What You Should Know About Health

Skin cancer is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Healthy skin cells become unable to reproduce as they normally would to replace dead skin cells. This is how skin cancer is defined. A tumor on a skin cancer patient is a mass of dead skin cells that cannot reproduce. The skin is the largest organ on the human body.

Signs of skin cancer specifically can come from age. Majority of skin cancers tend to be basal cell carcinoma. These are non spreading skin cancers. There are three different kinds of skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma is the least dangerous form of skin cancer. Another form of skin cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. The cancer appears in the squamous cells, which are found in the tissue of the skin. Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma don’t tend to spread throughout the body. Melanoma is the skin cancer that does spread throughout the body. Melanoma is a very rare skin cancer, though.

Types of Skin Cancer: -

There are three different types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the least dangerous of these cancers and melanoma is the worst. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer and are referred to as non-melanoma type of skin cancer. Since melanoma has a tendency to spread rapidly throughout the body, it’s considered the worst form to have.

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in the United States. However, if caught early, it is also one of the easiest to treat. There are two primary forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. In addition to conventional treatment, there are a number of herbs that can be used to ease discomfort, eliminate symptoms and prevent future outbreaks and spreading.

Basal cell carcinoma is generally benign, and surgery to remove the cancerous cells can be performed in a dermatologist’s office. However, melanoma is often much more serious since it grows much more aggressively. Any suspicious growths should be brought to the attention of a physician and, under his guidance, herbs may be used to eliminate as well as prevent skin cancer growth.

Side effects of skin cancer treatment are common, especially if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Skin conditions such as redness, rashes, itching, peeling, acne and dryness frequently occur, and some skin cancer patients find that they have an increased sensitivity to sunlight. Others find their nails becoming dark and brittle. Through constant communication with your healthcare team, you can alleviate some of these symptoms through fairly easy remedies.

Deal with Skin Cancer: -

• Deal with rashes and itches by powdering your body with corn starch.
• Relieve dry skin by taking quick showers and using a moisturizing soap. Avoid long hot baths unless you are using an oatmeal treatment.
• Avoid acne by keeping your face clean and dry at all times. Check with your doctor concerning soaps and creams before you use them.
• Do not use any products on your skin, such as after-shave lotion, cologne or perfume that contain alcohol, which can dry out your skin. Avoid all astringents such as witch hazel.

Also visit more on http://www.herbalcureindia.com/beauty-tips/skin-problems/skin-cancer.html

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of all cancers. Learn more about BCC.Watch More Health Videos at Health Guru: www.healthguru.com

Question by Brownie_Bby: SKin cancer?
My friend thinks skin cancer is no big deal and that she can remove it anytime so she gets tans anytime she wants. Is this true and what are the permanent damages? and everything else?

Best answer:

Answer by ♥♥T@k3 m3 d0wn
What is skin cancer:
Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three common types of skin cancer, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises. Cancers caused by UV exposure may be prevented by avoiding exposure to sunlight or other UV sources, and wearing sun-protective clothes. The use of sunscreen had been recommended in the past, but there is an increasing body of evidence that sunscreen is not entirely safe.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Unlike many other cancers, including those originating in the lung, pancreas, and stomach, only a small minority of those afflicted will actually die of the disease.[citation needed] Skin cancers are the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008.[7]

Can skin cancer be removed:
Yes it can here’s an article…your friends right about the removal but tans don’t work if she does by the chance catch it she could always see a surgeon like this:

Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer And Your Plastic Surgeon
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 500,000 new cases are reported each year-and the incidence is rising faster than any other type of cancer. While skin cancers can be found on any part of the body, about 80 percent appear on the face, head, or neck, where they can be disfiguring as well as dangerous.

The purpose of this brochure is to educate you about the different types of skin cancer, their causes, and preventive measures you can take; to help you know when to consult a doctor; and to explain the role of the plastic surgeon in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and other skin growths.

Who Gets Skin Cancer…and Why
The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation -most often from the sun, but also from artificial sources like sunlamps and tanning booths. In fact, researchers believe that our quest for the perfect tan, an increase in outdoor activities, and perhaps the thinning of the earth’s protective ozone layer are behind the alarming rise we’re now seeing in skin cancers.

Anyone can get skin cancer-no matter what your skin type, race or age, no matter where you live or what you do. But your risk is greater if…

Your skin is fair and freckles easily.
You have light-colored hair and eyes.
You have a large number of moles, or moles of unusual size or shape.
You have a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of blistering sunburn.
You spend a lot of time working or playing outdoors.
You live closer to the equator, at a higher altitude, or in any place that gets intense, year-round sunshine.
You received therapeutic radiation treatments for adolescent acne.
Types of Skin Cancer
By far the most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Fortunately, it’s also the least dangerous kind–it tends to grow slowly, and rarely spreads beyond its original site. Though basal cell carcinoma is seldom life-threatening, if left untreated it can grow deep beneath the skin and into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious damage (particularly if it’s located near the eye).

Squamous cell carcinoma is the next most common kind of skin cancer, frequently appearing on the lips, face, or ears. It sometimes spreads to distant sites, including lymph nodes and internal organs. Squamous cell carcinoma can become life threatening if it’s not treated.

A third form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, is the least common, but its incidence is increasing rapidly, especially in the Sunbelt states. Malignant melanoma is also the most dangerous type of skin cancer. If discovered early enough, it can be completely cured. If it’s not treated quickly, however, malignant melanoma may spread throughout the body and is often deadly.

Other Skin Growths You Should Know About
Two other common types of skin growths are moles and keratoses.

Moles are clusters of heavily pigmented skin cells, either flat or raised above the skin surface. While most pose no danger, some-particularly large moles present at birth, or those with mottled colors and poorly defined borders-may develop into malignant melanoma. Moles are frequently removed for cosmetic reasons, or because they’re constantly irritated by clothing or jewelry (which can sometimes cause pre-cancerous changes).

Solar or actinic keratoses are rough, red or brown, scaly patches on the skin. They are usually found on areas exposed to the sun, and sometimes develop into squamous cell cancer.

Recognizing Skin Cancer
Basal and squamous cell carcinomas can vary widely in appearance. The cancer may begin as small, white or pink nodule or bumps; it can be smooth and shiny, waxy, or pitted on the surface. Or it might appear as a red spot that’s rough, dry, or scaly…a firm, red lump that may form a crust…a crusted group of nodules…a sore that bleeds or doesn’t heal after two to four weeks…or a white patch that looks like scar tissue.

Malignant melanoma is usually signaled by a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole, or as a new growth on normal skin. Watch for the “ABCD” warning signs of melanoma: Asymmetry-a growth with unmatched halves; Border irregularity-ragged or blurred edges; Color-a mottled appearance, with shades of tan, brown, and black, sometimes mixed with red, white, or blue; and Diameter- a growth more than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser), or any unusual increase in size.

If all these variables sound confusing, the most important thing to remember is this: Get to know your skin and examine it regularly, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. (Don’t forget your back.) If you notice any unusual changes on any part of your body, have a doctor check it out.

Choosing a Doctor
If you’re concerned about skin cancer, your family physician is a good place to start. He or she should examine your skin at your annual physical, and can refer you to a specialist if necessary.

If you notice an unusual growth yourself, consult a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. Both are skilled at diagnosing and treating skin cancer and other skin growths. A plastic surgeon can surgically remove the growth in a manner that maintains function and offers the most pleasing final appearance- a consideration that may be especially important if the cancer is in a highly visible area. If a treatment other than surgical excision is called for, the plastic surgeon can refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Skin cancer is diagnosed by removing all or part of the growth and examining its cells under a microscope. It can be treated by a number of methods, depending on the type of cancer, its stage of growth, and its location on your body.

Most skin cancers are removed surgically, by a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. If the cancer is small, the procedure can be done quickly and easily, in an outpatient facility or the physician’s office, using local anesthesia. The procedure may be a simple excision, which usually leaves a thin, barely visible scar. Or curettage and desiccation may be performed. In this procedure the cancer is scraped out with an electric current to control bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells. This leaves a slightly larger, white scar. In either case, the risks of the surgery are low.

If the cancer is large, however, or if it has spread to the lymph glands or elsewhere in the body, major surgery may be required. Other possible treat- ments for skin cancer include cryosurgery (freezing the cancer cells), radiation therapy (using x-rays), topical chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs applied to the skin), and Mohs surgery, a special procedure in which the cancer is shaved off one layer at a time. (Mohs surgery is performed only by specially trained physicians and often requires a reconstructive procedure as follow-up.)

Discussing Your Options and Concerns
All of the treatments mentioned above, when chosen carefully and appropriately, have good cure rates for most basal cell and squamous cell cancers -and even for malignant melanoma, if it’s caught very early, before it’s had a chance to spread.

You should discuss these choices thoroughly with your doctor before beginning treatment. Find out which options are available to you…how effective they’re likely to be for your particular cancer…the possible risks and side effects…who can best perform them…and the cosmetic and functional results you can expect. If you have any doubts about the outcome, get a second opinion from a plastic surgeon before you begin treatment.

A Word About Reconstruction
The different techniques used in treating skin cancers can be life saving, but they may leave a patient with less than pleasing cosmetic or functional results. Depending on the location and severity of the cancer, the consequences may range from a small but unsightly scar to permanent changes in facial structures such as your nose, ear, or lip.

In such cases, no matter who performs the initial treatment, the plastic surgeon can be an important part of the treatment team. Reconstructive techniques- ranging from a simple scar revision to a complex transfer of tissue flaps from elsewhere on the body-can often repair damaged tissue, rebuild body parts, and restore most patients to acceptable appearance and function.

Preventing a Recurrence
After you’ve been treated for skin cancer, your doctor should schedule regular follow-up visits to make sure the cancer hasn’t recu

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Colon cancer:Colon cancer is also called as colorectal cancer. Colon cancer is referred as malignant tumor in which there will be an unusual growth of cells inside the colon or rectum than the required rate.

Colon cancer starts from the inner lining of the large intestine, this is the common part for the occurrence of colon cancer. So removal of these colonic polyps can prevent from the occurrence of colon cancer.

During the early stages of the colon cancer, there will be no symptoms or signs. Fully developed colon cancer results in causing symptoms like rectal bleeding, weight loss, bloodstream in the stool and bowel obstruction.

Causes of colon cancer:
Age: Generally aged people will be suffering from cancer due to the presence of polyps (glands) .if the age is above 50 years, there will be more chances of getting cancer due to the increase in risk factors.

Alcohol: Taking of alcohols will reduce the performance of body immune system which causes the chances of occurring cancer disease.

Diabetes: Diabetes leads to the occurrence of colon cancer due to insulin dependency at high rate.

Diet: Diet plays an important role in defining cancer. Taking fat foods with low fiber content will definitely causes cancer. Planning proper diet menu with rich fiber foods helps in preventing cancer from occurrence.

Environment: The surroundings in which you live and work also leads many risk factors for causing cancer. So, maintain proper surroundings.

Family pedigree: Family hereditary may cause cancer, but if you reduce the risk factors by staying healthy can prevent you from cancer.

Genetics: Many of the researchers suggest that 30 percent of the cancer cases have a genetic links.

Gender: Many of the research programs say that men are more often to face cancer than women.

Obesity: Obesity increases the chances of having colon cancer due to decrease in immune rate in the body system.

Polyps: polyps (unusual glands) increase the chance of having cancer. These polyps are due to excess growth of cells in the colon region or due to the family pedigree.

Smoking: This activity is the major risk factor in causing cancer. Smoking leads to lung cancer and also causes several side effects like digestion problems, burning sensation, headache and site blindness. So avoid smoking to prevent cancer from occurrence.

Colon cancer symptoms:

Sleep disorder: Due to severe illness, stress, emotional pain, usage of drugs and loneliness are the driving factors for causing sleep disorder. People suffering with colon cancer will generally face this disorder .

Nausea and vomiting: Body hormone changes, pains, body inflammation, poor blood flow and anxiety are the causing factors of nausea and vomiting.

Fatigue: Due to the treatment process of this colon cancer ,body faces severe exhaustion or tiredness.

Delirium: This side effect occurs in the last period of life .Delirium is nothing but the malfunction of the brain due to severe attack of cancer in the body.

Constipation: Constipation occurs during the early stage of the cancer. Constipation means slow movement of body waste through the body. Due to constipation the body faces illness.

Effects of colon cancer:
The risk factors for the cause of colon cancer are due to the family pedigree or growth of one or more polyps in the large intestine and also due to the bulge of the intestine. These risk factors can be reduced easily by taking low fat foods with rich fiber content.

Treatment of colon cancer:
Colon cancer can be treated easily by going for surgical operation for the process of removal of colon polyps (unusual growth of glands) in the large intestine. Surgery is carried to remove the cancer tumor. Surgery can be carried in the early stages of the tumor occurrence. Surgery is taken place only if the cancer is located in only one part of the body. During the surgery process the damaged lymph nodes are also removed along with the tumor. Active surveillance can be taken when the colon cancer grows slowly. Doctor keeps on monitoring the cancer growth in the body, if it starts to grow rapidly, then you can go for the treatment process at that very time for preventing it from re-occurrence.

Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is a process of removing cancer cells by using high intensity x-rays. These high energy x-rays are aimed at the cancer affected part of the body to destroy the cancer cells .this process also causes damage to the normal cells for its side effects.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are called as anti-cancer drugs used to destroy cancer cells .there are many types of chemotherapy drugs available in the market for the treatment of cancer. These drugs are available in the form of pills but mostly given by drip into the blood veins. Chemotherapeutic drugs attack the  cancer cells by stopping their unusual growth. The nature of this head and neck cancer cells were brought to the normal condition by controlling the divisibility of the cells.

The chemotherapy drugs are given in the following form:
• In tablet or pill form(head and neck)
• By taking injection(Intravenous or intramuscular)
• Injection taking in the (Intrathecal)

Colon cancer is treated by the following mentioned programs. Colon cancer is treated as a cancerous disease because of its effects and causes. Treating of colon cancer must be carried in the early stages to reduce the risk factors entirely to stay safe.

The most deathly disease shared among men and women-Colon cancer. “We are what we eat.”:Dietitian. How to take care of your Colon health? Consult Aloe Expert in FLP. H/P:+6591457539

Question by Hold-Em: Colon Cancer?
My brother-in-law has just been diagnosed with colon cancer. Apparently it’s already spread to his liver and lungs. He also has some cysts formed on his kidneys and pancreas. They’ve told him it’s terminal and he has about 3 years to live. The man is only 41! He has 4 young girls, the youngest being 3. He hasn’t started any treatment yet, but they’re going to do a colonscopy, and will remove the colon, then he’ll start chemo. My question: Is there anything out there that could possibly fix the damage done? Any sort of herbal remedies he could try before the doctors start their treatment? What about life insurance? Does anyone know of a company that will cover him? Has anyone recovered from this illness personally? If so, how? We refuse to let him die without first trying every available resource possible. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Best answer:

Answer by derekbradley4000
If it’s metastastised to other vital organs as indicated by his doctors, it is most likely terminal… no treatment is effective once the disease has gone so far… ask him to enquire from his doctor about Taxol or Baccattin III… these are probably the best medications he can get (Taxol is the best) but they are very expensive and very hard to come by… takes 6 200 year old pacific yews to extract enough Taxol to treat just one patient… Baccattin III is a synthetic drug similar to Taxol but only 1/19th as effective. Best thing in my opinion is for him to take time to come to terms with his condition and try to make the very best of his last few years with his kids, and to prepare them for his inevitable departure.

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What is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls. It is often written or stated as two numbers. The first or top number represents the pressure when the heart contracts. This is called systolic pressure. The second or bottom number represents the pressure when the heart rests between beats. This is called diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure is traditionally measured with a device called a sphygmomanometer. It measures blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). An inflatable cuff is wrapped around the arm and is inflated to squeeze the blood vessels in the arm. The health care provider uses a stethoscope to listen to the pulse as the pressure is released in order to determine the systolic and diastolic pressure. Some blood pressure testing devices are now electronic and provide digital readouts of the blood pressure measurement and pulse rate.

Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day. When it consistently stays too high for too long, it is called hypertension. The Seventh Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure notes these levels for defining normal and high blood pressure in adults:

High blood pressure or hypertension for adults is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. Normal blood pressure is a systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure of less than 80 mmHg. Prehypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 120–139 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure of 80–89 mmHg. Persons with prehypertension are at increased risk to progress to hypertension.

If the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels are in different categories, blood pressure status is defined according to the higher category. For example, a person with a high systolic pressure but a normal diastolic pressure will be considered to have high blood pressure (sometimes referred to as systolic hypertension). A person with a high diastolic pressure but a normal systolic pressure will be considered to have high blood pressure also (sometimes referred to as diastolic hypertension).

High blood pressure for adults will usually be measured on at least two different doctor visits before a diagnosis of high blood pressure is made.

For children, high blood pressure is determined by comparing the child’s blood pressure with the distribution of blood pressure for children of similar sex, age and height. A child whose blood pressure is greater than or equal to 95% of children of similar sex, age, and height (at or above the 95th percentile) would be considered to have high blood pressure. Prehypertension in children is classified as a blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg or higher but below the 95th percentile. A diagnosis of high blood pressure should be based on blood pressure readings on at least three different visits. The correct–size blood pressure cuff must be used.

More importantly, high blood pressure can be prevented or controlled through lifestyle changes and with medications when needed.

Types of High Blood Pressure

Essential hypertension—in most cases, high blood pressure does not have a specific treatable cause. This form is called essential hypertension.

Secondary hypertension—in a few cases, the cause of hypertension is some other underlying condition. This is called secondary hypertension. This may be due to kidney disorders, congenital abnormalities, or other conditions. Blood pressure usually returns to normal when the problem is corrected.

Pregnancy–related hypertension—existing high blood pressure can predispose some women to develop problems when they become pregnant. This is called pre-existing chronic hypertension. Also, some women first develop hypertension when they are pregnant. There are several types of this pregnancy–induced hypertension, sometimes called gestational hypertension. Either type of high blood pressure can harm the mother’s kidneys and other organs, and it can cause low birth weight and early delivery. Preeclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy and is related to increased blood pressure and protein in the mother’s urine (as a result of kidney problems). Preeclampsia affects the placenta, and it can affect the mother’s kidney, liver, and brain. When preeclampsia progresses and seizures develop, the condition is known as eclampsia—the second leading cause of maternal death in the United States. Preeclampsia is also a leading cause of fetal complications, which include low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth. Most women who develop signs of preeclampsia are closely monitored to lessen or to avoid related problems. Treatment is focused on reducing water retention and lowering blood pressure to normal limits.

Treatment of High Blood Pressure

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A quarter of Americans have high blood pressure, or hypertension. Find out if you may be among them.Watch More Health Videos at Health Guru: www.healthguru.com

Related High Blood Pressure Articles

Question by Rona: What are some ways to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease if it is hereditary?
My mom and dad suffer from high blood pressure,high cholesterol. It run on both sides of the family,that along with diabetes and heart disease. My mom started taking blood pressure medication young,in her later 20′s. My dad suffered from a stroke due to high blood pressure. I am 22yrs old and do not want to suffer this especially while young. Are there any ways I can be proactive about not suffering from those conditions now and later on in life being that it is hereditary? Or do I not have a chance in preventing it?

Best answer:

Answer by Ray
Early detection and your awareness of the situation are your best bets. Being so well educated and having the advantage of knowing your family history may be the smartest ally you have. Exercise and proper diet can ensure you have a fighting chance to beat the odds. And don’t smoke!
Have a long life!

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Skin cancer can be divided into two main groups:

Malignant melanoma and 
Non-melanoma skin cancer.

Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the rarest, but most serious form. It affects the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) found in the skin and can appear as a new mole, or arise from an existing mole on the skin. Malignant melanoma has the potential to spread to other sites or organs within the body but is curable if treated early. Each year about 235 females and 150 males are diagnosed with malignant melanoma in Ireland.

Non-melanoma skin cancers (Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma)

Non-melanoma skin cancers are far more common but less dangerous than malignant melanoma and rarely fatal. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma frequently appear on sun-exposed skin after many years of exposure. This exposure also causes premature ageing of the skin. Non-malignant skin cancers are easily treated by minor surgery. If left, non-melanoma skin cancers will grow and disfigure – therefore early treatment is recommended. Each year about 7,500 people are diagnosed with non-melanomatous skin cancers in Ireland with 3445 in females, 3889 in males.

Basal cell carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas

Solar keratoses (actinic) 
Solar keratoses develop on skin which has been damaged by long term sun exposure. Usually many are present and can appear as hard, scaly lumps. Some become unsightly as they slowly grow larger. The skin underneath solar keratoses can vary in colour from a normal fleshy shade to pink or red. Sometimes these skin lesions can become itchy. Common sites are the face, backs of hands, forearms, ears, scalp and neck. Solar keratoses are not skin cancers. However, a very small percentage can develop into a skin cancer in later life. Some specialists regard solar keratoses as precursors to skin cancer, therefore it is important to seek medical advice on treatment.

- Solar keratoses appear as hard scaly lumps on the skin. They may crust but do not heal. 
- Solar keratoses can be rough, scaly irregular patches which are easily felt but not clearly seen. 
- Often they are not troublesome in anyway but do not heal. 
- Some are very troublesome, if present on the lips or nose as they tend to bleed spontaneously.

Solar keratoses are most frequently treated by freezing using Liquid Nitrogen (Cryotherapy) or by applying a treatment cream. Some larger lesions may be removed by minor surgery under local anaesthesia. Treatment is usually carried out on an out-patient basis with the minimum disruption to your daily routine. All treatments aim to cure. The most appropriate treatment depends on the size, site and number of solar keratoses. Solar keratoses seldom recur following treatment but others may develop over the years.

Who is most at risk of developing skin cancer?.

People with very fair skin are most at risk of developing skin cancer. Those who cannot develop a tan are most at risk of malignant melanoma, but everyone is at risk of being sunburnt, especially indoor employees, children and babies. Malignant melanoma is more common in females. Non-melanoma skin cancers are most frequently seen in older age groups and outdoor workers who have a continuous all-year tan. The incidence of skin cancer is rapidly rising in the young adult population.

Are skin cancers treatable?

Both malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are curable if treated in the early stages. A minor surgical procedure is all that is usually required to remove cancers of the skin. Regular inspection of skin and moles at home helps in recognising any abnormal skin lesions or changing moles. Change in size, shape and colour of a mole are the early warning signs of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of these skin cancer, because it can quickly metastasise to other parts of the body. However, if is detected soon after if first develops, it is curable by simple surgical excision. In Ireland, over 375 cases of melanoma are reported each year and up to 60 Irish people will die of this disease.

The most common form of skin cancer in Ireland is basal cell carcinoma BCC, of which over 3,500 new cases are reported each year. These numbers are almost halfed between male and female and the incidence shows a small increase over the past six years. This cancer very rarely spreads to other organs but if left undetected, will continue to grow slowly, and may invade the underlying tissues. Again, this tumour is curable by surgery or radiotherapy. The third type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma SCC, which often develops from a solar keratosis or sunspot. If it is not treated early, it may spread to other parts of the body, but is again curable before that occurs by either surgery or radiotherapy. About 600 females and 1,000 males develop squamous cell carcinoma in Ireland each year. The other cancers include those of baso-squamous (mixed) carcinomas and other morphologies.

Sunshine is the single most important causative factor for all skin cancers.

Ultra-violet rays contained in sunshine are known to be harmful and can cause skin cancers. The increase in skin cancers in Ireland has been linked with the desire to have a tan, with repeated sunburn, fair skin types and genetic factors, such as number of moles.

Malignant melanoma is associated with frequent high intensity sun exposure. Whereas non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by long-term exposure to low intensity sunshine. The amount of sun exposure during childhood and frequency of sunburn are now believed to increase the risk of developing skin cancers in adult life. It is therefore most important to protect all children from intense sunshine. Hats, T-shirts and sunscreens are recommended at home, at school and on holiday.

Providing protection against the sun

Sunscreens are vital whenever exposed to strong sunlight, at home as well as abroad. Always reapply sunscreens after water sports, games or exercise. Children play outdoors during the hottest part of the day whilst at school, therefore it is wise to apply an SPF 15+ to your children before they go to school. Emulsions such as Anthelios XL contain aluminium hydroxide and can be used with infants and with highly intolerant skin. ROC make a rnumber of products in the MINESOL(TM) range, including mineral sunblock cream SPF 40, which is recommended for babies in case of inevitable exposure. This particular 100% mineral screen cream has a pleasant and almost invisible texture. During sunny periods liberal sunscreen application should become a daily routine each morning before dressing or 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Heatwaves in Ireland are not uncommon, therefore sunscreens are useful in handbags and first-aid boxes. It is important to apply sunscreens as recommended by the manufacturer. Most sunscreens identify a sun protection factor (SPF) which can range from SPF – SPF60+. The SPF is calculated by each manufacturer for their own particular product so it is important to remember that SPF may differ between brands of sunscreen. All sun protection factors are based on how long it takes for unprotected skin to burn (average length of time = 10 minutes). For example, if you use SPF 15+ the protection offered would last approximately 2-3 hours i.e. (10 minutes X 15 =150 minutes). The SPF is a rough guide only, therefore care and attention should be given to skin type, the strength of the rays or sunshine, time of day, season and latitude from the equator. Many products including Antherpos or Uvistat Lip screen or MINESOL(TM) Sun stick SPF 20 offer lip protection especially in people who are prone to recurrent herpes labialitis.

Sunbeds and solariums

Ultraviolet radiation (UVA rays) emitted from sunbeds and solariums is now known to have harmful effects on skin. Suncreams and Lotions such as Uvistat contain chemical agents and titanium dioxide and are UVA protectants. Excessive use of sunbeds can cause rapid ageing of the skin, long term damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. There is no such thing as a safe tan. Many people today use sunbeds to develop or maintain a tan. Some people believe that a suntan from a sunbed is a safe tan. Skin specialists say a tan is a sign of skin damage and advise everyone to avoid the use of sunbeds and solariums. This is especially important for the very fair skinned and persons under the age of sixteen. Likewise, persons with skin cancer or those with a family history of skin cancer should never use sunbeds or solariums.

NMS cancer statistics for Ireland

* Average of 7334 new cases per year, 1994-96: 3445 in females, 3889 in males.

* Average of 40 deaths per year: 10 in females, 30 in males.

* Age-standardised incidence rates about 48% higher in males than females.

* By far the most common type of cancer in both females and males.

* Recorded incidence rates higher in Republic of Ireland (RoI) than in Northern Ireland (NI), by about 16% for females and 26% for males, but this possibly reflects differences in registration practice.

On average each year, 3445 new cases of malignant non-melanoma skin cancer (NMS) were registered in females, 3889 in males, in Ireland as a whole. NMS cases (primarily squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas) were by far the most common category of cancer in both females and males (29% of all malignant cancer cases).

European-age-standardised rates were significantly higher among males than females, by about 48%. On average, females were estimated to have a 1-in-12 chance of developing these cancers by age 74, males a 1-in-8 chance. Median age at diagnosis was 72 years for females and 70 years for males. In the period 1994-96 only 10 deaths among females and 30 deaths among males were attributed to non-melanoma skin cancer each year. This represents about 1 death for every 200 incident cases, reflecting the fact that these cancers are rarely fatal. Reported mortality rates (EASRs) were significantly higher in males than females, by about 370% (95% confidence limits 200-645%), but inaccurate certification of causes of death may possibly contribute. On average, females were estimated to have a 1-in-6600 chance, males a 1-in-1600 chance, of dying from these cancers by age 74.

Comparison of incidence rates within Ireland

Recorded incidence rates of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMS) were significantly higher in RoI than in NI for both males and females. However, these differences may possibly reflect, in part, higher case ascertainment (completeness of registration) in RoI than NI, as a result of a more targeted effort to collate all NMS cases in RoI. Involvement of other factors cannot be excluded however.

Dr. Patrick Treacy is a cosmetic expert. He is Medical Director of Ailesbury Clinics Ltd and the global Cosmetic Medical Group. He is Chairman of the Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors and is Irish Regional Representative of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. He is European Medical Advisor to Network Lipolysis and the UK’s largest cosmetic website Consulting Rooms. He practices cosmetic medicine in his clinics in Dublin, Cork, London and the Middle East.

Dr. Treacy is on the Specialist Register in the UK and Ireland and holds higher qualifications in Dermatology and Laser technology and skin resurfacing. He was amongst the first doctors worldwide to use the permanent facial endoprosthesis BioAlcamid for HIV Lipodystrophy patients. He was also the first person to introduce many techniques such as Radiofrequency assisted lasers, Fibroblast transplant and Contour Threads to Irish patients.

Dr. Treacy is an advanced aesthetic trainer and has trained over 300 doctors and nurses from around the world. He is also a renowned international guest speaker and features regularly on national television and radio programmes. He was invited to speak about stem cells and cosmetic medicine at the World Aesthetic Conference in Moscow this year.

The Irish College of Cosmetic Doctors 
The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors
The British Medical Laser Association 
The American Society for Aesthetic Medicine
The American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery The European Society of Laser Dermatology
The European Society for Dermatological Surgery (ESDS)
The International Society for Dermatologic Surgery
The International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology

 

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Question by *!*Queenie*!*: skin cancer?
My new horse that i got has skin cancer on her eye lid! Will it spread and kill her?

Best answer:

Answer by al
get a vet to check her out…he can give a better prognosis than i or anyone on here ever could…how long have you had her? didn’t you have her vetted before you bought her? SO sorry to hear though!

Add your own answer in the comments!