Skin cancer

Few centuries back, the word cancer was rarely heard and people were hopelessly distraught if they were diagnosed with it. But now it has become common among people. Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting people now a days and it can be easily diagnosed. Diagnosing skin cancer is easy because any change in the skin can be easily observed by us. All we have to do is to seek quick treatment.

The environment to which human skin is exposed to plays a major role in skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays or direct sun, chronic friction or irritation, prolonged exposure to certain chemical agents or even cosmetics are known to have caused skin cancer. Exposure to radiation and radioactive elements is a well known cause for skin cancer. Even certain long term medications can cause cancer.

Rapidly growing warts, moles or any marked skin changes are some of the signs for skin cancer. Change in color, size or shape of the pre-existing lesion, pruritis and local soreness are some common symptoms that support the diagnosis of skin cancer. A waxy nodule, irregular with hues of tan, black or blue, lesion with oozing, bleeding or crusting is the characteristic appearance of skin cancer lesions. Skin cancer can be confirmed with skin biopsy.

If you notice any change in the existing lesion or a lesion that does not heal, immediately notify the physician. You may have to provide few information like how you had got it and how long you had it etc. For people living in tropical regions, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight between 10am to 2pm especially. If you have to venture out, apply sun screens with high SPF. Avoid occupational hazards if you are working with chemicals and radiations. Use proper protection if you work in such areas. If you have a family history of skin cancers, quit the job if possible. Avoid wearing any tight ornaments that would cause friction and irritation. Avoid heavy make-ups which can have chemical irritants which can cause skin cancer. Get the moles or lesions removed by a doctor as early as possible.

First and foremost thing is not to panic but seek immediate medical attention. Just take appropriate treatment as fast as you can, because most of the skin cancers do not metastasize and they can be dealt with easily. Fatality depends on cancer type and stage and so earlier you seek treatment, the better.