Skin Cancer Research
Skin cancer develops in more people than any other kind of cancer. There are five types of skin cancer: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, Karposi's sarcoma, and Paget's disease. Most of these will respond to treatment, but melanoma must be treated before it becomes entrenched or the prognosis will be poor. The types of skin cancer are identified by the area of the skin in which the cancer originates.
Melanoma originates from moles on the skin, and it is the most dangerous of the skin cancers. It differs from other skin cancers because it metastasizes and can spread quickly to other parts of the body. If it has spread into the lymph and blood vessels, it can be fatal. Because a healthy immune system greatly assists in the treatment of melanoma, a lifestyle of proper nutrition, weight control and exercise will not only be helpful in treatment and prevention ot melanoma, it will help to avoid a multitude of other diseases and condtions Surgery is successful if the melanoma is not in an advanced stage. Otherwise, chemotherapy is an option. Other treatments under consideration could be some experimental treatments that are now developing. Your doctor can advise you of the most effective treatments available.
Squamous cell carcinoma originates in the middle layer of the skin. This type of cancer usually develops from exposure to the sun. A dermatologist can usually cure it by an electric needle which will burn it, or the doctor may perform surgery to remove it. These procedures can usually be done in the doctor's office.
Basal cell carcinoma originates in the lowest level of the skin. This type of cancer is usually identified by the dermatologist with a visual examination and can be treated in the same manner as squamous cell carcinoma.
Karposi's sarcoma originates in the blood vessels of the skin. This cancer affects older people of European descent or it affects younger people and children in Africa or men with AIDS. In the elderly, the cancer appears as a purple or brown spot on the leg and may slowly grow much larger up the leg. The Karposi's sarcoma from AIDS can spread to any part of the body. The Karposi's sarcoma for the elderly that grows slowly will probably not require any treatment. Treatment for Karposi's sarcoma in AIDS patients has not had a positive response. Under a doctor's care the most effective remedy may be determined.
Paget's disease originates in the glands of the skin or under the skin and is relatively rare. Paget's disease of skin cancer differs from another Paget disease that is a bone disease. The Paget disease of cancer most commonly affects the nipple and treatment is to eliminate the disease by complete removal of the tumor by surgery.
