What would you guess is the most common form of cancer? Lung, colon or perhaps liver? Surprisingly the answer is skin cancer. Facts clearly show that over one million people are diagnosed with this disorder annually. Many organizations both government and private health organizations find these numbers alarming, particularly since skin cancer is but one of many forms of this deadly disease.
One fact in these statistics that has everyone concerned is that skin cancer does not discriminate, it is found across all groups including age, sex, race and socioeconomic. The good news, according to many Grand Rapids dermatologists, is that most skin cancers are very treatable provided they are caught early enough. Skin cancer is the most treatable and preventable cancer to date with early detection and treatment.
Skin cancer has several different causes; the most common of course is overexposure of delicate skin to the suns UV rays. All sunlight contains ultra violet rays, which studies show can mutate the genetic composition of cells, particularly those in the skin. These same rays can be encountered from other sources as well such as x-rays, sunlamps and tanning booths; however, Grand Rapids dermatologists state these are not nearly as damaging as the suns direct rays.
The early stages of skin cancer may show few if any symptoms. Initially you may notice some distinct changes in skin appearance, but there are few other symptoms. Your skin may begin to show signs of new growths, sores or a general darkening in selective places. The thing to remember is these spots will not fade or heal quickly, that is your first indication that not all is well. When you get a new sore or spot that does not go away or heal very fast Grand Rapid dermatologists will advise you to see your family physician immediately.
According to Grand Rapids dermatologist’s skin cancer will show up in one of three forms.
Which are:
1. Basal Cell carcinoma
2. Squamous Cell carcinoma
3. Melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are, according to most skin cancer facts, the most common of the three types. That being said melanoma is the most deadly as it will spread quickly. This type of cancer is also called Basal Cell Epitheioma, the two Basal Cell forms of the disease generally start in the upper levels of your skin, but can and do go deeper than any other form of skin cancer. This fact makes it a good deal harder to detect. If you are from Northern European countries or Latino, you are likely fair skinned and more prone to this skin disease.
According to the Grand Rapids dermatologists, Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also very common nowadays. It affects 20% of all skin cancer patients. Squamous Cell Carcinoma normally has an effect on the top layer of the skin. Different from Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma spreads quickly and is quite fatal, accounting for 5% of skin cancer deaths. Squamous Cell Carcinoma usually forms on the edge of the lips, ears, face or back of the hands.
No one would argue against prevention being better than cure, and this is very true of skin cancer. Facts sheets from Grand Rapids dermatologists will advise you to prevent skin cancer by staying out of direct sunlight, utilizing shade, use umbrellas to shade yourself, hats, caps and wearing sun blocker.
Learn more skin cancer facts from Grand Rapids dermatologists and get all of your questions answered.
