
Skin cancer treatment
Skin cancer treatment
The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The third most common form of skin cancer is melanoma, which starts from melanocytes. There are other rare forms of skin cancer, such as those that occur in sweat glands.
Ultraviolet (UV) exposure without protective measures – from the sun or other sources, such as exposure to solarium machines – remains the most important risk factor for skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation is not visible and is not noticeable, but it can cause burns, premature skin aging, damage to the skin that grow over time and can lead to skin cancer.
While skin cancer usually occurs in older people, the damage begins at an early age due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, especially from sunburn. New research shows that, while cells are often destroyed during childhood, exposure to the sun at adulthood can cause cells to mutate into cancers.
We all can develop skin cancer. The risk is increased if a person has multiple moles in their body, does not protect their skin from the sun, or stays in the sun for a long time (eg outdoors), has an individual or family history of melanoma, is exposed periodically but for a long time in the sun (eg during vacations or during leisure activities), especially if it results in sunburn, has light-colored freckles that are easily irritated or difficult to tan, have red or blond hair and blue or green eyes, it has wax blades or irregularly shaped moles, or weakened immune system.
People with dark or skinny skin are more protected from skin cancer because they produce more melanin than people with light skin.
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect it from the sun. You can do this by learning the UV indicator, which shows the intensity of solar radiation. When the UV index is 3 (moderate radiation) or above, the levels of solar radiation are so high that they can cause skin damage and sun protection is essential.
Stay away from the sun between 11am. and 3 pm during the summer when the sun is brightest, and between 10am and 6pm. and 2pm the rest of the time. During these times of day, more than 60% of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the surface of the earth.
Use the shade of trees, umbrellas, buildings or any kind of awning. Remember, ultraviolet radiation is reflected on surfaces such as concrete, water or sand, so you can burn, even when you think you are protected.
Wear clothing that covers as much of the body as possible and the back of the neck. Textiles with dense weave give better protection. Wear a hat that shades your face, neck and ears.
Use sunscreen with SPF 30+ which is both spectrum and water resistant, regardless of your skin type.
Apply with sunscreen 20 minutes before going out into the sun and repeat every two hours after swimming or any activity that causes you to sweat or remove the sunscreen.
Protect your eyes with sunglasses. The more they cover the eyes, the better.
Be sure to protect infants and young children from direct sunlight. Use shades, umbrellas, hats and clothing to protect them.
If necessary, use SPF30 + sunscreen on unprotected skin areas, such as the face and upper arms.
Do not use sunscreen mattresses and lamps that emit ultraviolet radiation that increases the risk of skin cancer. Part of sunlight is important to our health. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D is produced, which is essential for the development and maintenance of strong and healthy bones. However, in order for your body to produce enough vitamin D to help you stay healthy, you do not need to be exposed to the sun for more than 10 minutes, most days of the week, except during times of high UV radiation.
Get to know your skin and check four times a year, examining your entire body together with your toes between your toes and fingernails.
Use a mirror to control areas such as the back or the back of your feet. The signs you are looking for are: a new spot that is different from the other spots on the skin around it, a wound that does not heal, a scar, a bite or a blotch has changed size, shape or color. In this case, contact your dermatologist immediately your.
Your doctor will first look for the suspicious sign, mucosa or blotch. If suspected skin cancer will probably recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy is a quick and simple procedure. The doctor will give you local anesthesia and will remove the deterioration. Usually one or more stitches are made to heal the wound. The web that has been cut, should be sent to a laboratory, where the pathologist will examine him in microscope. The results of the biopsy will determine which treatment is appropriate for your case.
Often skin cancer is removed by biopsy and no additional treatment is required. If is large or has spread beyond the surface of the skin, it must be removed more tissue.