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Diseases & Conditions- Adult Health Library
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Skin Cancer
Actinic Keratosis (a precancerous condition)
Actinic Keratosis (A Precancerous Condition) What is actinic keratosis? Actinic keratosis, also known as a solar keratosis , is a scaly or crusty bump that arises on the skin surface. The base may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, a combination of these, or the same color as the skin. The scale or crust may be horny, dry, and rough, and is often recognized by touch rather than sight. Occasionally, it itches or produces a pricking or tender sensation. Actinic keratosis can be the first step in the develo...
Anatomy of the Skin
Anatomy of the Skin Click Image to Enlarge Facts about the skin The skin is the body's largest organ, covering the entire body. In addition to serving as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection, the skin also: Regulates body temperature. Stores water and fat. Is a sensory organ. Prevents water loss. Prevents entry of bacteria. Throughout the body, the skin's characteristics vary (i.e., thickness, color, texture). For instance, the head contains more hair follicles than anywhere el...
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma What is basal cell carcinoma? Basal cell cancer, a type of non-melanoma skin cancer, usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule on the head, neck, or hands. Occasionally, these nodules appear on the trunk of the body, usually as flat growths. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for the majority of all skin cancers in the United States. It is often easily detected and has an excellent record for successful treatment. Nearly all basal cell carcinomas can be treated successfully, alth...
Causes of Skin Cancer
Causes of Skin Cancer Although there are other contributing factors, exposure to sunlight and its ultraviolet (UV)radiation is the major cause of skin cancer. Listed in the directory below, you will find additional information regarding the causes of skin cancer, for which we have provided a brief overview. Ultraviolet Radiation UV Exposure Categories Effects of UV Exposure Other Causes and Risk Factors
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma What is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma? Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a disease caused when T-lymphocytes become malignant and affect the skin. T-lymphocytes are the infection-fighting white blood cells in the lymph system that kill harmful bacteria in the body, among other things. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma usually is a slow-growing cancer that often develops over many years. The two most common types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma are mycosis fungoides and the Sezary syndrome . What a...
Diagnosis and Staging of Melanoma
Diagnosis and Staging of Melanoma How is melanoma diagnosed? Medical examinations and tests are used to determine if a suspicious area is melanoma skin cancer. In addition to a complete medical history, including family history, questions are asked about the mark on the skin, such as when you first noticed it, as well as if and how it has changed in size or appearance. The suspected area, as well as the rest of your body is examined, noting the size, shape, color, texture, and if there is bleeding or sc...
Effects of UV Exposure
Effects of Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure What are the effects of UV exposure? Exposure to UV rays is linked to a number of harmful health conditions, including the following: Skin cancer Consider the following statistic related to skin cancer: More than 2 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the US each year. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but skin damage from the sun begins at an early age. Therefore, protection should start in childhood to prevent skin cancer later in life. Premature agin...
Facts About Skin Cancer
Facts About Skin Cancer Facts about skin cancer Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the skin cells. According to the latest statistics available from the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: In the U.S. alone, more than 2 million Americans will be diagnosed in 2012 with non-melanoma skin cancer, and 76,250 will be diagnosed with melanoma. Although exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is said to be the most important factor in the cause of skin can...
Glossary - Skin Cancer
Glossary - Skin Cancer | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Actinic keratosis - a precancerous condition of thick, scaly patches of skin. Anesthetics - drugs that cause loss of sensation to pain or awareness. Angioma - a benign tumor in the skin, which is made up of blood vessels or lymph vessels. B [return to top] Basal cells - type of cells that are found in the lowe...
Home Page - Skin Cancer
Topic Index Anatomy of the Skin Facts About Skin Cancer Causes of Skin Cancer Types of Skin Cancer Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Actinic Keratosis (A Precancerous Skin Condition) Treatments for Skin Cancer Treating Sun-Damaged Skin Preventing Skin Cancer Sunscreens Skin Self-Examination Glossary Skin cancer strikes more people worldwide than any other form of cancer. Although skin cancer is more common in fair-skinned people, anyone can develop it. In the U.S. alone, more than 1 million adults are diagnosed...
Melanoma
Melanoma What is melanoma? Melanoma is a disease of the skin in which cancer cells are found in the melanocytes, the cells that produce color in the skin or pigment known as melanin. Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but it may occasionally be found in children and adolescents. Melanoma may also be called cutaneous melanoma or malignant melanoma. Melanoma is an uncommon, but aggressive, form of skin cancer. Melanoma is a more serious type of cancer than the more common basal cell cancer, or squamous ce...
Merkel Cell Cancer
Merkel Cell Cancer What is Merkel cell cancer? Merkel cell cancer is also known as neuroendocrine cancer of the skin, or trabecular cancer. Characterized by firm, shiny skin lumps, this rare cancer develops on or just beneath the skin and in the hair follicles. Merkel cell cancer most often is found on sun-exposed areas of skin, such as the neck and head. The cancer mostly affects Caucasian people over the age of 50. The cause of the cancer is unknown, but it is believed to be related to both sun exposu...
Online Resources - Skin Cancer
Online Resources - Skin Cancer This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page contains ...
Other Causes and Risk Factors For Skin Cancer
Other Causes and Risk Factors For Skin Cancer What does tanning do to the skin? Tanning is the skin's response to ultraviolet (UV) light - a protective reaction to prevent further injury to the skin from the sun. However, tanning does not prevent skin cancer. What are risk factors for skin cancer? The following are possible risk factors for skin cancer: Heredity People with a family history of skin cancer are generally at a higher risk of developing the disease. People with fair skin and a northern Euro...
Other Types of Skin Cancer: Kaposi's Sarcoma
Other Types of Skin Cancer: Kaposi's Sarcoma What is Kaposi's sarcoma? Kaposi's sarcoma is a cancer that starts in the skin's blood vessels. Kaposi's sarcoma comes in two forms: a slow-growing form, and a more aggressive, faster-spreading form. The slow-growing form usually starts as a purple or dark-brown, flat or raised, area on the lower leg. The more aggressive form of Kaposi's sarcoma starts as a pink, red, or purple, round or oval, spot anywhere on the body, and may affect internal organs. Who is ...
Preventing Skin Cancer
Preventing Skin Cancer Prevention of skin cancer The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has declared war on skin cancer by recommending these three preventive steps: W ear protective clothing, including a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses. A pply sunscreen all over your body and avoid the midday sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. R egularly use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. The following six steps have been recommended by the AAD and the Skin Cancer Foundation...
Skin Self-Examination
Skin Self-Examination How to perform a skin self-examination Finding suspicious moles or skin cancer early is the key to treating skin cancer successfully. A skin self-examination is usually the first step in detecting skin cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests once-a-month skin self-examinations. The following method of self-examination is from the ACS (you will need a full-length mirror, a hand mirror, and a brightly lit room): Examine your body front and back in mirror, then the right an...
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma What is squamous cell carcinoma? Squamous cell skin cancer (sometimes referred to as a type of non-melanoma skin cancer) may appear as nodules, or as red, scaly patches of skin. They often appear on sun-exposed parts of the body. Who is at risk for squamous cell carcinoma? Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer found in Caucasians, and is usually found on fair-skinned persons. The risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma include the following: Older age Mal...
Sunscreens
Sunscreens What are sunscreens? Sunscreens protect the skin against sunburns. Sunscreens also play an important role in blocking the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages the skin and can lead to skin cancer. However, no sunscreen blocks UV radiation 100 percent. What is the difference between a sunscreen and a sunblock? The terminology used on sunscreen labels can be confusing. The protection provided by a sunscreen is indicated by the sun protection factor (SPF) listed on the produc...
Topic Index - Skin Cancer
Topic Index - Skin Cancer Skin Cancer Home Anatomy of the Skin Facts About Skin Cancer Causes of Skin Cancer Ultraviolet Radiation UV Exposure Categories Effects of UV Exposure Other Causes and Risk Factors Types of Skin Cancer Basal Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma Melanoma Diagnosis and Staging of Melanoma Other Types of Skin Cancer: Kaposi's Sarcoma Merkel Cell Cancer Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Actinic Keratosis (A Precancerous Skin Condition) Treatments for Skin Cancer Treating Sun-Damaged Skin...
Treating Sun-Damaged Skin
Treating Sun-Damaged Skin What is photoaging? Excessive exposure to the sun early in life can make a person look older than he or she really is. Premature wrinkling and skin damage from sun exposure is also called photoaging. Photoaging, unlike natural aging, results in coarse, dry skin, freckling, skin discoloration, leathery skin, and deep wrinkles. Treatment for sun-damaged skin To minimize the effects of photoaging, several treatment options are available for aging skin. Specific treatment for sun-d...
Treatment for Skin Cancer
Treatment for Skin Cancer Specific treatment for skin cancer will be determined by your physician based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history Location and extent of the disease Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the disease Your opinion or preference There are several kinds of treatments for skin cancer, including the following: Surgery Surgery is a common treatment for skin cancer. It is used in most cases. Some types of skin can...
Types of Skin Cancer
Types of Skin Cancer M any types of skin cancer require the clinical care of a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Basal Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma Melanoma Diagnosis and Staging of Melanoma Other Types of Skin Cancer: Kaposi's Sarcoma Merkel Cell Cancer
Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet Radiation What is ultraviolet radiation? Energy from the sun reaches the earth as visible, infrared, and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ultraviolet A (UVA) is made up of wavelengths 320 to 400 nanometers (nm) in length. Ultraviolet B (UVB) wavelengths are 290 to 320 nm in length. Ultraviolet C (UVC) wavelengths are below 290 nm in length. Only UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays reach the earth's surface. The earth's atmosphere absorbs UVC wavelengths. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn, and tend to da...
UV Exposure Categories
UV (Ultraviolet) Exposure Categories What is the UV Index? In response to the increasing incidence of skin cancer, cataracts, and other effects from exposure to the sun's harmful rays, the National Weather Service and the EPA collaborated on a sun-awareness information program. An important part of this program is the Ultraviolet (UV) Index . The Index is a next-day forecast that estimates the amount of ultraviolet radiation that will reach the earth's surface -- providing important information to help ...
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