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