Skin cancers are within the top twenty types of cancers, no. 19, among the world’s human population. This is according to the World Cancer Research Fund report of 2019. Australia and New Zealand are said to be the countries reporting the highest diagnoses of skin cancer followed by Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Skin Cancer Types
Sources agree that melanoma and non-melanoma are the two common types of skin cancer occurring in people. Australia reported 300,000 new occurrences of skin cancer in 2018. Moreover, according to MedicineNet, skin cancer has a higher risk among those with fair, lighter skin tones. A common cause of skin cancer is attributed to long-term exposure to the sun. On the human body, hands, forearms, upper trunk, lips and ears are the most common areas for skin cancer.
Types include:
basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, Merkel cell carcinoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Skin Cancer Differences
The more rare skin cancer types are sebaceous gland carcinoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. Merkel cell carcinoma generally occurs among the aged population and though rare, can spread quickly appearing on the head, neck or face.
Kaposi’s sarcoma is a highly malignant tumor forming from blood vessels in connective tissue. Numerous types of sarcoma are each named for the specific body tissue from which it forms. People at risk are noted to have weak immunity systems.
Basal cell carcinomas generally look like a scar. They may appear as a flat, scaly red patch, or a hard lesson.
Squamous cell carcinomas may form from connective skin tissue but also come from the respiratory or digestive tract or skin areas exposed to the sun much like basal cell carcinoma. This type of carcinoma may appear as a firm nodule or a scaly flat lesion. Moreover, squamous cells are thin flat cells that under a microscope look like fish scales.
Melanomas appear as new lesions or moles on the skin. They are common to the legs, upper trunk or neck. A subtype of precancerous melanoma is known as solar keratosis derived from prolonged exposure to the sun. A side effect from this type of melanoma is reported stinging sensation. These can display as several lesions that may be flesh-tone, red or brown in color.
Screening and Treatment
Most agree that early detection of skin cancer signs and symptoms further ensure a successful outcome for treatment. One of the recognized authority for diagnosing and treating skin cancer is SunDoctors clinics, which have locations across the country.
Since the mid-1980s, some have used a topical cream or lotion stated to cure, or by and large put one’s skin cancer in remission. There are sporadic reports offered as evidence to support topical measures as a valid treatment.
It has been found, alongside surgery, topical treatment regimen combining zinc chloride with bloodroot. This topical is widely known as Mohs Chemotherapy. Bloodroot, used alone, is not substantiated as a topical treatment for skin cancer. It is essential to follow the directions closely if using a prescribed or recommended topical treatment.
Chemotherapy drugs are said to be limited in their ability to aid in treating skin cancer. Initial screening begins with a scheduled appointment with a cancer specialist. Considerations during the appointment will focus on one’s age, health status, location of the tumor or lesion and time of its appearance. Tests such as a biopsy may be taken with further opinion by a skin pathologist.
The treatment protocol may be cryotherapy, wide excision, or topical chemotherapy. Follow instructions concerning post-treatment course.