Skin Cancer: Causes and Effects - Research Paper Example

Skin Cancer Introduction According to Egan, cancer is a condition in which errors occur in the DNA ensuing into an uncontrollable reproduction of a particular cell type in an individual’s body, even if the body does not need extra cells. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death today. This paper discusses skin cancer as one of the various forms of cancer. It narrows down to look into the various types of skin cancer, causes/risk factors, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prognosis and prevention. Skin cancer, also known as skin neoplasia, refers to “the uncontrolled growth of unusual skin cells that can extend from the skin into other tissues and organs if left unchecked” (A.D.A.M, 1). As the cells replicate, they form a tumor. Frequently, skin tumors are referred to as lesions. If tumors are malignant, they become cancerous, which means that they intrude on and invade neighboring tissues owing to their unrestrained growth. They may also spread to the body’s remote organs either through the bloodstream or through the lymphatic system. Metastasis is a term that refers to “the process in which tumors invade a body organ and spread to other body organs” (Emedicinehealth.com 1) – they invade the neighboring tissues and overwhelm them not only by taking their space but also the oxygen and nutrients that they require to survive as well as function. Rockoff documents that skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer and that estimates have it that over one million new cases arise every year. He additionally asserts that annually, the rates of all forms of skin cancer are mounting, which has instigated a mounting public concern. Estimates also have it that almost half of all Americans who live to age 65 get skin cancer no less than once. Skin cancer classification depends on the particular types of epidermal cells involved. The various skin cancer categories therefore include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma/basal cell carcinoma epithelioma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma takes place in melanocytes – the cells that produce pigment. Although this cancer type is not so common, it is the most dangerous as it tends to metastasize (spread) all over the body quickly. It is the principal cause of skin disease death. The basal cell carcinoma/basal cell carcinoma epithelioma develops when there is abnormal cell growth in epidermis’ lowest layer while the squamous cell carcinoma occurs due to changes in the squamous cells, which are found in the middle layer of the epidermis (A.D.A.M., 4). Rockoff asserts, “The first phase of squamous cell carcinoma is called actinic keratosis” (para1). Further, he explains that the last two cancer types are the common-most forms of cancer and are both known as nonmelanoma skin cancer. Other nonmelanoma skin cancers include kaposi's sarcoma, merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous lymphoma (A.D.A.M., para4). The American Cancer Society documents that “most cases of nonmelanoma skin cancers occurs on body areas that are mostly exposed to the sun, which include the backs of hands, face, ear, lips and neck”. In addition, depending on the type, they can be slow or fast growing. However, they barely ever spread to other parts of the body. It is important to note that these forms of cancer in particular are very likely to be healed in case of early identification and treatment. Risk factors of Skin Cancer There are various recognized risk factors for skin cancer. Some of them include exposure to the sun and sunburn – as earlier pointed out; areas of the skin that are often exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation are more prone to skin cancer. “This is deemed the primary cause of all skin cancers” (A.D.A.M., 5). Other causes include light-colored skin, hair and eyes (fair complexion); genetics (having a family history of melanoma); atypical/multiple moles; occupational exposures to radium, coal tar, pitch, arsenic compounds or creosote; in addition to age – nonmelanoma skin cancers are common typically past the age of forty (A.D.A.M., 5 & American Cancer Society, 10). Emedicinehealth.com also points out other skin cancer risk factors to include the use of tanning booths as well as the immuno-suppression/impairment of the immune system, which may be caused by medications prescribed to fight autoimmune diseases or to prevent organ transplant rejection, or can be due to other diseases. Individuals with numerous, unusual or large moles present at birth, those with certain genetic disorders including xeroderma, pigmentosum and albinism that deplete the skin pigment, as well as those who early in life experienced severe sunburn are also at a greater risk of developing skin cancer (2). It is nonetheless important to note that except for people with the above risk factors, any person, despite being healthy, having dark eyes, hair and skin, as well as being young, can develop skin cancer. Symptoms of Skin Cancer Some of skin cancer symptoms include changes on the skin, particularly in the size or color of a mole, a new growth, or even other darkly pigmented spot or growth; and further spread of pigmentation beyond its border, for example the extension of dark coloring past a mark or a mole’s edge. Others include scaliness, bleeding, oozing or change in a nodule or appearance of bumps. Additionally, a change in tenderness, itchiness, pain or sensation may also be a symptom of cancer (American Cancer Society, para11). Moreover, A.D.A.M gives other features that one should check out for including irregular borders, any skin growth that fails to heal or that bleeds, asymmetry – where one half of the abnormal skin area differs from the other half, and diameter commonly greater than six millimeters. The color may also vary from one area to the other with shades of black, brown or tan. On occasion, the shades may be red, blue or white in color (7). Treatment of Skin Cancer The treatment of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma is simple – in most instances, the response to them is the surgical removal of the lesion. Malignant melanoma may on the other hand call for various treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Owing to treatment decisions’ complexity, individuals suffering from malignant melanoma may profit from a dermatologist, cancer surgeon and an oncologist’s collective expertise (Emedicinehealth.com, 6). Prognosis/Expectations of Skin Cancer The outlook of skin cancer pivots on various factors such as the type of cancer as well as how fast its diagnosis was. Seldom do basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma spread to other body parts. This is unlike melanoma, which is more probable to spread to other parts of the body (A.D.A.M., 10). Prevention of Skin Cancer Egan points out that the best way to prevent the various types of skin cancer is by minimizing sun exposure particularly during times of the day that are characterized by intense sunrays. It is advisable that individuals always protect their skin from direct sunrays by using a sunscreen, and by putting on protective clothing such as pants, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, and hats among others. Conclusion The skin is undoubtedly one of the most important organs of the body and individuals should therefore protect their skin at all times. As far as skin cancer is concerned, taking an active role by monitoring sun exposure as well as examining one’s body, that is, looking out for suggestive moles and lesions on the body could bring all the difference. Individuals should report to a physician anything that appears suspicious or any abnormal features on their skin, especially considering the fact that a physician could assist in early diagnosis of cancer and subsequent treatment it in its early stages thereby managing it/getting it healed. Works Cited A.D.A.M. Skin Cancer. 2009. Web. American Cancer Society. Skin Cancer Facts.2011. Web. Egan, Tracie. Skin Cancer: Current and Emerging Trends in Detection and Treatment. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group. 2005. Print. Emedicinehealth.com. Skin Cancer. 2011. Web. Rockoff, Alan Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer). 2011. Web. Read More