Skin Cancer on Face

Whether you, a friend, or a relative is concerned about skin cancer on face, you may nned to know skin cancer on face information on causes, signs, treatment, and preventions.

First, we would like to say that you are not alone because the most common cancer in the US is skin cancer. It is projected that in the USA, over a million people will develop non-melanoma skin cancers.

Causes

There are two common kinds of non-melanoma skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Both types may appear anywhere on the body such as skin cancer on face. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 80 percent of all skin cancers.

Face skin cancer and other cancers are a condition in which there is an uncontrolled growth of a particular type of cell. Cell reproduction continues even when your body has no apparent need for the additional cells being reproduced.

The out of control cell growth which causes malignant melanoma can occur either through an error in cell division or during faulty repair of damaged DNA. Chemical or environmental factors like ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause damage to the DNA link.

Signs

Moles are found on the skin of basically every individual and are generally of no health risk such as an indication of face skin cancer. The moles that have been associated with malignant melanoma are usually larger than normal, irregularly shaped, and multi-colored. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most often found in sun-exposed areas.

* Freckles are simply areas of the skin that have a higher amount of pigment. Although, they frequently darken after sun exposure, there is no risk of a freckle itself becoming malignant.

* Basal cell carcinoma occurs commonly on the face and upper extremities. They typically begin as an area of raised, red tissue with a pearly texture that shines in the light.

* Squamous cell carcinoma usually begins as a crusting, hard, scaling patch of skin. The edges of the lesion are typically red with raised borders surrounding a central ulcer.

Treatment

Death from non-melanoma skin cancer is rare. However, malignant cancer cells are resilient and able to withstand a variety of treatments aimed against them. This is what makes treating cancer that is likely to spread so difficult.

In most instances, a diagnosis of face skin cancer can be made by clinical examination or a biopsy. Once it develops, basal cell carcinoma left on the skin invades local tissue at a very slow rate. It can become very destructive locally if not treated early enough.

* Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are 95 percent curable if caught early. Although, unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can spread and is potentially lethal if left untreated.

Preventions

Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer deaths in young women between the ages of 24 and 29. Prevention is the key in adopting sun-sense awareness. Advise your children of the dangers of the sun's ultraviolet rays, which can lead to skin cancer on face. Using sunscreen is a third line of defense after common sense and wearing protective clothing.

* Researchers advise that there is little added benefit of using a product with an SPF greater than 15.

* Most skin cancer on face can be prevented by limiting the skin's exposure to sunlight.

* It is estimated that every year there will be 1 million new cases of skin cancer reported in the United States alone.

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