How to Manage Skin Cancer Symptoms and Treatments

Skin cancer can occur to any individual and is the most common type of skin cancer in the U.S. The frequency of skin cancer has reached such a level that nearly one million people are affected by skin cancer every year. Due to lack of knowledge many people are unable to treat skin cancer on time, as certain skin outgrowths, moles and discoloration of the skin are regarded as normal skin problems.

In skin cancer the normal cells are affected by the cancerous cells which weaken the normal functioning of the organs. Subsequently cancer spreads to the other organs as well. The individual suffering from skin cancer suffers with an uneasy feeling as the skin of the body is affected.

There are three types of skin cancers; namely basal cell carcinoma, melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. With early detection these can be treated because once skin cancer spreads its very difficult to be treated. There are no specific symptoms of skin cancer before its occurrence. However, the common causes of skin cancer may include heredity (family history of skin cancer), exposure to ultraviolet rays, over exposure to sunlight, and exposure to certain deadly chemicals. Therefore, sunburns or to-much of suntan must be avoided with the application of ointments in order to stay protected from harmful radiations from the sun.

The skin cancer initiates from the moles of the skin which is known as dysplastic nevi. The moles may change in colour or size and/or may start bleeding. Aged people are more prone to such disease.

There are various standard and alternative treatment options available for skin cancer which may include the following:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Electro chemo therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hyperthermia
• Photodynamic therapy
• Nutritional therapy
• Pain management
• Naturopathy
• Psycho-neuroimmunology
• Spiritual support therapy
• Biological therapy

It is the melanomas form of skin cancer which needs to be surgically removed, whereas other skin cancers, that is, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma treated by removing affected and surrounding tissues.

In case of low risk cancer radiation treatment and cryotherapy may help in early treatment of the cancer. As compared to the cases where cancer is spread and metastasized then surgery and/or chemotherapy is required. Therefore, it is important to note any oddity in the skin, such as the appearance of a blemish on the skin or a discoloration or change in a mole.

Copyright 2009