3 Of the Leading Causes of Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Indicators

Skin cancer is one of the commonest forms of this malignant disease. It is commonly caused by exposure of the skin to the sun. Before we talk about the 3 leading causes of skin cancer, let's take a look at the different types of skin cells and their basic functions. The top layer of the skin is called epidermis, and it has 3 major types of cells squamous, basal and melanocytes. Squamous cells line the inside of the skin, just below the visible outer layer. Below the layer of squamous cells are basal cells, which act as generators of new cells. The final layer of the epidermis consists of melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, a coloring pigment that determines your skin tone. This pigment also plays a vital role in protecting the skin from the harmful UV rays.

1. UV Radiations

A major cause of skin cancer is the ultra violet radiations from the sun. It is caused either due to long-term or short-term exposure to these harmful rays. The 2 common types of UV rays that affect the skin are UVA and UVB. Both the types of sun rays are known to be cancer causing. How do these rays work on damaging the skin cells? They go straight for the jugular - here, the DNA of the skin cells. Once the cell's code is damaged, the cells tend to multiply quickly, leading to cancerous growth. It is not just the sun's UV rays are harmful, even radiations from tanning bed and solarium have been found to be carcinogenic.

2. Chemicals

Many chemicals have also been found to cause non-melanoma cancer. Some of the harmful chemicals are arsenic, shale oil, petroleum products, soot, pitch, nicotine, coal-tar and creosote. People working in chemical factories or leather tanneries may be exposed to one or many of these carcinogenic chemicals. Their work conditions make their skin more vulnerable to the UV rays and to skin cancer.

3. Skin Conditions

Those suffering from skin conditions are prone to this form of cancer as the skin cells are already weak and can be easily affected by the carcinogens. Psoriasis, solar keratosis, Gorlin's syndrome, Xeroderma pigmentosum and eczema could increase the risk of skin cancer. These skin conditions do not by themselves cause skin cancer, but could hasten the formation of cancerous cells as they weaken the skin cells and reduce their natural ability to repair and renew.

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Prostate Cancer Treatment in India

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) prostate cancer treatment is one of the most rapidly growing treatment methods around the world. HIFU is a therapy option for localized prostate cancer that may offer a balance between eliminating cancer and maintaining quality of life. HIFU in India offers a non-invasive alternative to the traditional treatments for uterine fibroids. It combines magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with HIFU.

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Pancreatic Cancer - Causes and Treatment

The pancreas is a gland that is located in the upper abdomen behind the stomach just in front of the spine. It is divided into three main parts, consisting of a head, body and tail, which weighs between 60-140 grams, and measures about 15 cm x 4 cm. Like many of the bodies other organs it is also prone to being infected by cancer; however, unlike certain other cancers it is extremely difficult to detect.

Causes of Pancreatic Cancer

Although it is impossible to tell exactly what causes pancreatic cancer, there are some important principles that cancer biology shows, together with wide based population-studies that do help doctors understand as to why it may develop. Pancreatic cancer is caused by damage to the DNA mutations, which may be hereditary, acquired as one matures, or caused by an individuals lifestyle.

Each person has duplicate genes, "that is to say two copies." One copy is inherited from the mother, and the other copy from the father. In the case of an inherited disease, this is usually from either the mother or the father, where one mutant copy associated with cancer is inherited, together with one normal copy. 

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Awareness with Cancer Symtoms

Causes

Cells are the building blocks of living things. Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body doesn't need them. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too quickly. It can also occur when cells “forget” how to die.

There are many different kinds of cancers. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve tissue.

There are many causes of cancers, including:

• Benzene and other chemicals
• Certain poisonous mushrooms and a type of poison that can grow on peanut plants (aflatoxins)
• Certain viruses
• Radiation
• Sunlight
• Tobacco

However, the cause of many cancers remains unknown.

The most common cause of cancer-related death is lung cancer.

The three most common cancers in men in the United States are:

• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Colon cancer

In women in the U.S., the three most common cancers are:

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Lung cancer

Some cancers are more common in certain parts of the world. For example, in Japan, there are many cases of gastric cancer, but in the U.S. this type of cancer is pretty rare. Differences in diet may play a role.

Some other types of cancers include:

• Brain cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Ovarian cancer
• Skin cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Uterine cancer

Symptoms

Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Colon cancer often causes diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool.

Some cancers may not have any symptoms at all. In certain cancers, such as gallbladder cancer, symptoms often do not start until the disease has reached an advanced stage.

The following symptoms can occur with most cancers:

• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Malaise
• Night sweats
• Weight loss

Exams and Tests

Like symptoms, the signs of cancer vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Common tests include the following:

• Biopsy of the tumor
• Blood chemistries
• Bone marrow biopsy (for lymphoma or leukemia)
• Chest x-ray
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• CT scan

Most cancers are diagnosed by biopsy. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most patients with cancer have CT scans to determine the exact location and size of the tumor or tumors.

A cancer diagnosis is difficult to cope with. It is important, however, that you discuss the type, size, and location of the cancer with your doctor when you are diagnosed. You also will want to ask about treatment options, along with their benefits and risks.

It's a good idea to have someone with you at the doctor's office to help you get through the diagnosis. If you have trouble asking questions after hearing about your diagnosis, the person you bring with you can ask them for you.

Treatment

Treatment also varies based on the type of cancer and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor has spread from its original location.

• If the cancer is confined to one location and has not spread, the most common goals for treatment are surgery and cure. This is often the case with skin cancers, as well as cancers of the lung, breast, and colon.
• If the tumor has spread to local lymph nodes only, sometimes these can also be removed.
• If surgery cannot remove all of the cancer, the options for treatment include radiation, chemotherapy, or both. Some cancers require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Although treatment for cancer can be difficult, there are many ways to keep up your strength.

If you have radiation treatment, know that:

• Radiation treatment is painless.
• Treatment is usually scheduled every weekday.
• You should allow 30 minutes for each treatment session, although the treatment itself usually takes only a few minutes.
• You should get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet during the course of your radiation therapy.
• Skin in the treated area may become sensitive and easily irritated.
• Side effects of radiation treatment are usually temporary. They vary depending on the area of the body that is being treated.

If you are going through chemotherapy, you should eat right. Chemotherapy causes your immune system to weaken, so you should avoid people with colds or the flu. You should also get plenty of rest, and don't feel as though you have to accomplish tasks all at once.

It will help you to talk with family, friends, or a support group about your feelings. Work with your health care providers throughout your treatment. Helping yourself can make you feel more in control.

Support Groups

A cancer diagnosis often causes a lot of anxiety and can affect your entire quality of life. Several support groups for cancer patients can help you cope.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook depends on the type of cancer. Even among people with one type of cancer, the outcome varies depending on the stage of the tumor when they are diagnosed.

Some cancers can be cured. Some cancers that are not curable can still be treated well. And some patients can live for many years with their cancer. Other tumors are quickly life-threatening.

Possible Complications

One complication is that the cancer may spread. Other complications vary with the type and stage of the tumor.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cancer.

Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to not smoke or chew tobacco. Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors such as excessive exposure to sunlight and heavy drinking.

Cancer screenings, such as mammography and breast examination for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer, may help catch these cancers at their early stages when they are most treatable. Some people at high risk for developing certain cancers can take medication to reduce their risk.

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