Skin Cancer Resource
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Just what is basal cell carcinoma? Skin cancer statistics tell us that this is the most common kind of skin cancer.
It is rarely a fatal one, but that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be treated quickly. It still invades the tissues around it. This can lead to disfigurement and destruction of skin and muscle.
There are three basic types of basal cell carcinoma:
Each one requires its own special treatment techniques. However, they all have a few things in common.
About two thirds of the cases of this type of cancer occur on areas of the body that have been damaged by the sun. You're more likely to get this cancer if you have pale skin and have had severe sunburn at some point in your life. People who spend a lot of their time outdoors are also more likely to get this kind of cancer.
People with a history of skin cancer in their families are also at high risk. This accounts for the third of cases that occur in areas with no sun exposure. If someone else in your family has had any kind of skin cancer, you might get a basal cell carcinoma.
If you are in any of the groups that are higher risk, you should see your doctor regularly. Take the time to look over your skin for any unusual bumps or blemishes.
Moles that change:
Areas that look like unusual scars might also be cancerous. Unfortunately, skin cancer can look like a lot of different things.
It's best to be safe, so bring any unusual feature up with your doctor. He or she can perform a biopsy to determine whether or not you actually have a tumor.
It's time to look at the various treatment options when an area turns out to be cancerous. Surgical removal is the most common way to get rid of a basal cell carcinoma. These surgeries have a high cure rate, especially in areas where a wide margin can be used.
Most surgeons try to remove about four millimeters of extra skin around the tumor to keep it from coming back. However removing extra skin is a bad idea on the eyelids, nose, and some other places. This is why people who have had a tumor removed should pay close attention to their skin.
Smaller tumors leave smaller scars. This is another reason that getting your cancer treated as quickly as possible is a good idea. Larger tumors may have to be treated using special surgical techniques to reduce scarring. These techniques also make sure that the entire tumor has been removed.
Mohs micrographic surgery is one of these techniques. The tumor is examined microscopically as it is removed to make sure that the procedure is completely successful.
If your cancer is very small, you may be able to avoid surgery entirely. Some superficial basal cell carcinoma can actually be treated with topical chemotherapy creams.
These creams will shrink the tumor but irritation and discomfort are common with this kind of treatment. Many doctors prescribe topical chemotherapy after surgery to make sure that the tumor is gone and won't come back.
Another option is using radiation therapy. This is usually done when surgery isn't a good idea. Older patients who can't undergo surgery and cases where surgery would leave a disfiguring scar are common choices for radiation treatment. Cure rates are better for smaller tumors.
We all want to forget about our tumor after it's gone.
But you can't let yourself do that!
Pay attention to your skin after your cancer has been treated. That will help you make certain it doesn't come back.
Depending on the type of treatment you had, the recurrence rate can be anywhere from less than one percent, to as much as fifty percent. And having one kind of skin cancer can put you at high risk for getting a more dangerous kind. See your doctor every few months to make sure the cancer doesn't come back.
What is basal cell carcinoma? It's a kind of cancer that's less dangerous than most other skin cancers. But that doesn't mean you can ignore it.
Take the time to learn all you can about the warning signs and talk to your doctor if you're confused. Early detection and treatment will make your situation much better.
"This website is for all skin cancer patients, their families and friends. I want people to know that they can overcome this disease by learning what to do, where to go for great medical help, how to deal with insurance and all the other problems facing them.
I have worked with some great people to make this web site easy to understand and devoted to helping you. Please let me know if anything doesn't help you or if we can do something more that would be useful to you.
The most important factor in a person getting healthy is their personal determination and their will to be better. You have to summon that determination and then take the steps described here - we are here to help and support you."
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