe new growths or changes in old ones.

Protect yourself from Melanoma in the best way possible. Take advantage of early Skin Cancer detection services to reduce your risk of serious illness.

Original article

Complete Skin Cancer Prevention With Sun Protective Swimwear

Recognizing skin cancer is very important to ensure that you receive early treatment. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and it can show up anywhere on the body. This type of skin cancer can develop from a mole you have always had or even on a patch of skin that was once perfectly clear.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type, and it usually looks like a red bump on the neck, head, arms, legs, or upper torso. Squamous cell carcinoma looks like a scaly bump and usually shows up on any part of the skin that is normally exposed to the sun.

Another type of skin issue to notice is sunspots, which usually appear on people who are at least 40 years old. They are not cancerous, but they can be an early sign that you will develop skin cancer in the future.

Of course recognizing skin cancer early is the first step in getting treatment successfully, but there is no reason to expose yourself to the risk of developing skin cancer. Adults should practice sun protective measures and also teach their children about sun protection. Children's skin is more vulnerable to the sun than adults' skin, and part of your cancer risk is related to how many sunburns you had as a child.

Sun protective swimwear is the first line of defense against skin cancer. Always look for garments with a UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, of 50+. This is the highest level of ultraviolet radiation protection available in clothing. These types of suits tend to cover a lot more skin than the skimpy bathing suits that have been popular in recent years. Keeping the skin covered is the only way to lower the risk of skin cancer. Sun protective swimwear is also made of fabrics that are more tightly woven because they help keep the sun's rays from hitting the skin.

In addition to sun protective swimwear, you should always make sure to include hats or caps to keep the sun off your children's heads and faces. Also apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 on all areas of the skin that are not covered by sun protective clothing. Together, sunscreen and sun protective swimwear and clothing provide all the protection you need against the sun's UVR radiation. Just remember to plan ahead, and your skin will thank you many years from now.

Gorgeous sun protective swimwear that appeals to the fashion savvy--being sun smart has never looked this good!

Original article

What Really Burns and Damages the Skin?

A person who consumes polyunsaturated fats in his diet and exposes his skin to ultraviolet light to the point of reddening produces hormone-like substances called prostaglandins from the linoleic acid contained in the fats. Prostaglandins suppress the immune system, thereby contributing to tumor growth. In addition, polyunsaturated fats are accompanied by free radical production, which can damage cells. If you add sunscreens to the skin, you have the right combination of chemicals to produce skin cancer, especially on areas that are more exposed to the sun than others.

In nature, oils never occur in large quantities. To obtain one tablespoon of corn oil in natural form you would have to eat 12-18 ears of corn. Since oil extraction from corn, grains, and seeds became possible 80-90 years ago, consumption of polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats (thicker oils) as salad and cooking oils has increased dramatically in the industrialized world. The average person today consumes 16 times more of these fats than a person did 90 years ago. (It easier for the digestive system to deal with oils that are expelled from foods with a higher concentration of oil, such as olives, coconuts, avocados etc., than from small nuts and seeds, such as almonds and linseeds)

That does not include all the other fats contained in today's foods.The lack of exercise, fresh air, and foods rich in nutrients make it even less possible for a human being to cope with such large amounts of unnatural fats. They impair the digestive power and lead to a buildup of toxins and subsequent crises of toxicity. The presence of excessive amounts of free radicals indicates that the body is full of toxins. Once they enter the skin tissue, even short-term exposure to ultraviolet light can burn and damage skin cells.

If your eyes and skin are sensitive to sunlight, this indicates that your body is toxic. Your subsequent effort to avoid the sun may result in serious light deficiency, which can lead to serious health problems. The fact that cancer of all kinds increased when sunscreens were introduced is hardly surprising. The UV light entering through the eyes also stimulates the immune system. Today, more than 50 percent of the U.S. population wears prescription or sun-protective glasses, which are able to block out most UV light. The latest fashion is to wear plastic glasses, which also block out all UV light. The same holds true for plastic contact lenses. Indoor activities, sunscreens, clothing, UV-repelling windows, etc. make certain that we receive very little of it. Without regular exposure to sunlight, however, the immune system decreases its effectiveness with every year of age. With sunlight, the use of oxygen in the body tissues increases, but without it, our cells begin to starve for oxygen. This leads to cellular malfunction, premature aging, and even death.

Starved of a balanced sunlight diet, we tend to look for help elsewhere, even though nature is ready to cure us at any time. It is very unfortunate that sick people are mostly kept indoors, often with curtains drawn and windows closed. One of nature's most potent preventive and curative powers is there for everyone to use.

[This is an excerpt from the book TIMELESS SECRETS OF HEALTH AND REJUVENATION by Andreas Moritz, available on http://www.ener-chi.com/book.htm]

Writer and practitioner in the field of Integrative Medicine and author of 13 books on various subjects pertaining to holistic health, including 'The Amazing Liver & Gallbladder Flush' and his latest book 'Vaccine-Nation: Poisoning the Population, One Shot at a Time', Andreas Moritz can be contacted on http://www.facebook.com/enerchi.wellness

Original article

What You Didn't Know About Skin Cancer Could Kill You

We must understand that if we were meant to spend the greater part of our lives underground and hidden from the outdoors, only appearing socially at night, then nature would have arranged for us to be born rodents and not humans.

Fluorescent lighting may save some money, but it takes a bigger toll on your health. The UV emissions from ceiling fixtures have been linked to a higher risk of melanoma skin cancer by the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Researcher Dr. Helen Shaw and her team conducted a melanoma study at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and at the Sydney Melanoma Clinic in Sydney Hospital. They found that office workers had twice the incidence of the deadly cancer as people who worked outdoors. The results of the study were published in 1982 by the British medical journal Lancet. Dr. Shaw proved that those who spent most of their time exposed to natural sunlight had by far the lowest risk of developing skin cancer. In sharp contrast to those living or working outdoors, office workers, who were exposed to artificial light during most of their working hours had the highest risk of developing melanomas. She also discovered that fluorescent lights cause mutations in cultures of animal cells.

Dr. Shaw's research led to the conclusion that both in Australia and Great Britain, melanoma rates were high among professional and office workers and low in people working outdoors. In other words, the Australians and British (and the rest of us) would be better off spending more time outside where there is plenty of UV light! Similar controlled studies were conducted at the New York University School of Medicine, which confirmed and substantiated Dr. Shaw's research results.

Fluorescent lighting has also been known to cause headaches, eye problems such as night blindness, fatigue, concentration difficulties and irritability. It has also been observed that an increase in the brightness of fluorescent light leads to higher stress levels by raising cortisol hormone levels.

In a study conducted on US Navy personnel between 1974 and 1984, researchers found a higher incidence of skin cancers among sailors who had indoor jobs than those working outside. Those working both indoors and outdoors showed the most protection, with a rate 24 percent below the U.S. national average. Since none of the sailors spend their entire day outside, it could not be determined whether being outside all day would offer the highest degree of protection.

It is interesting to note that some of the hottest places in the U.S., such as Phoenix, Arizona, have the highest rates of skin cancers, but not because they expose their skin to the sun. Researchers are readily tempted to relate the alarming skin cancer rates to the sun and the fact that these areas are some of the hottest and sunniest in the country. But to hastily make that link without careful observation, without exhausting all possible parameters is foolish and irrational.

The extreme heat throughout much of the year keeps most people indoors during the day. As a result, although there is plenty of sunlight, people avoid it and develop health problems including cancers from underexposure rather than the other way round. There are now hundreds of scientific studies to show that vitamin D deficiency is one of the leading causes of cancer, including malignant melanomas.

However, don't expect to hear about these studies from those who make a living of selling you sunscreens and treating cancers. It's a trillion dollar business that's too big to fail.

--------------------

[Excerpted from the book TIMELESS SECRETS OF HEALTH & REJUVENATION by Andreas Moritz, available on http://www.ener-chi.com/book.htm ]

Moritz is a writer and practitioner in the field of Integrative Medicine and author of 13 books on various subjects pertaining to holistic health and spirituality such as 'Cancer Is Not A Disease, Its A Survival Mechanism', 'The Amazing Liver & Gallbladder Flush' and 'Vaccine-Nation: Poisoning the Population, One Shot at a Time'.

Andreas Moritz can be contacted on http://www.facebook.com/enerchi.wellness

Copyright © 2011 Andreas Moritz

Original article

Skin Cancer - Do You Know What To Look For?

Skin cancer is on the rise and approximately 20% of North Americans will experience some form of it in their lifetimes.

What are the reasons behind these findings? Ozone depletion and people refusing to use sunscreen are factors. But, more people are now submitting to screening, so more cases are being detected than ever before.

More than one member of my family have dealt with mild cases, so my doctor is trying hard to keep me vigilant when it comes to my skin.

A self-examination is easy to do, and an important key in early detection. Start with the areas that are always exposed, such as the head and neck. Bald men should also look carefully at their scalps. Everyone is at risk, no matter what your skin color is, but fair-haired people with light-colored eyes are a higher risk group.

The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. When treated early, they seldom create further problems. Melanoma is the more serious form of the disease. Often found on skin newly exposed with the arrival of warmer weather, such as backs and legs as people shed heavier clothing for shorts and sundresses.

Tanning beds continue to be a huge factor in contracting melanoma. Regular users of this practice are 75% more likely to contract this, the most dangerous form of the disease. In the United States alone, over a million people regularly use tanning beds and the number is on the rise. Prompting congress to add a 10% percent tax, that will yield billions in tax dollars, and hopefully make people think twice about using them.

If you find any kind of abnormality on your skin that doesn't go away within 30 days, have a doctor take a look at it.

Check your skin regularly. Look for moles with irregular shapes. Do they have indentations or "cauliflower" like borders? Has a mole changed color, or is it uneven in its color? Look for any new changes, such as a mole that has grown in size.

Remember to put on sunscreen, at least half an hour before going outside. The Cancer Society suggests an SPF of 30 or greater. The sun's UVA rays cause wrinkling and UVB rays cause burning, both cause cancer. Look for a sunscreen that will protect you from both, and apply about as much as it would take to fill up an egg cup on yourself, and more on a child. Once applied remember to reapply it every two hours while enjoying the outdoor weather.

K M Fox is a writer and product reviewer. She can be reached at kmfox206@gmail.com

Original article

Does Working in a Tanning Salon Increase My Chances of Skin Cancer?

The chances of skin cancer... do you wonder about this as you perhaps look at the amazing internet coupon "buy now" deal? A consumer has a choice as to what kind of exposure, how much, none at all. But does working in a tanning salon increase the chances of skin cancer? What exposure could you be getting to possible cancer-causing UV rays?

It is commonly assumed that as a tanning salon worker you will get exposure to the fluorescent light UV rays from demonstrating use to a customer, or just in momentary help. Because your exposure is constant, and ongoing, it could be safe just to assume that your risk for skin cancer is higher, and you want to boost your immune system in every way possible.

The United Kingdom has already passed legislation banning the use of tanning salons to anyone under 18 years of age. The State of New York has introduced legislation requiring parental consent for the use of tanning beds for anyone between the ages of fourteen and eighteen. So obviously concern is growing.

What experts do know about skin cancer is that high exposure of sunlight or tanning beds before the age of thirty raises the risk of melanomas. And overexposure to ultraviolet rays does cause premature aging and wrinkles in the skin.

Yet, theoretically at least, cancer is a systemic condition of the immune system. Supposedly, if your immune system is working, the risks of any kind of cancer is decreased. So you are tempting fate and pointing to your skin as a candidate for cell overgrowth if you are experiencing constant exposure to UV rays without any special care to your overall health.

Your Endocrine System Is The Director Of Your Immune System

Your endocrine system consists of the following glands:
pituitarypinealthyroidparathyroidpancreasovariestestesadrenal glandsthymus

The endocrine glands secrete hormones which travel through the blood and participate in the various functions of every cell in your body. This includes growth factors, and toxic waste removal factors, both of which can contribute to cancers if the regulation gets disrupted by something.

Stress, both as a one time shock, or chronic and daily, is a prime disruptor of the finely tuned endocrine factories, regulated by your brain. Food additives, drugs, alcohol, sugars, fat imbalances or deficiencies, all disrupt the endocrine system.

The pituitary gland is considered the master gland, and its activities affect all the other glands. It regulates metabolism, your nervous system and your skin (among a hundred other activities). Sunlight activates this gland, and darkness calms it. Both necessary conditions.

The pineal gland has a very specific crucial function - it secretes melatonin. Melatonin is one of your body's most potent antioxidants, important for preventing the development of cancer.

The thyroid gland regulates the metabolism and the immune system as well. It also regulates the reproductive glands, so when those glands are malfunctioning, the thyroid is also operating at low or high levels, and should be corrected.

The thymus gland secretes hormones that act like antibiotics, triggering the destructive of invading pathogens. A zinc deficiency will shut this important gland down. Radiation will destroy the thymus gland. Yet, it can be treated with natural medicines.

Volumes of information have been written about the endocrine system and I mention it just to introduce the idea that it can get off kilter very easily. Yet, it can also stay very healthy with proper nutrition. Primarily, healthy oils, providing enough omega 3 fatty acids to balance the constant intake of omega 6 oils from grains and grain fed animals.

So you are working in a tanning salon and are constantly exposed to UVA radiation. But you can compensate for the fact that this possibly increases your risk of skin cancer. There are guidelines to staying healthy despite this. Natural whole food supplements can be easily integrated into your meal plans.

Don't panic about all this. Focus on organic fresh foods, and simplify life with a couple of supplements such as omega 3 oils and a powerful mixed antioxidant green foods supplement. Start right now!

Original article

A Brief View About Skin Cancer Symptoms

Skin cancer is one of the most malignant cancers. Thousands of people are affected by this disease all over the world. It is a malignant neoplasm of the skin and if it is left unattended it could prove to be fatal. It is noticed that the people who spend a great time under the sun are at great risk of skin cancer. Generally two types of skin cancer are categorized by the doctors, melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is very rare and it is also very difficult to sure. However, the second type of cancer is curable if attended at right time.

Skin cancer symptoms can be very easily detected. But it is always advised to be checked by a reputed dermatologist regularly to find out the symptoms. There are some symptoms and indicators that people could notice easily. It is very important to detect these symptoms before cancer spreads throughout the body.

The early symptom of this type of cancer is growing of moles. To detect the early symptoms of skin cancer people should check out the moles of their body regularly. Generally during this type of cancer a normal mole grows larger. If you find out any change in the size of your mole you should rush to a dermatologist for a checkup. Sometimes it has been seen that the normal removal of that particular mole can prevent any further problems.

Any changes in the skin can be a symptom of cancer. One of the most common skin cancer symptoms is a sore or growth in the skin that does not heal easily. Sometimes it is manifested in the form of lumps. Normally these lumps are smooth, shiny and reddish in color. Sometimes a rough or scaly, flat red spot in the skin can be a symptom of cancer. It is advised that if you ever find out these types of changes in your skin, you should visit the doctor without spending time.

At the same time it is also important to keep in mind that not all kinds of disorders in your skin are a symptom of cancer. So don't be panicked about it. The best way is to visit a dermatologist regularly for safety reason. You are also advised to contact a reputed medical practitioner for confirmed diagnosis.

Several types of skin cancer are there. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of it. It appears as a sore or a waxy red bump on the skin. Another form is Squamous cell carcinoma. It also looks like red patch or lumps on the skin. Both of these types of cancer grow slowly but it affects the tissues very rapidly.

A recent statistic shows that around 65,000 people worldwide dies due to skin cancer in a single year. The most horrible is that the number is increasing regularly. It is not like that this disease is not treatable but the awareness among the people about this disease is very low. The study also reveals the fact that light skin toned people have high risk of acquiring cancer in skin but in some cases dark-skinned people are also likely to acquire it.

Skin cancer symptoms are very common to detect. Hope, this article will help you to find out different indicators of skin cancer.

Original article

Skin Cancer Versus Your Bodies Need for Vitamin D Considered

When sunlight hits your skin your body begins to produce vitamin D, this is very important for your body, and those who are vitamin D deficient can end up with all sorts of illnesses. Your body works better when it has sunlight, and that shouldn't surprise anyone because humans have evolved living on the surface of the planet along with the Sun. Of course, there are those who are light-skinned and burn very easily, and this is not good for you, as it can cause skin cancer due to free radicals forming.

Some skin cancers are very dangerous and deadly, and therefore one has to decide what ratio of getting Sun is healthy, and how much sun do you actually need? If you are lighter skinned you will burn much easier, and this can be critical and serious. But if you don't get the vitamin D you need it will be hard to maintain your health, and to remain with a positive outlook on life, as vitamin D does affect the brain, and prevent depression. Those who are depressed also can more easily attract a disease, illness, virus, or more easily attract an ailment.

Doctors obviously recommend that you wear some sort of sunscreen if you're going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time. There are some days when there are solar flares, and even gamma radiation from space weather which can cause more free radicals quicker than on other days. Although you may not understand why this matters, it actually does. A nice warm sunny day could be a somewhat dangerous day during a big solar flare.

Completely avoiding the sun because you are afraid of getting skin cancer may be a serious mistake even if you are very fair skinned. It makes sense to talk to a dermatologist, or do a little reading of actual medical research online to determine what the best ratio and mix is for you. Some take vitamin D supplements, but they are not all the same. There is more than one type of vitamin D, and therefore it matters which type of vitamin D you are getting in your food or vitamins supplements.

If skin cancer runs in your family, or you have very fair skin, it makes sense to develop a proper strategy for yourself, all the while realizing that the sun is good for you, and the proper amount of sunlight helps not only with your circadian rhythm, but also your body's vitamin D production. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,333 articles by May 26, 2011 is difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off..

Original article

Skin Cancer and Alternative to Mohs Surgery

It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once. The two most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. They account for approximately 96% of all diagnosed skin cancers. Together, these two are also referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and accounts for more than 90% of all skin cancer in the U.S. These cancers almost never spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. They can, however, cause damage by growing and invading surrounding tissue. Squamous cell carcinoma is cancer that begins in the squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales under the microscope. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Thus, squamous cell carcinomas can actually arise in any of these tissues. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin occurs roughly one-quarter as often as basal cell carcinoma.

A surgical method that is often used to treat nonmelanoma skin cancer is called Mohs surgery. This highly specialized surgical technique involves first removing the visible tumor and then successive layers of skin one at a time until microscopic examination no longer reveals cancer cells. This surgery is performed while the patient is under local anesthesia. Removing and examining each layer takes about one hour, with much of this time spent looking at the removed skin. When done, the surgical wound is treated as needed. The treatment can include closing the wound with stitches, covering the surgical site with skin from another area of the body (skin graft), and moving healthy skin from a nearby area to cover the surgical wound (skin flap).

But, Mohs surgery is not the only way to successfully treat skin cancers? Surgery on the nose, ears, eyelids or lips may cause disfigurement or require reconstructive surgery under a general anesthetic to maintain the natural appearance. Brachytherapy with the Flexitron system is an effective alternative treatment for BCC (Basel Cell Carcinoma) and SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) skin cancer and avoids the need for reconstructive surgery. It also has its advantages over surgery for patients with a large number of lesions, elderly patients, or patients who are otherwise inoperable, and advantages over external beam radiotherapy as it requires shorter treatment times and less side effects.

Leonard A. Farber M.D. is the founder of The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology

To find out more please got to http://www.thefarbercenter.com/cancers/skin.php or call us at 212 300-0663.

Original article

Skin Cancer: What Really Causes It and How Can You Protect Yourself?

When you were a kid, there was probably not much said about sun protection. Most of us remember long, sunny days at the beach or on vacation where we got very badly sunburned, and had to sit things out for a day or two afterwards. This seemed like just a harmless regular childhood experience, until we grew up and found out that not only does sun exposure cause skin damage and skin cancer, but that the damage is cumulative, meaning that every bit of exposure to the sun's radiation we've had over our lifetimes has added onto the last. This lifetime amount along with several bad burns during childhood is said, along with certain hereditary and lifestyle factors, to put some at higher risk for skin cancer. The three most dangerous skin cancers are basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and the more commonly known melanoma.

In recent years, the prevailing wisdom has been that it is essential, especially for fair--skinned individuals and those out during peak hours and/or in the tropics, to wear a protective sunscreen lotion. Based on the advice of doctors and dermatologists, billions of people began buying sunscreen lotions for themselves and their kids, as skin cancer rates, even among children, began to skyrocket. But what is the cause of all this skin cancer? Is it all due to our thinning ozone layer, as most of us commonly believe? Could it be that the chemicals in sunscreens themselves have contributed somehow?

When I first heard the theory that sunscreens cause skin cancer, I, like so many, was so indoctrinated in the 'sunscreen as protection' camp that the idea seemed almost heretical. The gentleman who told me about it, however, was a very thoughtful, intelligent and well-read doctor whose word I trusted. He was a curious and voracious reader, and he cited the situation in Australia as evidence and suggested I read further myself (a good sign in my books). Sunscreen was first introduced en masse, he told me, in Australia, and the ensuing climb in skin cancer rates when represented on a graph looks almost identical to the graph expressing increasing use of sunscreen. Many, many scientists, he told me, are beginning to make a connection between the harmful chemicals in most commercial sunscreens which get absorbed through our skin and the formation of skin cancers so prevalent today. This same doctor went on to tell me that sunburn allows our body's natural defences against the sun to build up, and it was the sun blister on his nose, in fact, which prompted the conversation. He will never allow his children to wear sunscreen. So what are we to do?

Until the air clears, so to speak, there are other precautions we can take to protect ourselves from the strongest and most damaging of the sun's rays. We can wear protective clothing such as light, long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats, and quality sunglasses; we can stay out of the sun when it is at its strongest, and limit the duration of our exposure. We can choose natural, chemical-free sunscreen lotions.

While getting some sun is undoubtedly good for us - essential in our formation of Vitamin D and vital for the health of our hearts and minds - we can choose to take reasonable precautions as discussed and keep our skin beautiful and healthy for many years to come.

Shauna writes about a variety of health issues for her vitamin website, including the benefits of various vitamins, and the exciting new connection between astaxanthin & Alzheimer's prevention. Visit today and get your health on track!

Original article

Skin Cancer - Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the rarest and most deadly form of skin cancer. It affects the melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin, the skin's pigment) and seems to be more prevalent among city-dwellers than among those who work outside. This seeming paradox is because scientific data indicates that episodic sun exposure resulting in burn is linked to melanoma, but constant exposure is not.

Melanoma does not necessarily occur in sun-exposed areas of the body which contributes to the belief that it is linked to brief, intense periods of sun exposure and a history of severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that metastasizes easily making it often fatal if not treated early enough. Bear in mind, however, that all statistics of melanoma come from tissue that has been examined after some form of excisional treatment or biopsy. Melanoma becomes more common with increasing age but it still appears in younger people.

A melanoma can develop in any area of the skin or from an existing mole. A typical melanoma appears as a small darkened area of skin similar in appearance to a mole. It is recognisable as being different to a mole in four different ways known as the ABCDE of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving.

Asymmetry: Most early melanomas are asymmetrical: a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.

Border: The edges of melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped, notched, or blurred edges. A mole has a smooth, well-defined edge.

Color: The pigmentation of a melanoma is often not uniform, with more than one shade of brown, tan, or black. Moles are usually a single shade of brown

Diameter: A melanoma is usually larger than a mole, continues to grow and is often at least the size of a pencil eraser (about 6mm, or 1/4 inch, in diameter).

Evolving: Change in size, shape and color shade.

Types of Melanoma

Melanomas are described according to their appearance and behavior. Those that start off as flat patches (i.e. have a horizontal growth phase) include:
Superficial spreading melanoma (SSM)Lentigo malignant melanoma (sun damaged skin of face, scalp and neck)Acral lentiginous melanoma (on soles of feet, palms of hands or under the nails - under the nails is called subungual melanoma)

Melanoma skin cancers tend to grow slowly, but at any time, they may begin to thicken or develop a nodule. When this happens they progress to a vertical growth phase.

Melanomas that grow quickly, involving deeper tissues, include:
Nodular melanoma (presenting as a rapidly enlarging lump)Mucosal melanoma (arising on lips, eyelids, vulva, penis, anus)Desmoplastic melanoma (fibrous tumour with a tendency to grow down nerves) Melanoma may present in combinations e.g. nodular melanoma developing within a superficial spreading melanoma.

Treatment of Melanoma

Usual protocol for the treatment of melanoma is:

Biopsy to confirm.

Surgical removal with wide margins encompassing healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.

Surgical removal of lymph nodes if their involvement is suspected.

There are natural options. I have used them and seen them used on many people. The natural treatment of melanoma and other skin cancer is viable and effective. I have written a book outlining my experiences of using a herbal paste with bloodroot as one of the main ingredients. I do not sell a product, I merely present the information so that people have a source of information and can be self-informed enough to have the confidence to make their own decision.

From my own experiences and also from seeing the results on other people I can assure you that these herbs work and they work profoundly.

I hope the researched information as well as the personal experiences in my e-book may be of assistance to anyone searching for natural methods of treatment for skin cancer.

My e-book is called "How to treat Skin Cancer Naturally". Click on the link below to find out more about the book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: I am a qualified medical herbalist and have studied the use of herbs for the treatment of skin cancer in depth. My e-book "How to Treat Skin Cancer Naturally" gives you the specific herbs to use for skin cancer.

What you get in this book:

- descriptions of the main skin cancers

- the possible risks of biopsy

- fully referenced and supported by scientific studies

- in depth case studies, including my own personal experience with a family member

- and I outline exactly how some important herbs work to kill skin cancer.

The e-book is available online at http://www.facebook.com/pages/How-To-Treat-Skin-Cancer-Naturally/161561697243708?sk=app_196198340429955

Copyright © Moira Elliott 2011

Original article

Major Break Through in Skin Cancer Treatment - How Long Until it Gets to Market?

For any of us who have known victims of melanoma, we realize that a cure or permanent solution and break through is needed. Well, it appears human scientists are now well on their way to solving this challenge once and for all. There are many cancers that are not death sentences, but late stage melanoma is, well, until now it seems, because scientists have made a rather incredible break through, which gives researchers looking for cures in other types of cancers a little bit of inspiration.

Not long ago, there was a great article which gives hope for victims of melanoma (deadliest form of skin cancer) in New Scientist. The article appeared in BioTech 'Being Human' category titled; "Skin cancer treatment: Biggest breakthrough in 30 years" on June 6, 2011 by Jessica Hamzelou. The article stated;

"Two new drugs for metastatic melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - are being hailed as the biggest breakthrough therapies for cancer in the last 30 years. The drugs reduce tumour size, significantly increasing survival rates. Although melanoma can be cured if caught early enough, individuals in the late stages of the disease are only expected to survive for an average of six months. One of the two drugs - vemurafenib inhibits malignant skin tumors."

The human trials have yielded such remarkable results that late stage melanoma may not be a death sentence any longer using vemurafenib, and those who did not respond to it have another new drug called "dacarbazine" which has shown decent results too according to the USDA approval notes. All of this is excellent news for those who have been diagnosed with late-stage melanoma and have been sent home without hope.

According to Wikipedia and other sources it seems more than 160,000 people each year get melanoma, and about three-quarters of all skin cancer deaths are from this type of cancer. Damaging UV light is the cause of melanoma, and UV Sun Tanning beds have been reported to be a contributing cause as well. It can also run in families and if it runs in yours, you should be seeing a dermatologist occasionally to check you over and also do some online research on your own so you can spot such spots to see if you suspect they are cancerous.

Caught early, most cases are easily treatable if the tumor is removed properly. Late stage melanoma is completely serious, but now, it may not be a death sentence, as these drugs will be available very soon. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,500 articles by mid-day on June 23, 2011 is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off..

Original article

The Importance of Sun Protection

Skin cancer is becoming a bigger and bigger issue all the time. Rates of skin cancer are increasing every year because the ozone layer is depleting and is less able to block the entry of the sun's harmful rays. Ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancer, which is highly preventable if you take the proper sun protection measures.

Around the world there are between two and three million cases of skin cancer every year. Of all the cancers diagnosed globally every year, one in three is skin cancer. The statistics highlight the importance of protecting your skin from the sun. It only takes one sunburn to nearly double the risk of developing skin cancer.

Aside from the serious risk of skin cancer, there are less hazardous but still unpleasant results to watch out for. Sun exposure can result in lines, wrinkles, and age spots if the skin is not properly protected.

Typical lightweight summer clothing, like a tee-shirt, offers as little as a UV protection factor of 5. A UPF of 5 is just not enough to protect your skin from damage. Your skin can be burned right through that tee-shirt. The best way to protect your skin is to choose sun protective swimwear and clothing.

Many items of sun protective swimwear and clothing offer a UV protection factor of up to 50+. The choices are not just limited to swimwear, either. You can purchase baby clothes, golf clothes, fishing vests, hiking clothes, and more that all contain sun protection for your skin's safety.

Sun protective swimwear is the best way to go when you're at the beach or pool. Options include one-piece suits with short or long sleeves, board shorts, rash guards, and traditional swimsuits with SPF. You can also find cover-ups, hats, shoes, and more so your whole body is safe from the sun. Remember that the key is keeping as much skin covered as possible, so skimpy clothes and bathing suits provide no protection from the sun's harmful radiation.

Of course you should always apply sunscreen to any area of your body that is not covered by sun protective swimwear. Be sure to put your sunscreen on at least 30 minutes before heading outside, and reapply it frequently. Sunscreen should have a minimum of 30 SPF. If you go in the water, be sure to reapply afterward because it may rinse off while you're splashing in the waves. Using waterproof sunscreen can reduce how quickly it washes off, but you will still need to reapply it often because being waterproof does not mean that it stays on forever.

Gorgeous sun protective swimwear that appeals to the fashion savvy--being sun smart has never looked this good!

Original article

Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the common types of cancer. Over one million new cases can be found annually. Like any other cancers, it can only be treated but with intense medical therapies and medication. Nobody wants to suffer from cancer. Therefore, it is better to prevent than to treat.

Excessive sun exposure is one of main reasons of skin cancer. Although early morning sunlight is beneficial because it contains Vitamin D, you should avoid sun exposure as much as you can. But of course people cannot just stay indoors and avoid going out at all. People need to do some of their activities outdoors sometimes. Below are some helpful tips for preventing skin cancer.

1. Reduce sun exposure as much as possible, especially between 10 am - 4 pm, when UV levels are high. If you have to go out, you can choose to wear clothes that can cover your limbs such as long-sleeved shirts or accessories like scarf to cover your neck and shoulders. You can also wear gloves and socks while you are riding on bike or motorcycle. You can also keep yourself from sun exposure by staying under shade.

2. Before going out, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on your parts of body that will be exposed to the sun, including your ears and neck. Also apply lip balm with SPF regularly to protect your lips from harmful sun rays and dryness. Wear UV protective sun glasses to protect your eyes.

3. Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals, which are substances that can cause cancer. You should consume fresh fruit and vegetables regularly as they are good sources of antioxidants. Avoid foods that contain too much salt and fat. Whenever possible, buy organic fruits and vegetables as well as eggs, meats and dairy products, as they are free from harmful chemical substances and better for your body.

4. Go for a monthly skin check up. If you are using skin medications and you often have to go outdoors, you should consult your doctor. Ask your doctor if your medications can react negatively to sunlight.

5. Early detection of cancer is important as well. There are many symptoms of skin cancer, such as abnormal growth (moles or lumps) and skin discoloration. If you notice some of these symptoms, you should see a specialist immediately. There is a better chance of getting rid of skin cancer when it is still on its early stages.

Original article

Easy Breezy Sun Protection

Everyone is aware of the risk that overexposure to the sun's radiation can carry. In addition to causing skin cancer, excessive ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can accelerate skin aging by damaging collagen and lead to cataract formation in the eyes. There are a number of simple sun protection steps you can take to minimize your exposure to excessive UVR from the sun.

In as short a time as fifteen minutes, your skin can experience damage from UVR. You should always wear sunscreen when you venture outdoors, even on cool or cloudy days. It should be applied at least twenty minutes prior to sun exposure to give your skin time to absorb the product. Most sunscreens and sunblock work by either absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. Those that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient effectively work by creating a layer on the skin that repels or reflects the UVR away from the skin. You should not use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) lower than 15. Make sure to always check your sunscreen's expiration date and keep reapplying it after you swim, exert yourself and sweat, or every two hours that you are out in the sun.

Keeping as much of the skin covered as possible is one of the best routes to protecting your skin while out in the sun. Technological developments have also allowed for the creation of fabrics that actually block anywhere from 20 to 98% of UVR, and they are used in specialized sun protective wear, including sun protective swimwear. Wearing hats or caps that offer full coverage of the face, neck, and ears is also important. Sunglasses that protect from both UVA and UVB should be worn, and wrap around styles offer more shielding from UVR.

Avoid being out in the sun when UVR is at its strongest. This time generally falls between 10am and 2pm, and if you do not need to be out in the sun for long periods of time, it is best to stay out of the sun. When you do have to be out during that peak period, try to stay in the shade as much as possible to reduce your risk. Protective clothing and sunscreen is still important to have in the shade.

Remember that skin cancer and other negative consequences of too much UVR are largely preventable if you follow these easy, breezy steps!

Gorgeous sun protective swimwear that appeals to the fashion savvy--being sun smart has never looked this good!

Original article

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Reduce Melanoma Risk Factors

Good news for women with high melanoma risk factors, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. You might reduce your chances of developing it by 50% by ensuring you get enough vitamin D and calcium supplements according to some promising new research.

Doctors know that increased risk of this form of cancer comes from already having a non-melanoma (basil or squamous cell) skin cancer. Researchers on the study believe the findings are quite encouraging in terms of preventing melanoma in a population classed as high-risk.

Calcium and vitamin D are known for playing a part in the growth of bones, but they do affect other cells of the body as well. Some research has also shown that these two bone helpers are tied to a lower risk of breast, colon, prostate and other types of cancers.

400 IU (international units) of vitamin D is all you need according to the researchers. Whereas, the U.S. IOM (Institute of Medicine) suggests 600 IU daily.

The theory suggests that skin cancer cells lay in wait to form into a melanoma, but taking calcium and vitamin D, in the right amounts, might keep them from growing into a tumor.

Calcium has shown itself to be able to minimize tumor growth in those who have colon cancer. The researchers also noted that an earlier study they saw vitamin D supplementation cutting the chances of melanoma in older men.

For the current work, the team gathered information on over 36,200 women aged between 50 to 80 years who were taking part in the Women's Health Initiative study. To determine if calcium and vitamin D had an effect on broken hips or cancer of the colon, the subjects were assigned to take either supplements or a placebo. The supplements included 1,000 mg of calcium along with 400 International Units of vitamin D.

Over the next seven-years, the women who took the supplements and had a non-melanoma skin cancer cut their chances of developing a dangerous melanoma by a whopping 57% compared to subjects who did not receive the supplements. The reduction did not come for those who hadn't already suffered with a non-melanoma skin cancer.

From figures released by National Cancer Institute in America, 68,000 plus people are diagnosed with melanoma each year in the U.S. It's thought that lots of sun exposure in your youth ups your chances for developing for non-melanoma skin cancer. However, sunlight also has a role in vitamin D synthesis. The thinking goes that increasing your vitamin D levels naturally might help your skin cells from becoming cancerous. The role of calcium is not yet fully understood.

More work needs to be done to see if the results appear in men or younger women. The team also plans to test vitamin D and calcium compounds on cancer cells directly.

In the meantime, if you're at risk of skin cancer or not, getting enough vitamin D is important for keeping yourself healthy. You can get this important nutrient from foods like fatty fish and dairy, exposure to natural sunlight (not during peak hours of course) or taking daily supplements.

FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from the Daily Health Bulletin. Click through now to find out more about the steps you can take to minimize your melanoma risk factors.

Original article

Skin Cancer - Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

In the United States, Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) accounts for 90 percent of all skin cancers in the southern states, and 47 percent in the northern states. Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer in Australia and New Zealand, representing 70-80% of diagnosed skin cancers. Occurrence of Basal Cell Carcinoma mainly occurs on the head and neck. It occurs less often in Asians and rarely among darker skinned races. As with all skin cancers the risk is considered to be related to sun exposure. The positive about Basal Cell Carcinoma is that it is slow-growing and rarely metastasizes throughout the body. However, it is locally destructive and can invade neighboring bone and nerve tissue.

Description - BCC is a malignant epithelial cell tumor that begins as a papule (a small, circumscribed, solid elevation of the skin) and enlarges peripherally, developing into a crater that erodes, crusts and bleeds. BCC originates in the basal layer of the epidermis, the lowest layer of skin.

Signs and Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma - There are five typical characteristics of basal cell carcinoma that are quite different from each other. Two or more features are frequently present in one tumor. BCC sometimes resembles non-cancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema and requires diagnosis by a trained person. The five warning signs of basal cell carcinoma are:

An open sore that bleeds, oozes or crusts, and remains open for three or more weeks. A persistent, non-healing sore is a very common early manifestation.A reddish patch or an irritated area, frequently occurring on the chest, shoulders, arms or legs. Sometimes the patch crusts. It may also itch or hurt. At other times, it persists with no noticeable discomfort.A smooth growth with an elevated, rolled border and an indentation in the centre. As the growth slowly enlarges, tiny blood vessels may develop on the surface (telangiectases).A shiny bump (nodule) that is pearly or translucent and is often pink, red or white. The nodule can also be tan, black or brown, especially in dark-haired people, and can be confused with a mole or melanoma.A scar-like area (white, yellow, or waxy in appearance) which often has poorly defined borders. The skin itself appears shiny or taut. Although a less frequent sign, it can indicate the presence of a more aggressive tumor.

Diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma - Diagnosis is almost always by biopsy. Tissue is cut away from the site and examined under a microscope.

Medical Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma - Allopathic treatment depends on the size and type of tumor. There are various types of surgery or non-surgical treatments chosen from.

Non-surgical treatment of BCC - Allopathic non-surgical treatments have low success rates.

Topical application of 5-fluorouracil for 2 to 12 weeks is only beneficial for superficial BCC. Fluorouracil is used to prevent excess cell proliferation as found in skin cancer and psoriasis. It prevents the formation of RNA which in turn prevents the formation of DNA.Imiquinoid cream -currently the use of Imiquinoid cream is considered experimental. It is an immune response modifier that stimulates the immune system to release cytokines that destroy cancer cells. Treatment causes significant skin irritation. Not all types of BCC are affected.Ionizing radiation: Superficial x-ray. It results in radiation damage, therefore it is used more with older patients. Impaired immune function and general malaise also usually results. Used for facial BCC and appears less effective for BCC occurring elsewhere.

Surgical Removal of BCC - Surgery is the most studied, and most used treatment for removal of a BCC in allopathic medicine. The effectiveness of surgery depends very much on the skill of the surgeon. Various surgical methods:

Electrodessication and Curettage - the BCC is burned and removed with a scalpel. The main disadvantage of this method is that the tumor often tracks down hair follicles. (9)Cryosurgery - liquid nitrogen to freeze burn the BCC.Excision surgery- the BCC is cut from the skin with a scalpel. To increase the likelihood of complete removal of the tumor, a portion of normal-appearing skin surrounding the BCC is removed.Microscopic or MOHS surgery - the BCC is cut from the skin, along with some of the healthy surrounding tissue. This is examined under a microscope to check for any remaining cancer cells. Tissue is then taken in increments of thin layers of skin, until no more cancer cells are detected. Mohs is the most effective allopathic medical treatment (99% cure rate for primary BCC, 90-95% for recurrent BCC).Laser surgery. Lasers are also used as a secondary therapy when topical medications or other techniques are unsuccessful.

Recurrence of BCC - Once a basal cell carcinoma has been removed, another growth can develop in the same place or nearby area. It has been found that 36% of people who develop a basal cell carcinoma will develop a secondary primary BCC within the next 5 years. Radiotherapy can result in more aggressive and invasive cells in a recurrent BCC.

Effective Alternative Treatments - Allopathic medicine is often successful in completely removing BCC's but obviously also often fails, given the high number of recurrences suffered by many people with repeat visits to the doctor and then specialist. These treatments don't always work as well as expected or hoped.

But there are natural treatments that are worth trying and have proven to be safe and effective. You can read the full text of this article in the e-book entitled "How to Treat Skin Cancer Naturally". The book includes descriptions of different types of Basal Cell Carcinoma as well as images and additional text. It covers other types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) with helpful information on various methods and herbs such as bloodroot applications. Real cases of people who have successfully used these methods are included.

About the Author:
I am a qualified medical herbalist and have studied the use of herbs for the treatment of skin cancer in depth.

My e-book "How to Treat Skin Cancer Naturally" gives you the specific herbs to use for skin cancer.

What you get in this book:

- descriptions of the main skin cancers,
- the possible risks of biopsy,
- fully referenced and supported by scientific studies
- in depth case studies, including my own personal experience with a family member
- and I outline exactly how some important herbs work to kill skin cancer.
Get my e-book online at http://www.facebook.com/pages/How-To-Treat-Skin-Cancer-Naturally/161561697243708?sk=app_196198340429955

Copyright Moira Elliott 2011

Original article

Know About Mohs Surgery And Its Recovery

As we all know that Mohs surgery is an effective procedure for treating several types of skin cancers. Also the procedure is effective to limit the amount of healthy tissue and skin removed that is particularly helpful to people who should remove the cancer in a cosmetic way on the important parts of body like face or neck. This procedure offers highest rate of cure for people having squamous cell carcinoma. The surgery is also recommended for several skin cancers that need highest cure rate while leaving as much healthy tissue as possible. When compared with several standard techniques, it is less common to reoccur the cancer.

Mohs surgery is an outpatient procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office or clinic. A layer of the skin is removed to test it for the existence of skin cancer. If the cancer is no longer exists, reconstructive procedure is performed in order to repair the tissues. Still if the cancer exists, another layer of the skin is removed and method is repeated till the cancer is totally removed.

Mohs surgery is most commonly recommended for skin cancers that:

• Are reoccurring, Surgery is more effective to achieve cancer-free margins for cancers that have irregular borders and also a history of removal and recurrence.
• Are existing in visible parts like face, neck, hands, etc.
• Are developing quickly
• Have higher threat of developing to other areas of the body
• Occur in children

There are some mild risks involved in the surgery, such as:

• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Infection of the wound
• Pain or discomfort

Recover after Mohs surgey:

These are the most common side effects that most people experience after the surgery, but they will subside within few days. After undergoing Mohs surgery, the recovery process is usually easy and uneventful. Generally recovery may take 2-4 weeks based on the extent of the surgery. Local anesthetic is given during the procedure, so recovery may not be as lengthy or complex as some other procedures. Most commonly recovery period depends on the extent of your surgery.

Stitches will be removed about two weeks after the surgery. Surgeon recommends taking as much rest as possible particularly during the initial days. If you experience any pain, the doctor may suggest an over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol.

Avoid any kind of strenuous activity like exercises or heavy lifting for few weeks after the surgery. Also avoid exposure to sun as much as possible. Ask your surgeon about the adequate protection from sun.

Mohs Surgery La Habra offers you best treatment services for treating your skin cancer. To know more about Mohs micrographic surgery La Habra, you can visit our site.

Original article

Determining Skin Cancer Moles

People nowadays are likely to develop skin cancer moles because of long exposure to sunlight. The good news is that this type of cancer is the most curable if detected at the early stage. But if it is not treated, can result to death.

Moles are growth on the skin that is clustered and often brown, black or flesh-color and appears anywhere on the skin. The normal average of moles is from 10 to 40. However, an individual who have more than 100 moles are at risk to acquire melanoma.

Listed below are types of mole cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma that is developed on skin that is sun-damaged which is likely to affect Caucasian.

• Melanoma which is the rarest form of skin cancer and if not treated will spread to the other parts of the body and will then lead to fatality and is blue in color.

• Squamous cell carcinoma is targeting fair skinned people but affects men than women.it can destroy tissues and is invasive. Causing health problems and if untreated will lead to death.

• Actinic Keratosis can lead to squamous cell carcinoma if not cured early. It affects fair skinned people, eyes that are blue, hazel and green and individuals who have blonde and red hair. People who have weak immune system are also susceptible to acquire this type of skin cancer. This mole is typically rough, pink or red patches and.5 inch in size.

• Actinic cheilitis or commonly known as "sailors lip" or "farmers lip". The lower lip is affected and can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. People that are fair skinned, elderly, men and those that use tobacco are affected. The growth of this skin cancer is accompanied by cracking on the lips and dryness.

Here are the guides to be able to identify if the mole on your skin is cancerous. The ABCDE are vital in enabling you characterize the risky moles.

• A - Asymmetry. If the other half of the mole is not the same in size, color, thickness and shape.
• B - Borders. The edges are irregular, blurred, poorly defined and rough.
• C - Color. Uneven shades of brown and black or the mole has added colors of brown, red, black, blue and white
• D - Diameter. A mole that is greater than 6mm or the size of a pencil eraser.
• E - Elevation. Part of the mole is raised.

If you are suspecting that you have skin cancer moles, it is important to consult a dermatologist. They are the ones who are capable of examining the mole if it can cause health problems.

There procedures that can remove the moles that pose risk to your health. Don't get sun exposure when the sun is shining at its hottest (10am-3pm) and apply sunscreen. Be aware of the changes and have a skin check regularly.

Interested in learning more about Skin Cancer Moles then visit my site and check out more information on Skin Cancer on Nose

Original article

Sunscreen For Athletes With Titanium Dioxide

Athletes spend a lot of their time outside training and preparing. Because of this time outside, their skin is exposed to the sun and its rays for many hours at a time. While most of the time this exposure may not be harmful, over time the rays of the sun will cause damage to the skin and this damage can possibly be severe. Sunscreen for athletes is highly recommended because while the athletes are training their bodies, they need to be aware of the damage that can be done to their skin.

The rays of the sun are absorbed into the skin and these ultraviolet rays can easily cause many different types of damage. Sunburn is a common type of damage that is caused by the sun. When sunburn occurs, the skin has essentially been burnt by the rays and will be a shade of red in response. Most often, the redness of the sunburn will go away after a few days. More serious cases of sunburn may cause blisters and eventually peeling skin. Sunscreen for athletes helps to reflect off the rays of the sun protecting the skin from a large amount of the sun's rays.

Another form of damage that can occur to the skin from repeated exposure to the skin is skin cancer and different types of melanomas. These are more serious conditions and can have disastrous effects. Skin cancer can be all over the body or, more commonly, it will be concentrated on specific areas of the body. In these areas, the skin will need to be treated and these treatments can be very serious and rough on the body. By using sunscreen for athletes, they can train and get their bodies in top condition without having to worry about any of the effects that the sun may be doing to their skin. Sunscreen for athletes comes in many different forms.

There are creams, lotions and sprays. All of these sunscreens claim to do the same basic function but there are some that are better than others. In addition to protecting the skin, some nourish the skin and others improve the skin. The more that the sunscreen offers, the better off the skin will be for the long haul. The skin is the largest organ on the body and treatment of the skin needs to reflect that to make sure the skin is as healthy as it can be.

EverStride is a skin care company that is focused on helping the athletic minded person. They have quality skin care products to help prevent chafing, blisters, dry skin and skin infections. For more information visit http://www.everstride.com/

Original article

Best Sunscreen - Sunscreen Facts You Need To Know

How to choose the best sunscreen and some sunscreen facts that aren't as popular as sunscreen itself!

We have a rising rate of skin cancer and there's been a major increase in the use of sunscreen as a means of protection against the suns UV rays. I first started noticing all the sunscreen use about 16 years ago when my daughter started school. We had to be sending sunscreen along with her for all the outdoor activities.

I personally never had a concern about sunscreen until these most recent years in my life. When I did, it took me a long time to understand that we are fed a lot of inaccurate and partial information from the sunscreen industry as a whole. Unfortunately, providing the best sunscreen in regards to our health and protection is not their major concern. I am sure you know what I'm going to say next...Most Of These Companies Are All About Profit!

One investigation of nearly 1000 brand name sunscreens found that four out of five do not provide sufficient protection and contain questionable, chemical ingredients. It may come as a surprise to you that some of the nations leading, top name brands are actually the poorest performers.

...And are you ready for some more sunscreen facts? I looked at a couple of the most popular "chemical free" sunscreens that can be found on the shelf in most pharmacies and health food stores. I won't give their names, but here's what I found.

One contained Dimethicone which `chemists` consider as basically non-hazardous and contains a small amount of toxicity. However, contact may cause irritation with the skin and eyes. Dimethicone has also shown to cause tumors and unusual changes in experimental work with animals.

The other sunscreen contained Aluminum Hydroxide which is considered nontoxic and non-irritating to your skin, because `it does not penetrate the epidermis of your skin`. But you wouldn't want to have anyone eating either one of these things! What I mean is some very curious young children put a lot of unusual things in their mouth that they shouldn't.

So why do they have to add these ingredients if it's possible to make sunscreen without the `questionable ingredients`? Well let's go back to the word `Profit`...less cost to manufacture their sunscreen.

There's a relatively new sunscreen on the market that I recently discovered and...guess what...if someone were to eat it, you wouldn't have to worry at all. Just read the ingredients and see for yourself.

It's called Sunumbra. If you're a skin cancer survivor yourself and are concerned about recurrence...or if you just want the best sunscreen to provide the healthiest protection and still maximize the Vitamin D benefits, then I highly recommend you give this one a try. Maximizing your Vitamin D benefits from the sun is something that sunscreen companies usually don't bring up.

Sunumbra is now my top choice.

Gary is a 20+ year skin cancer survivor of squamous cell carcinoma. He has an informational website with lots of skin cancer experiences as a way of reaching out and bringing awareness to others.

Visit Gary's site: http://www.skin-cancer-experiences.com/best-sunscreen.html

Original article

Skin Cancer Prevention - Ten Ways to Protects Yourself From UV Rays

Skin cancer is considered one of the most widespread form of cancers accounting for about 50% of all cancers. It is associated with life-time exposure to ultraviolet radiation, therefore most skin cancers appear after age 50. It is actually more widespread than you may think, one in every 5 Americans will develop it during their life time. It is the leading cancer in the United States, which affects two million people each year.

According to recent reports, 40 to 50 percent of US citizens who survive until age 65 are going to have skin cancer at one time or another. High-risk groups consist of farm owners, laborers, mariners, campers, athletes, individuals going through military training, beach lovers, and picnickers. Research indicates that extreme sunburns during childhood maximize the chance of developing skin cancer later on in life.

The most effective method to prevent developing cancer of the skin will be to protect your skin by keeping yourself away from afternoon sunlight, applying sun screens when out under the sun and also to stay away from sun tanning beds. But besides early diagnosis, you can and really should try everything within your capacity to protect against cancer of the skin from ever happening to begin with.

Top Ten Ways to Protect Yourself From UV Rays

1. Use sun screen lotion that has a Sun-protection Factor (SPF) that is at least 15. Ensure it is water-resistant and re-apply every 2 hours, specially right after swimming or excessive sweating.

2. Apply sun screen lotion 30 minutes prior to going outdoors so that your skin has a chance to absorb it.

3. Be generous in use of sun screen lotion. One ounce of sun screen lotion ought to cover the face, neck, legs and arms of the average adult.

4. Dress in protective clothing, like hats, sun glasses, pants and long-sleeved shirts

5. Look for shade whenever possible, specially during the hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm when the sun rays are strongest.

6. Steer clear of sun tanning beds as ultra-violet light can result in skin cancer and wrinkles. Use a self-tanning product but also use sun screen lotion with it.

7. Safeguard small children by reapplying sun screen lotion frequently with an SPF that is at least 15, having them play in the shade and dress in protective clothing.

8. Children younger than 6 months should never ever be in direct sunlight and should always dress in a hat and clothes that safeguards them from ultra violet rays.

9. Adults ought to perform regular self-exams. It's a good way to detect abnormalities

10. Consult with your dermatologist and have a full body scan once per year.

Please visit Cancer Survival Stories if you are a survivor of skin cancer and would like to share your story.

Original article

92% Of Sunscreens Don't Work - What Does?

A ranking of more than 500 sunscreen products found that 92 percent did not provide satisfactory sun protection in terms of safety and efficacy. The study, conducted by Environmental working Group (EWG), a Washington-based nonprofit organisation, points the finger at a surge in exaggerated SPF claims above 50 and new disclosures about potentially hazardous ingredients.

Products with high SPF rating give a false sense of security resulting in users staying out in the sun longer with a single application and get burned when the products' chemicals break down, wash off or rub off on clothes and towels. The result is that they absorb more UVA radiation and they get the same number of sunburns as unprotected sunbathers.

As early as 2007, the FDA published draft regulations that would disallow companies from labeling sunscreens with a rating over SPF 50+. The agency feels that anything higher than SPF 50+ would be "inherently misleading" given that "there is no assurance that the specific values themselves are in fact truthful..."

The second key issue with sunscreens these days is two products found in many sunscreens.

The FDA has been investigating a form of vitamin A called retinyl palmitate, found in 41 percent of sunscreens as it is suspected to accelerate skin damage and elevate skin cancer risk when applied to skin exposed to sunlight.

The other is oxybenzone, a hormone-disrupting compound found in about 60 percent of the 500 sunscreens analysed. The product enters the bloodstream through the skin barrier. Biomonitoring surveys have detected oxybenzone in the bodies of 97 percent of Americans tested.

So what is recommended in order to stay safe in the sun? Some of these recommendations include selecting and using sunscreen well, as well as other options for sun protection available.

1. Look for minerals zinc or titanium dioxide in the sunscreen

2. Avoid high SPF.Stay with SPF 15-50+ as suitable for your own skin type. Use SPF 30+ for beach and pool and reapply often

3. Water-resistantfor beach, pool and exercise

4. Apply early. Martin A. Weinstock, professor of dermatology at Brown University recommends the application of sunscreen half an hour before heading outdoors and reapplying every few hours.

5. Apply in sufficient amounts. Studies show that people apply on average just a quarter of the required amount. Sunscreen efficacy drops rapidly on under-application so it is recommended to observe the instructions on the packaging.

6. Reapply often. Sunscreen chemicals break apart in the sun, wash off and rub off on towels and clothing.

7. Use clothing and hats. One study found that melanoma risk was cut by 52 percent for parts of the body usually covered by clothing during summer outdoor work (Holman et al 1986). EWG believe shirts and hats are the best sunscreen for all. Use UPF50+ rated swimwear and shirts and hats effectively

8. Make shade by putting up an umbrella, locate a picnic spot under the tree, take a canopy to the beach. Infants are best kept in the shade as they lack tanning pigments (melanin) to protect their skin

9. Plan around the shade. Unless you really need to, schedule your outdoor visits to avoid the mid-day sun. UV radiation peaks at midday, when the sun is directly overhead.

10. Sunglasses are essential. These are not just a fashion accessory but are necessary to keep your eyes from the UV radiation, a cause of cataracts.

Nana OKADA is the owner of Ocean Paradise, a specialist swimwear retailer in Singapore that has been retailing swimwear for women and children for over 15 years. Fashion, function and family are keywords behind the extensive collection of swimwear and accessories that number 80 brands from all over the world.

Over the years, the retailer has gained popularity with those in the know, who appreciate the range of fashion-forward swimwear and extensive sun protective collections. Ocean Paradise has developed into a highly respected name for the family and was awarded the Expat Living Reader Award in 2009.

http://www.oceanparadise.com.sg/

Original article

Skin Cancer and Lessons Learned About Kids' Swimwear

When you hit the stores to buy your kids' swimwear this season, there are a number of things you should keep in mind. Many parents don't give much thought to what kind of swimwear their children wear, let alone whether it provides any sun protection. However, as we learn more about the risk for skin cancer, parents are realizing the need to be educated about how to keep their children safe from the sun's harmful radiation.

Protective measures must start as soon as possible, preferably when your child is still a baby. Skin cancer rates are skyrocketing around the world, with one out of every 75 people in America being diagnosed with some type of skin cancer. In Australia, the rate is even higher, with one out of every 30 people receiving a skin cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives.

Many parents make the mistake of thinking that skin cancer is only a problem for older people or those who spend a lot of time in tanning beds, but if you don't take sun protective measures while your children are still young, you're drastically increasing their risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Studies show that skin cancer risk is directly related to how many sunburns you receive during childhood.

The best way to protect your children against cancer later in life is by purchasing sun protective swimwear. You'll know if a suit offers any protection against the sun by checking out its UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor. Look for sun protective swimwear with a UPF of 50+, which is the highest possible rating and blocks out at least 98 percent of the sun's harmful UV rays.

UPF swimwear is available for children of all ages, including babies. Remember that more skin coverage is always best when it comes to sun protection. Opting for swimwear and sun protective clothing that cover the shoulders and legs is the only way to reduce your children's risk of developing skin cancer at some point in their life.

Babies are especially prone to suffering sun damage because their skin is much thinner than adult skin, so remember to add a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with EPF 10 to your little one's outdoor sun attire. Also sunscreen is still a necessity, so remember to apply one with at least an SPF of 30 on the parts of the skin that are not covered by sun protective swimwear or clothing.

Gorgeous sun protective swimwear that appeals to the fashion savvy--being sun smart has never looked this good!

Original article

Skin Cancer - Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Solar Keratoses

SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer. It primarily affects fair-skinned, blue-eyed people and particularly the elderly.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Description

SCC is a malignant tumour of squamous cells and can be found in many parts of the body. SCC of the skin develops from keratinocytes, the type of squamous cells that synthesise the protective keratin of the epidermis.

Squamous cell carcinomas usually occur in areas of previously sun-damaged skin and at sites of sun-induced actinic keratoses or (sun spots). Its appearance is more varied than Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), it grows faster and can metastasize (spread to other tissues of the body) if left untreated, making it more dangerous than BCC.

SCC is usually a red, scaling, well-defined plaque. It can eventually spread into the deeper surrounding tissues.

Invasive SCCs involve the lower dermis and subcutaneous fat and can vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter. Sometimes they grow quickly, but more commonly grow slowly over months or years. Unlike BCCs, they may be tender. Some SCCs have the appearance of sores that don't heal.

Many SCC's develop from solar keratoses, small scaly patches often found on the face, bald scalp, ears, hands and forearms of fair-skinned people.

SCC may also develop in burn scars and longstanding leg ulcers. Oral SCCs are often due to cigarette smoking.

Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin

As with all skin cancers, allopathic medical practice is to confirm SCC by biopsy.

Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma depends on the size of the tumour, its location, and other factors such as if it has metastasized.

Treatment options include:

curettage (scraping off tissue with an instrument), with or without electrodessication. (Electrodessication uses an electric spark to destroy tissue)cryosurgery (freeze burning with liquid nitrogen)surgery (excision)Moh's micrographic surgeryradiation treatmentchemotherapy

ACTINIC KERATOSES (or SOLAR KERATOSES)

Solar keratoses are premalignant disorders of the epidermis and are increasingly common. They are small, dry, scaly lesions commonly found on the parts of the body most often exposed to the sun - the face, head, backs of hands, and sometimes the lip (actinic cheilitis).

As with BCC and SCC, chronic sun exposure is the cause of actinic keratoses.

What happens if solar keratoses are left untreated? Approximately 2 to 5% of actinic keratoses may develop malignant cells and become skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Treatment

Conventional treatment is freeze burning with liquid nitrogen. For widespread areas a topically applied cream containing 5-fluorouracil (trade name Efudex) may be used for several weeks. Fluorouracil is a chemotherapy drug that is applied to the skin. It works by interfering with DNA synthesis.

The unpleasant side-effects of fluorourcil which are reddening and flaking of the skin with burning and itching symptoms may outweigh the benefits as this cream can be effective in clearing up widespread solar keratoses.

However it is worth being aware that it is a chemo drug that affects your DNA. Rarely questioned by doctors, Efudex should not be used by people with a deficiency of the enzyme dihyropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). Current research shows that 8% of people have at least a partial deficiency in this enzyme. Potential for DNA damage is the concern.

But did you know there are other methods of treatment that can help? There are other tested and proven natural substances that can remove SCC and other skin cancer.

For example, bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). This is the root of a plant that is used as a topical application. Many practitioners do not know how it works. I have even read articles from experts who claim that the mode of action is unknown. However, research shows that it works by disabling the mitochondria which is the power house of the cancer cell. This effect is profound on the cancer cell, but does not have the same result on healthy tissue. Regardless of how it works, bloodroot most certainly, and quickly, breaks down a skin cancer tumor. You can heal skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma safely using this substance and the correct method.

What happens is very quick; little 'dots' of dead white tissue appear, literally overnight. Then an area of necrosed tissue forms over the following few days. Once applications are stopped, this area dries up, forms a scab and falls off, leaving pink, healthy, new tissue underneath. All that then needs to be done is to encourage healing as with any minor wound.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: I am a qualified medical herbalist and have studied the use of certain herbs and natural substances for the treatment of skin cancer.

My e-book "How to Treat Skin Cancer Naturally" gives you the specific herbs to use for skin cancer.

What you get in this book:
- descriptions of the main skin cancers
- the possible risks of biopsy
- fully referenced and supported by scientific studies
- in depth case studies, including my own personal experience with a family member
- and I outline exactly how some particular herbs, such as bloodroot, garlic, green tea, chapparal and others, work to kill skin cancer.
- I do not sell or promote a product; this book simply presents information so that you can make a treatment choice, no strings attached.

The e-book is available online at http://www.facebook.com/pages/How-To-Treat-Skin-Cancer-Naturally/161561697243708?sk=app_196198340429955.

Copyright © Moira Elliott 2011

Original article

How To Check For Cancerous Moles

If you have some skin moles (and most of us do) they need to be watched for signs of change which may indicate malignancy. That's not to say we need to be paranoid about it, just mindful of the fact that early detection of malignant melanoma increases the chances of recovery dramatically.

The vast majority of moles are totally harmless and although their appearance may annoy you, generally they will cause you no problems and can on occasion, disappear of their own free will. They are, however, a potential risk and must be monitored, especially if they are exposed to sunlight for extended periods.

If you wish to remove any of your moles for personal reasons, there are many ways to do it including, conventional surgery, laser surgery, cryogenics (freezing) and even mole removal creams that can be used at home.

Early Signs of Cancerous Moles

One way of remembering what to look out for when checking your moles is to use the ABCDE mnemonic.

A = Asymmetry where each half of the mole is not symmetrical.
B = Border irregularities, where the edges of the mole are blurred or fuzzy.
C = Color of the mole. It has a range of shades from pink, brown to black.
D = Diameter of the mole is greater than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser).
E = Enlarging of the mole, where it grows over time.

Note: The 6mm guide is not cast iron and some smaller moles can become malignant.

By watching for any of the above signs you should be reasonably assured that they are not becoming malignant. If you do observe any of the indications, it is vitally important to visit your doctor or dermatologist, for assessment and diagnosis.

If the specialist is at all concerned, it is likely they will recommend surgical removal of the mole in question. Generally no other form of removal is appropriate in these cases. During the procedure the complete mole will be excised to ensure all potentially cancerous tissue is removed and a sample will be sent for analysis.

Follow up treatment may then be offered if the biopsy result proves positive, to stop the potential spread of cancer cells into the surrounding areas. With malignant melanoma, cancer cells can travel very quickly through your bloodstream to create secondary cancers almost anywhere within your body and for this reason, early detection and removal may make the difference between life and death.

If you have medical insurance it may well cover the cost of mole removal in cases where melanoma is suspected, but cosmetic removal is not generally covered.

Malignant melanoma is not restricted to moles and may develop anywhere on the skin, especially following overexposure to the sun. For this reason it is important to sunbathe sensibly, avoid mid-day bathing when the sun is at its hottest, always use a high factor sun screen and re-apply at regular intervals (not just after swimming).

You can check out these links for cancerous moles pictures and additional cancerous moles advice.

Original article

Prevention VS Cure: Skin Cancer

Of the cancers diagnosed worldwide, one in three is skin cancer. In the United States, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and in Australia, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with cancer of the skin by the age of 70. It is the most common cancer for people aged 15 to 44. With the continuing depletion of the ozone layer and the rise in outdoor activities, especially by the water's edge, over the last century, the global rates of skin cancer will continue to increase. The frustrating aspect of this disease is that it is largely preventable by taking protective measures. If detected early and treated, most cases of the disease can be cured.

There are three types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, but it is rare. It can develop on any area of the body, from existing moles, or from normal skin. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of skin cancers, and it is the least dangerous. It is easily treated and tends to appear on skin generally exposed to the sun, including the head, neck, upper torso, and limbs. Squamous cell carcinoma is the next most common form of skin cancer after BCC, and while not as dangerous as melanoma, it can spread through the body if left untreated. It also develops on sun-exposed skin areas like the head, neck, forearms, hands, torso, and limbs.

Preventing cancer depends largely on the sun protection measures that you take. Choose sun protective wear, including swimwear, when you are enjoying the beach or lakeside. Cover exposed skin with high SPF sunscreens of at least 30 SPF, broad-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with EPF ratings of 10. Staying out of the sun during its peak hours of 10am and 2 pm and choosing shade when you're out will further enhance your protective coverage. Keep an eye on any moles on your skin and show them to your doctor if you see that a new mole appears and grows. Also point out any change in existing moles, moles that bleed, those that are persistently itchy, or a mole or skin ulcer that doesn't heal. You can easily minimize your risk of skin cancer if you take care in the sun. After all, skin cancer prevention requires little effort and is always better than the cure.

Oz Swimwear sells Sun Emporium, a leading Australian brand of quality swimwear - designed to offer excellent UV sun protection to delicate young skin.

Original article