Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer occurs as
non melonoma and melanoma. The common skin cancers
are often seen in older people. Basal cell
carcinomas, are seen on the face, especially
in the area around the eyes and the nose. They represent
the largest number of cases of all cancers in humans.
Squamous cell carcinomas are more aggressive and
invasive.They usually occur on the back of the hands,
on the ears or on the edges of the lips. |
Actinic keratoses and basal and squamous cell carcinomas
occur mainly on exposed areas of the skin, and are
the result of excessive sun exposure over many years,
often commencing in childhood |
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Melanomas
are the best known type of skin cancer. They are increasingly
recognised by the public as a potential health hazard,
especially if a mole changes shape or color or begins
to bleed, when they may become what is called a malignant
melanoma.
Look
out for these four changes in a deeply
pigmented mole:
Asymmetry - has it become more irregular
in
shape?
Border - has it increased rapidly?
Colour - has it darkened noticeably?
Diameter - has it increased in size?
If you have a skin mark like this, and notice changes
in it, see your doctor immediately. |
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Squamous
cell carcinomas: these are aggressive cancers and can spread.
Basal
cell carcinomas on the face and scalp are the commonest human
cancer. They are caused by sun exposure, often commencing in
childhood. This type of cancer would develop in almost all of
us if UVR levels were to increase substantially.