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Skin Cancer before and after photos
(Melanoma, Squamous Cell and Basal Cell Cancers)
Skin cancer is the most common cancer. Unfortunately it probably could have been prevented in many cases. The best way to prevent skin cancer is, of course, to avoid the sun. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the major villain. Patients who are fair skinned with light eyes and light hair are even more susceptible to skin cancer. Considering that the skin is the largest organ in our body and the least protected organ, and our culture has taught us behaviors that lead to more cancer, the occurrence of skin cancers has continued to increase. The most common places that skin cancers occur are places that have been exposed to the most sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. The face, particularly those areas on the face that receive the most sun such as the nose, the upper portions of the cheeks, and the lower lip, are the most common sites for skin cancers.
How do you recognize a skin cancer? There a few different types of cancers but in general skin cancers grow slowly and grow larger with time, and do not get smaller with time. They can just be a sore that doesn't heal which eventually become an ulcer. Occasionally they are irregularly discolored, with areas of red or brown, may be waffled or scaly. Having an irregular new growth on your skin does not mean that you have skin cancer but it does mean that you should see a doctor and have it evaluated.
The most common types of cancer on the skin are basal cell cancers and squamous cell cancers. Basal cell cancers do not tend to spread to distant organs. They grow slowly over time and will grow very large if they are ignored. They sometimes have raised edges, which are a little shiny and smooth surrounding a central depressed ulcerated area. Sometimes they are just red spots. Squamous cell cancers can be more aggressive. If squamous cell cancers are ignored they can spread to surrounding lymph nodes and salivary glands. They can also track along nerves. They grow more quickly than basal cell cancers and should be treated more quickly as well. Melanoma is a very dangerous type of cancer which should be treated as soon as possible. It comes from the cells that color the skin and frequently creates pigmented lesions which are occasionally red as well. These cancers tend to spread to other organs soon after they infiltrate the skin. Prevention of melanoma is one of the major reasons that you should notify your doctor of any new lesions that are growing slowly and progressively. In particular, you should look for irregular coloring, irregular borders, or lesions that feel hard or bleed. Not only should you check any new lesions with your physicians but you should do what you can to prevent them from occurring. Skin cancers, since they are caused by ultraviolet damage, can be prevented by good sun protection. Do your children a favor and teach them early to apply sunscreen every morning before they go out and a half-hour before they go into the sun.
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