What is the nature of skin cancer?

Answer 1

Most commonly, you get skin cancer from being overexposed to the sun, either over a period of many years, or from a few bad sunburns, especially sunburns as a child. You might also get skin cancer from exposure to other forms of radiation and some chemicals, but that's not typical. There are risk factors that increase your changes of getting skin cancer, such as a family history of it, and light-colored eyes, hair, and/or skin. You can also get skin cancer by using tanning beds. Of course they don't want you to know this so that they (tanning beds companies) can stay in business. However, if there is any dirt or too much lotion on your body it interferes with the rays causing them to penetrate deeper under your skin than originally intended. I did not believe this until it happened to me. Love your natural skin color!!

Answer 2

Light skinned people, especially blue-eyed people or people with freckles are far more likely to get skin cancer than people with plenty of natural pigment in their skin. We (light skinned people) should not go into the sun without LOTS of sun-blocker. Dermatologists will all tell you that sun exposure is accumulative. We can only get so much sunlight in our lives, then we will get skin cancer. One important thing about skin cancers is that, unlike many other types of common cancers, the number of cases of these would seem to be increasing substantially, not decreasing. Skin cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your skin. Your skin protects your body against heat, light, infection, and injury. It also stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The skin has two main layers and several kinds of cells. The top layer of skin is called the epidermis. It contains three kinds of cells: flat, scaly cells on the surface called squamous cells; round cells called basal cells; and cells called melanocytes, which give your skin its color. BASAL CELL & SQUAMOUS CELL There are several types of cancer that start in the skin. The most common are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. Skin cancer is more common in people with light colored skin who have spent a lot of time in the sunlight. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body, but it is most common in places that have been exposed to more sunlight, such as your face, neck, hands, and arms. Skin cancer can look many different ways. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won't heal. Sometime there may be a small lump. This lump can be smooth, shiny and waxy looking, or it can be red or reddish brown. Skin cancer may also appear as a flat red spot that is rough or scaly. MELANOMA Melanoma is a disease of the skin in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the cells that color the skin (melanocytes). Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but it may occasionally be found in children and adolescents. Your skin protects your body against heat, light, infection, and injury. It is made up of two main layers: the epidermis (the top layer) and dermis (the inner layer). Melanocytes are found in the epidermis and they contain melanin, which gives the skin its color. Melanoma is sometimes called cutaneous melanoma or malignant melanoma. Melanoma is a more serious type of cancer than the more common skin cancers, and even with the best and newest treatments, can frequently be fatal. Like most cancers, melanoma is best treated when it is found (diagnosed) early. Melanoma can spread (metastasize) quickly to other parts of the body through the lymph system or through the blood. (Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are found throughout the body; they produce and store infection-fighting cells.) You should see your doctor if you have any of the following warning signs of melanoma: change in the size, shape, or color of a mole; oozing or bleeding from a mole; or a mole that feels itchy, hard, lumpy, swollen, or tender to the touch. Melanoma can also appear on the body as a new mole. Men most often get melanoma on the trunk (the area of the body between the shoulders and hips) or on the head or neck; women most often get melanoma on the arms and legs. Skin cancer can also look like a flaky or crusty red blotch (especially on the hands), but can be on other various parts of the body. If you have such a spot don't panic! It's not always skin cancer, but should be seen by your doctor ASAP. My friend had a red, flaky spot on his hand and it was skin cancer. It was operated on as an out patient method and was not painful. If in doubt please see your doctor.

Answer 3

depends.. theres many reasons, like over exposure of sun,age. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, exposure to ultraviolet radiation in tanning booths,or even radiation from treatment of other cancers. my aunt had skin cancer and it sucked:(

she got it from the sun tho and it wasnt that bad so it was easy to get rid of :D

Answer 4

The nature of skin cancer is that Skin cancer occurs when the skin is overexposed to the sun or ultraviolet rays which damages the skin cells and causes skin cancer. The most common and dangerous skin cancer would have to be Melanoma.

Answer 5

If you think you have skin cancer then you should go to see your dermatologist immediately. depending on the type of cancer should depend on your next action. if it is in a simple cancer then surgery will be the best option. (note that surgery is only effective if you see your doctor immediately) if it is a more complex cancer then your doctor will advise you from then on. i can't be sure what type you have, different types different treatments.... good luck.

Answer 6

Melanomas are rare but must be removed quickly to prevent them from metastasizing.

Answer 7

ANYWHERE!