Determining Skin Cancer Moles

People nowadays are likely to develop skin cancer moles because of long exposure to sunlight. The good news is that this type of cancer is the most curable if detected at the early stage. But if it is not treated, can result to death.

Moles are growth on the skin that is clustered and often brown, black or flesh-color and appears anywhere on the skin. The normal average of moles is from 10 to 40. However, an individual who have more than 100 moles are at risk to acquire melanoma.

Listed below are types of mole cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma that is developed on skin that is sun-damaged which is likely to affect Caucasian.

• Melanoma which is the rarest form of skin cancer and if not treated will spread to the other parts of the body and will then lead to fatality and is blue in color.

• Squamous cell carcinoma is targeting fair skinned people but affects men than women.it can destroy tissues and is invasive. Causing health problems and if untreated will lead to death.

• Actinic Keratosis can lead to squamous cell carcinoma if not cured early. It affects fair skinned people, eyes that are blue, hazel and green and individuals who have blonde and red hair. People who have weak immune system are also susceptible to acquire this type of skin cancer. This mole is typically rough, pink or red patches and.5 inch in size.

• Actinic cheilitis or commonly known as "sailors lip" or "farmers lip". The lower lip is affected and can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. People that are fair skinned, elderly, men and those that use tobacco are affected. The growth of this skin cancer is accompanied by cracking on the lips and dryness.

Here are the guides to be able to identify if the mole on your skin is cancerous. The ABCDE are vital in enabling you characterize the risky moles.

• A - Asymmetry. If the other half of the mole is not the same in size, color, thickness and shape.

• B - Borders. The edges are irregular, blurred, poorly defined and rough.

• C - Color. Uneven shades of brown and black or the mole has added colors of brown, red, black, blue and white

• D - Diameter. A mole that is greater than 6mm or the size of a pencil eraser.

• E - Elevation. Part of the mole is raised.

If you are suspecting that you have skin cancer moles, it is important to consult a dermatologist. They are the ones who are capable of examining the mole if it can cause health problems.

There procedures that can remove the moles that pose risk to your health. Don't get sun exposure when the sun is shining at its hottest (10am-3pm) and apply sunscreen. Be aware of the changes and have a skin check regularly.

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3 Types of Skin Cancer Explained

Skin cancer is a condition that develops as a result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. This prolonged exposure then causes the skin cells to grow in a rapid, out of control way ultimately leading to the formation of a cancerous tumour on the skin. Approximately 60,000 people in the UK develop this condition each year. However, what many people do not know is that not all skin cancers are the same. There are actually three different types; Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma. In this article article I will be discussing these three in greater detail.

1) BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC):- This is the most common form of skin cancer and accounts for 75% of all diagnoses. As the name suggests it begins when the process of cell division goes wrong in the basal cells of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and a cancerous tumour forms. This tumour often looks like a red ulcer on the skin which may bleed, crust or itch and is often given the nickname 'rodent ulcer'. Basal cell carcinoma typically appears on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun such as the arms, legs and face. Although it is the most common type of skin carcinoma it rarely kills. However, it can disfigure the skin if left untreated for a long period.

2) SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA:- This type of skin cancer accounts for between 15% and 20% of skin cancers. It begins when the squamous cells of the epidermis start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way which ultimately leads to the development of a cancerous tumour. This tumour often resembles a hard red lump or a flat, scaly, scab like area. Like BCC, squamous cell carcinoma often appears on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun and rarely kills. However, if left untreated it can spread to other areas of the body.

3) MALIGNANT MELANOMA:- This type of skin cancer represents less than 10% of diagnoses. It develops in melanin producing skin cells called melanocytes. Malignant melanoma begins when the process of cell division goes wrong in these melanocytes and they start to divide and multiply uncontrollably leading to the development of a tumour. This tumour has a large, brown mole like appearance and can appear on your arms, back, leg or face. Although it resembles a mole there are subtle differences, Malignant melanomas are often a different colour to normal moles and they are often larger and more uneven. Unlike BCC and SCC, this type of cancer is very dangerous if not treated quickly and accounts for the majority of skin cancer fatalities.

I hope this article has given you an insight in to this type of cancer. Whilst skin blemishes and odd looking moles may be non-cancerous they are a cause for concern. If you notice anything suspicious on your skin which does not disappear within a month then you should go see your doctor immediately. Early detection is a key element in the successful treatment of skin cancer and so it is far better to take the time and get yourself tested.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Skin cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about the various types of skin cancerand how improving your fitness can help you prevent cancer by visiting Free Fitness Tips.

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Skin Cancer Checks Using Digital Imaging

Skin cancer checks with digital imaging can be undertaken by a trained nurse or doctor using a special digital dermoscopic camera and skin mapping software. Digital dermoscopy uses high magnification and high light intensity to illuminate the sub-surface features of skin lesions that cannot be detected with the naked eye. It is particularly suited to the identification of melanoma, although it has some application in diagnosing non-melanoma lesions such as basal cell carcinomas. Digital imaging can provide advantages in the form of remote diagnosis, early skin cancer detection, and preventative medicine.

Diagnostic Accuracy

While relatively good diagnostic accuracy can be obtained with traditional dermoscopic methods, digital dermoscopy can enhance the accuracy of skin cancer detection. During a digital skin check, images are taken of all lesions meeting certain that may indicate malignancy. Typically, a conventional photographic image of a lesion is taken, followed by a high resolution dermoscopic image. Data pertaining to a lesion, such as itchiness or perceived growth, may also be recorded. By linking these details together in an electronic record, digital dermoscopy can aid medical practitioners in skin cancer detection and help to reduce the need for unnecessary excision of benign lesions. This method may also reduce the need for medical practitioners to perform biopsies.

Advantages of Digital Record Keeping

One of the key benefits of digital dermoscopy is that once an initial digital record has been made, it can be compared against images made during subsequent consults. This enables medical practitioners to detect changes in the skin at an early stage and to treat skin cancers before they become problematic. This is especially useful for patients who have a lot of moles (50 moles or more), or a large number of atypical moles (5 moles or more), as it can be difficult for doctors to track changes with such large numbers. It is also useful for patients with a high-risk of melanoma skin cancer, as many melanomas arise out of previously unmarked skin and can do so comparatively rapidly. Patients that undergo digital imaging are usually checked on a periodic basis at least once a year.

Applications in Telemedicine

Digital images may be reviewed on-site by a doctor or dermatologist, but are often used in telemedicine, where a doctor or dermatologist reviews the images off-site. This can be of use for patients in remote areas who don't have access to specialist doctors. After diagnosing each lesion, a dermatologist or specialist doctor would forward a report to a local general practitioner identifying lesions of concern and detailing any recommended treatment. Digital dermoscopy can also assist medical clinics that have a high volume of patients, as it allows a nurse or general practitioner to perform the time consuming work of image taking, while a specialist doctor or dermatologist undertakes diagnosis at a later time. By focusing on diagnosis, the specialist can review the images of a high number of patients in a short amount of time.

For more information about the processes involved in a digital skin cancer check and the advantages, visit us athttp://www.skinwisehealthcare.com.au

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