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Advice on Detecting Skin Cancer at an early
stage
People living in the harsh environment
of Australia have a very high degree of damage to the skin due to
the effect of ultra violet exposure. This can cause a wide variety
of change to your skin, most sinister of which is malignant skin cancer.
Malignant skin cancer is basically
of 3 types:
#1. Malignant Melanoma
#2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
#3. Basal Cell Carcinoma.
I
have personally observed changes in a benign to malignant condition
occurring over a matter of days to weeks. You are advised that any
skin change should be immediately reported to your local doctor or
skin specialist. You may have recently had your skin examined, but
that does not preclude changes occurring in the examined area.
Melanoma
The most dangerous skin cancer is the
melanoma which in most cases can arise from a previous skin mole.
In 30 % of cases however there is NO pre-existing visible mole.
The earlist signs of malignant change in a mole are a itchyness, roughness,
flaking and change in intensity of pigmentation. Ulceration and bleeding
are late stages of Melanoma.
Remember Early detection of Melanoma makes the lesion a diagnosis
rather than a sentance of reduced life expectancy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A sinister skin lesion that if neglected
may spread. Any lesion that has a mass of keratin assosciated with
it, particularly if there is a THICKENING of the underlying skin should
be suspected as a Scc.
Basal Cell carcimomas
The BCC is a localised skin malignancy
that may present in a variety of appearances. The Bcc lesion does
not spread throughout your system but may burrow locally. Generall
Bcc
have a what is called PEARLY colour edge.
Please accept responsibility for surveillance of your own skin. Should
there be a change or uncertainty regarding any skin change, report
this immediately.
Please
remember
1. A non healing ulcer or sore could
be a skin cancer.
2. Early detection and treatment provides the best outlook.
3. Report any change in a mole
The
Sun and its Damage
The sun is as essential to life as oxygen.
However, on a long term basis, excessive exposure to sunlight is harmful
to the skin. Why?
UVA rays penetrate the Stratum Corneum and 80% reaches the dermis.
This solar radiation is responsible for the premature ageing of the
skin.
UVB rays are only partly stopped by the Stratum Corneum 10% of these
rays reach the upper dermis. UVC rays are filtered by the ozone layer
but this layer is weakening!
Recent research has shown that these UV rays, induce the release of
enzymes which contribute to the destruction of collagen and elastin
fibres. Generate the production of free radicals which attack the
membranes and lipids of the skin cells.
What
are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are highly reactive substances
produced by the body. In health their production is kept balanced
thanks to various free radical scavengers (enzymes and antioxidants
such as Vit C and Vit E). However, a skin's natural system of control
may not be sufficient when stressed by pollution or exposure to UV
rays.
Excess free radicals may damage the cells and prematurely aging the
skin or precipiating skin cancer.
How
to Reduce Harmful effects of the Sun
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Avoid sun exposure to the sun when it is
strongest. 10 AM to 2 PM. |
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When out doors slip on a hat and use sun
protecting clothing. |
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As part of your daily routine wear a broad
spectrum SPF 15+ Sun Block. |
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Always protect the face from sun exposure. |
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Remember a Tan is the skin's response to
UV injury. |
What is the skin's
basic structure?
What type
of skin do I really have?
How does the skin protect me. What is the skin's
function?
How will your face age? A personal facial aging profile.
To order
your individual skin care regime.
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