Skin Cancer Symptoms and Its Treatment

Skin cancer-Definition

Malignant tumors caused by uncontrolled growth of several types of cells of the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. Skin tumors can take origin from keratinocytes (epithelial cells) or by melanocytes (the cells that are responsible for producing melanin, which gives rise to in aggregate). In the first case are called basal cell carcinomas (a departure from the deepest layer of the epidermis) or spinocellulari (for more superficial cells source). A malignant tumor of melanocytes is called melanoma.

Skin cancer-causes

The main risk factor for the development of skin cancers, particularly with regard to carcinomas, is chronic exposure to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet rays. For this reason, the parts of the body most affected are those most exposed to the Sun: the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. For melanomas, a predisposing factor is represented by the presence of moles, especially if many (more than 50), large and irregular edges.

Skin cancer-symptoms

Multiple basal cell carcinomas occur in the form of small nodules of pearly appearance slowly increasing in size and are often hard to the touch. Carcinoma spinocellulare initially appears as a small red and scaly area which gradually enlarges and can take on the appearance of a wart. Both of these forms have a reduced tendency to spread into the body and are generally not dangerous. The melanomas originate from within, which undergo changes visible to the naked eye (swollen, loss of regularity of edges and shape, color change, which may be black, brownish, reddish, bluish or even pearly whites). The Melanoma can grow rapidly and spread in the body through movement.

Skin Cancer-Diagnosis

Skin tumors are diagnosed by a specialist dermatologist following examination, conducted with the help of epiluminescence examinations, namely the observation through a lens polarized light, the deeper layers of the skin. Certain diagnosis and definition of the type of cancer require performing a biopsy.

Skin cancer-Cure

The main treatment of skin cancers is the surgical removal of the affected tissues. In the case of multiple basal cell carcinomas or spinocellulari can be used techniques of microsurgery, laser surgery or with liquid nitrogen. For melanoma, surgery is more extensive and also includes the removal of surrounding lymph nodes. In unresectable cases, chemotherapy is used. Are also in experimentation, with encouraging results, forms of immunotherapy and antitumor vaccination.

Skin cancers-alternative Cures

There are herbal remedies can stimulate the immune system features, as well as homeopathy, acupuncture and aromatherapy have been used for the treatment of side effects. All these approaches are complementary and should be carried out under the supervision of your physician.

Skin cancer-Nutrition

Follow a diet low in fat and rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E, Coenzyme Q10, beta-carotene, green tea and ginger) may reduce the risk of skin cancers.