Basal Cell Carcinoma - A Quick Overview Of This Skin Cancer

A basal cell carcinoma is a cancerous skin lesion that grows slowly and rarely metastasizes (spreads). These lesions are common in areas of the body that are exposed to sun and men and women with lighter complexions are at higher risk. This article shares the medical signs and symptoms associated with basal cell tumors and how they are treated.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Signs and symptoms can be difficult for a lay person to correctly identify but most lesions will begin as a shiny dome-shaped nodule that later forms an indentation or ulcer in its center. It may crust, bleed, heal, then reopen again. These lesions are usually small (less than 1/2 inch) and are most common on sun exposed areas such as the backs of the hands, face, ears, arms, etc. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and the least dangerous.

This form of skin cancer result from overexposure to the sun. This fact makes men or women with light complexions or outdoor occupations at higher risk of developing the condition.

If a suspicious ulcer is detected, a skin examination should be scheduled as soon as possible with a qualified medical doctor or dermatologist. A biopsy may be needed to determine the nature of the lesion.

For any person with a fair complexion or who spends a lot of time outside in the sun an emphasis should be place on prevention of skin cancer. This can include decreasing exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light with the use of clothing and hats or the use of sunscreen.

If a suspicious lesion is determined to be cancerous, surgical removal is the best option and may be followed by radiation therapy in advanced cases. Prognosis is very good if the basal cell carcinoma is detected early, however, new lesions may appear and the person should schedule regular skin examinations so subsequent lesions can be detected early.

Did you ever wish you had a simple tool that could walk you through your symptoms and lead you to an online diagnosis? Get a good idea of what your symptoms mean by simply answering yes or no using this Medical Symptom Checker

Click this link to visit SymptomSpy.com and learn more about Basal Cell Carcinoma

Original article

Tips To Prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Skin cancer is a very commonly known form of cancer, affecting millions of people all across the globe. Melanoma, Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are the basic three types of skin cancer affecting people. However, this is the most widely diagnosed form of skin cancer which can be easily prevented if we take good care of our skin. The cancer hardly causes other health problems if it is diagnosed and treated rightly. But, if left untreated, it may also spread to all other parts of the body and hence, lead to fatal health conditions.

Cause of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is mainly a result of prolonged exposure of our skin to the harmful ultraviolet radiations from either the sun or the tanning beds. Protecting your skin from UV light is the best way to protect your skin from all types of skin cancer. Follow the below mentioned tips carefully and prevent the development of the cancer on your skin.

Learn why the cancer form develops - The best way to prevent any health condition is by learning all the details about it. Squamous Cell Carcinoma develops due to high exposure to sunlight or the tanning beds or tanning lamps. Now that you know the basic cause of the skin cancer, you can avoid exposure to sunlight or the other harmful radiations.Protect and care your skin - Always use sunscreen lotions on your skin before you go out in the sun. Apply sun-blocks even during cloudy days. Use a strong sun protection lotion with at least 15 SPF. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before you go out.Avoid high exposure to sun and harmful radiations - Avoid going out during the peak times, when the sunlight is strongest. Wear clothes that protect your skin from the radiations and harsh sunlight. If the UV rays penetrate deep into the skin, they can lead to cancerous lesions which may increase with more exposure.Learn about the Squamous Cell Carcinoma symptoms - The symptoms of the skin cancer can occur any place on your body, inside your mouth, on your genitals or even your anus. The symptoms include:Firm red nodules on your lower lip, hands, neck, ears, arms, etc.Flat scaly crusted lesion on hands, arms, ears and neck.Pre-existing scar gets more ulceratedRed patch occurs on your genitals or anusWhite patch formation in your mouth.Consult your dermatologist and get regular checkups - And finally, always consult your dermatologist for any doubt. Diagnosis at the right time will help you save your life and live healthy.

So, take good care of your skin and prevent the formation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Remember, Prevention is always better than Cure.

Avoid skin squamous cell carcinoma and enjoy great health and a glowing skin. Learn more about the skin cancer form at Squamous Cell Carcinoma Info.

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

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