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Article Series: Skin Cancer
Help Me Understand Skin Cancer
What
Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer can be simply defined as a
malignant growth on the skin. It can be the result of differing causes,
but generally is evidenced by a growth that appears in the
outer most layer of the skin - the epidermis.
Our skin is the body's largest organ. We are indebted to this
organ for protecting our body and its internal organs from
all manner of dangers - infections, injuries, excessive heat,
cold and the ultraviolet light from our sun. It also acts to
release toxins and works to produce essential Vitamin D - all
necessary for a healthy life.
There are two main layers to our skin. The inner layer is
referred to as the dermis and the outer layer is the epidermis.
This outer layer - or epidermis - is made up of three different
basic cells. They are called - basal cells, squamous cells,
and melanocytes.
The basal
cells are constantly forming new cells that are
made deep withing the epidermis. They are round in formation.
As they grow they push older cells to the surface. These older
cells are called squamous cells. In aging they become thin
and flat.
Melanocytes are important cells that exist along side the
basal cells deep within the epidermis. Besides giving color
to our skin their important role is to produce melanin - which
works to protect us from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Freckles
are concentrated areas that give evidence of increased melanin
production. An excessive absence of melanin produces a condition
known as albinism.
Our skin is a complex organism that also contains hair follicles,
oil glands, tiny sweat glands, nerves, fat and blood vessels.
The many functions it performs adds so much quality and dimension
to our existence.
However, it is possible for this excellent organ to become
damaged. There are three main types of skin cancer that can
occur. The most common is called basal cell carcinoma. It is
regarded as the least dangerous of the different types. Along
with squamous cell carcinoma it is regarded as a non-melanoma
skin cancer. They are the most successfully treated types of
skin cancer.
Malignant
melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer
and if not treated while still in its early stages has the
potential to be life threatening.
It has been stated that skin cancer has become one of the
fastest growing cancers in modern times. In the United States
alone it has been estimated that nearly three quarters of a
million people a year will develop some form of the cancer.
From that number there is a possibility of some ten thousand
of them dying from this disease. Fortunately, it is highly
treatable and quite curable if discovered in its early stages.
It is comforting to know that over 90 percent of all skin cancers
can be completely cured.
While it can be said that there is no one basic cause of skin
cancer, there are a known number of risk factors. This knowledge
allows us to work actively to avoid developing it. And by understanding
how our skin reacts to its surroundings we will never take
it for granted and will begin to appreciate the vital role
healthy skin plays in the quality of our lives.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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