Although more skin cancers are seen than malignancies involving any other organ, this is least commonly a cause of cancer death. Inasmuch as the lesion can be seen with the naked eye in an early stage, the potential for cure is well over 90%. It is thought that the single most important factor in the cause of skin cancer is chronic exposure to ultraviolet light of the sunburn wavelength (UV-B). Individuals who are intensely pigmented are quite well protected from these rays. Fair-complexioned individuals and albinos should especially use sunscreen preparations. All should avoid unnecessary exposure to x-rays, coal tar products, and arsenic preparations known to be carcinogens.
Seventy-five percent of all skin cancers are of the basal cell carcinoma type. These rarely metastasize, but are locally invasive. The cancer typically begins as a noninflamed, smooth, waxy nodule. Usually a number of small blood vessels are visible near the surface. These nodules often ulcerate and form a crust. Biopsy and excision will confirm the diagnosis; as well as treat the lesion. Simple excision gives the best cosmetic results. Liquid nitrogen may be used for local freezing, called cryosurgery. In combination with curettage or electrocautery, a cure rate of more than 95% may be expected.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type, developing also from the surface layer of the skin, but having more propensity to metastasize. Most of these lesions are painless. They show up with firm, red plaques, displaying visible scales on the surface. They may arise from preexisting solar keratoses, premalignant lesions developing from repeated sunburn. Treatment is similar to that of basal cell lesions described above, namely removal.
Malignant melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. They also are related to excessive sunburn and exposure. Pigmented moles are among the most common growths on the skin of humans. Some of these ultimately may change in their color, size, or hair pattern, which is often an early sign of their malignancy. Irregularities in surface pattern and varying colors are characteristic of the melanoma. Shades of red, white, or blue (no patriotism here) and other mixtures of brown and black, may indicate the development of this cancer.
Melanomas should always be removed with wide excision, since their propensity to spread to other organs, such as the liver, eye, and other areas of the skin is great. Therapy utilizing the immune mechanism (immunotherapy) has been used widely in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Although still experimental these approaches offer an exciting alternative with less cost in toxicity to the individual. BCG vaccine, used for years to prevent tuberculosis, has found its place in the treatment of these melanomas with encouraging results in many cases.
Seventy-five percent of all skin cancers are of the basal cell carcinoma type. These rarely metastasize, but are locally invasive. The cancer typically begins as a noninflamed, smooth, waxy nodule. Usually a number of small blood vessels are visible near the surface. These nodules often ulcerate and form a crust. Biopsy and excision will confirm the diagnosis; as well as treat the lesion. Simple excision gives the best cosmetic results. Liquid nitrogen may be used for local freezing, called cryosurgery. In combination with curettage or electrocautery, a cure rate of more than 95% may be expected.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type, developing also from the surface layer of the skin, but having more propensity to metastasize. Most of these lesions are painless. They show up with firm, red plaques, displaying visible scales on the surface. They may arise from preexisting solar keratoses, premalignant lesions developing from repeated sunburn. Treatment is similar to that of basal cell lesions described above, namely removal.
Malignant melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. They also are related to excessive sunburn and exposure. Pigmented moles are among the most common growths on the skin of humans. Some of these ultimately may change in their color, size, or hair pattern, which is often an early sign of their malignancy. Irregularities in surface pattern and varying colors are characteristic of the melanoma. Shades of red, white, or blue (no patriotism here) and other mixtures of brown and black, may indicate the development of this cancer.
Melanomas should always be removed with wide excision, since their propensity to spread to other organs, such as the liver, eye, and other areas of the skin is great. Therapy utilizing the immune mechanism (immunotherapy) has been used widely in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Although still experimental these approaches offer an exciting alternative with less cost in toxicity to the individual. BCG vaccine, used for years to prevent tuberculosis, has found its place in the treatment of these melanomas with encouraging results in many cases.
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