Skin Cancer Research Paper

1063 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the fastest growing types of cancer and age is not a factor. The age of skin cancer is becoming younger and younger. Skin cancer is defined as a cancer that develops in skin cells. Skin cancer is formed by damage to the DNA, cancer tumors begin forming when cells divide rapidly and also unevenly. There are several different types of skin cancers that develop. These will be pointed out and described. The first type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This type of skin cancer is the least threatening and also one of the most common types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the least severe type of skin cancer. There are visible signs in order to see if one should get tested for …show more content…

Squamous cell carcinoma is more severe than basal cell carcinoma since this type of skin carcinoma can grow and spread to other areas of the body. There are a few ways to detect squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by firm red nodules, flat sores with a possible scaly crust, a rough scaly patch that can be found on your lip, a sore inside of your mouth or a red raised patch which can be found in your anus or on genitals.The people who are the most at risk of getting squamous cell carcinoma are people who have fair skin, those who have light hair and blue and or green eyes. Also those who have a history of lots of sun exposure are at an all time high risk. Squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed by an MD. This will be an outpatient procedure. The MD will do a biopsy and test the patch of skin for squamous cell carcinoma through a laboratory. The faster you are diagnosed the faster you are able to start the treatment process. If squamous cells are detected in an early stage and removed they are almost most of the time curable and will not cause major damage. There are many ways to get treated from squamous cell carcinoma. Amongst the treatments are Moh’s micrographic surgery, excisional surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, radiation, photodynamic therapy, laser surgery or the use of topical medications. Mohs micrographic surgery is performed with a scalpel or …show more content…

Malignant melanoma is considered to be one of the most serious form of cancer. Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is the most deadly since it can metastasize meaning spread throughout to the entire body and even to the internal organs through the lymphatics and blood stream. There are several ways to detect malignant melanoma. One of the systems that is used to detect malignant melanoma is the ABCDE system. This is a check list that is used to detect signs that one may possibly have malignant melanoma. The ABCDE system stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolving. Changes to any of the characteristics mentioned are cause for one to go to a physician and be examined. The people who are the highest of risk to get malignant melanoma are those who are constantly exposed to UV rays. Malignant melanoma can be both detected and treated. Once the patient is diagnosed with malignant melanoma the patient must have surgery to treat. The way to treat malignant melanoma is through surgery. Excisions are made on the parts which are affected. Since malignant melanoma cells are harder to detect the incisions are drawn out even further out than the affected area and is tested. The only surgery that is available for this type of skin cancer is Mohs Micrographic

Show More
Related

  • Biomedical and Sociological Approach to Melanoma

    969 Words  | 2 Pages

    Melanoma is an extremely important issue, as 75% of skin cancer deaths in Australia are attributed to melanoma, making it the most dangerous form of skin cancer in the country (AIHW 2010). The AIHW also states that Australia has the highest occurrence of melanoma in the world, with over 12,500 Australians being diagnosed annually, and having a recorded 1500 deaths each year. The Melanoma Institute of Australia states that melanoma is the “most common cancer in young Australians aged 15-39”, and that “rates have doubled in the 20 years from 1986-2006”. The incidence of melanoma is increasing more rapidly than any other major cancer. Owing to the high incidence and mortality rates of the disease in Australia, melanoma is the most life-threatening form of skin cancer in the country, making it a very serious non-communicable disease.

    Read More

  • Malignant Melanoma

    4345 Words  | 9 Pages

    Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer arising from the melanocyte cells of the skin. The melanocytes are cells in the skin that produce the pigment melanin. Malignant melanoma develops when the melanocytes no longer respond to normal control mechanisms of cellular growth and are capable of invasion locally or spread to other organs in the body (metastasis), where again they invade and compromise the function of that organ.

    Read More

  • Skin Cancer in Australia

    3010 Words  | 7 Pages

    Skin cancer is a significant public health issue in Australia. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun in the UVA and UVB wavelengths is the primary cause. Australia has been a world leader in efforts to protect the ozone layer, the main line of defense against ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. Ultraviolet radiation induces the formation of thymine dimers that cause mutation of skin cells if not repaired before DNA replication. Mutations of tumor suppressor genes can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Ultraviolet radiation also causes immunosuppresion that allows skin cancers to become established. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are types of skin cancer caused by sun exposure, though each form is associated with a different pattern of exposure. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, due to a combination of tropical latitude, fair-skinned population, outdoor lifestyle, and high amount of ambient ultraviolet radiation. Widespread opinions about tanning and health benefits of sunlight lead many Australians to intentionally overexpose themselves to the sun. State cancer councils have developed sun safety and awareness campaigns, such as “Slip! Slop! Slap!” and “SunSmart,” to educate the population about sun exposure and encourage early detection of skin cancers. Gradual changes in knowledge and behavior indicate that the fight against skin cancer can be won.

    Read More

  • Informative Speech On Skin Cancer

    378 Words  | 1 Pages

    What is skin cancer ? first, Skin is the largest organ of the body . it gives our body protection from harms, injuries and infections. It also organize the body temperature and dispose of waste substances through the glands . out layer of the skin is called the epidermis and the layer underneath is known as the dermis . Skin cancer is type of disease where malignant cancer cells are to be found the outer layer of a person's skin and is the uncontrolled development of the irregular skin cells .It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to duplicate rapidly and form malignant tumors. there are three main types of skin cancer which are basal

    Read More

  • Overview of Malignant Melanoma

    909 Words  | 2 Pages

    Malignant melanoma is usually diagnosed by the doctor looking at a certain area in the skin that might raise concern. The doctor will then perform a skin biopsy which is known as removing all or a part of the skin area that is infected while under a local anesthesia and sending the specimen that was collected to a pathologist to be looked at. The skin biopsy report might show an atypical mole, a melanoma that might need surgery, and a benign condition that doctor wont need to treat. Some doctors might also use a technique called dermatoscopy which is when they cover a suspicious spot with oil and examine it with a brightly lit magnifying instrument.

    Read More

  • Essay On Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    1020 Words  | 3 Pages

    There are several causes that contributes to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which mainly are prolonged sunlight exposure, presence of trauma, exposure to carcinogen, and being affected by papillomavirus.[...

    Read More

  • Melanoma Essay

    1138 Words  | 3 Pages

    Melanomas fall into 4 categories. Three types of melanomas are categorized as in situ – meaning they affect the top layers of the skin; this category of melanoma also has the potential to become invasive and damage deeper skin layers, which happens over an extended period of time. The last type, known as invasive melanoma, penetrates deeper skin layers from the outset. Invasive melanomas are considered more dangerous as they have greater potential to spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

    Read More

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma Essay

    1407 Words  | 3 Pages

    Basal Cell Carcinoma often abbreviated as (BCC) is the most frequently appearing form of skin cancer. They are also referred to as Basal Cell Cancer. It was discovered along the way as skin cancer was being treated as different types with no specific period. The BCCs’ are uncontrolled growths that normally arise in the skin’s basal cells. These cells lie in the deepest layer of the epidermis which is the outermost layer of the skin. BCC’s are normally caused by a combination of two things; one is cumulative UV exposure and the other is intense occasional UV exposure. The most vulnerable, according to a research done, tend to be people with fair hair, blue eyes and fair skin and this is because they tend to burn easily. The BCCs’ may first appear as a small white flesh or a colored bump that may bleed. Other normal appearances may look like open sores, red patches on the skin, pink growths, shiny bumps or scars. 80% of Basal Cell Carcinoma cases are mainly found in the head and neck that is the body parts that are mainly exposed to the sun. The nose also tends to be most vulnerable and according to a recent study done, 40% of BCC that were diagnosed on the head and neck were adjacent to the nose.

    Read More

  • Skin Cancer: The Stealth Killer

    1525 Words  | 4 Pages

    Skin cancer has been overlooked for the past few decades because the medical community has been focusing more on internal cancers. But with in exponential rise in recorded cases of skin cancer, it is grabbing attention now. Skin cancer is a serious problem and society is brushing it off so people might sport a nice tan. Even though skin cancer is not the type cancer that people see everyday or have family members develop it as often as say, breast cancer or prostate cancer, that does not make it any less of an important item to keep a look out for.

    Read More

  • Skin Cancer Essay

    2087 Words  | 5 Pages

    Skin cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells are found in the outer layer of the human skin. This particular cancer is one of the most common cancers among the U.S. population, affecting and spreading over more than one million people a year. “Skin cancer is categorized into two separate groups being; malignant melanomas and non-melanoma cancers.” (Adam, 2013)

    Read More

  • UV Radiation: A Leading Cause of Skin Cancer

    595 Words  | 2 Pages

    Basal and squamous cell skin cancer are the most common forms of skin cancer. Multiple studies have shown that these cancers are almost always connected to large amounts of sun exposure. This can come from things like outdoor sports, performing something outdoors with little coverage from clothing, and getting multiple severe sunburns. You can see signs of skin cancer inside and outside of your body. Rough, thick, dry skin patches are common symptoms, but things

    Read More

  • Skin cancer

    1321 Words  | 3 Pages

    Skin cancer is a disease where cancer (malignant) cells are found on the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).      The three types of cells found in the epidermis are squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes. These cells in time grow to be cancerous. Thus, the three types of skin cancers are squamous cell, basal cell, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadliest and destructive type of cancer. (“Skin Cancer” infotrac.com) The number of people with melanoma has risen in Scotland from 3.5 in 1979 to 10.6 per 100,000 in 1998 for men and 7.0 to 13.1 for women. (Miller 945) Squamous cell and Basal cell skin cancer can kill up to 2,200 people a year in the United States. (Sommerfield SIRS.com) Basal cell, being the most common type of skin cancer, is the cancer that about 75 percent of the people have. (“Skin Cancer “ infotrac.com) Melanoma is mostly seen in older men but ever since tanning came in during the 1970’s, it has increased in women 60 percent around the ages 15-29 over the past three decades.(Sommerfield SIRS.com) “And basal cell and squamous cell cancers are increasing at a rate of about 5 percent per year”(Sommerfield SIRS.com).

    Read More

  • Informative Speech On Tanning

    1856 Words  | 4 Pages

    The patient will also have to undergo surgery to remove the cancer, and the individual will undergo cancer treatment. Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body that are sometimes internal and not visible to the eye. Sometimes a person needs to let their worries fade away for a little bit, and these tanning methods can do that for some people. Tanning helps cope with stress and depression as stated in the text “tanning has been known to improve seasonal affective disorder” which is a type of depression that a person goes through around the same time every year (Banerjee).

    Read More

  • Melanoma

    518 Words  | 2 Pages

    The first sign of melanoma is often a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole or the appearance of a new mole. Men most commonly develop melanoma on the trunk, particularly the back, and women on the legs or arms. Melanoma develops in a manner similar to other cancer types. A cell's DNA genes, which control cell division and reproduction, become damaged. The damaged genes cause the cell to divide and grow without control or order, eventually becoming a malignant tumor.

    Read More

  • The Biology of Cancer

    563 Words  | 2 Pages

    Cancer develops when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of

    Read More

More about Skin Cancer Research Paper

Open Document