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Understanding Skin Cancer

By: Keefe Figgatt Cancer is a very general term used to describe a potentially devastating disease. There are actually more than 100 conditions that are considered to be "cancer". All of these ailments are related to diseased cells in the body.

Healthy cells grow, divide and replace themselves on a continual basis. That's how the body's tissue is created, and it's how a healthy body grows, repairs itself and stays in good health. Cancer occurs when some of these cells lose their ability to perform these tasks. The duplication, progress and growth capability of the cells is limited. The cells may divide themselves too rapidly, and may grow without organization. Malignant or benign tumors are formed when the cancerous cells produce too much tissue.

Benign tumors do not lead to cancer. They do not extend to the rest of the body and are not life threatening. These type of tumors are usually removed via surgery and usually do not return. They are often more of a nuisance than a threat.

Malignant tumors do lead to cancer. They cause illness to the body by invading and destroying the neighboring healthy tissues and organs. They can grow new tumors in the body by spreading or metastasizing to other organs.

Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma are the two main kinds of skin cancer. Carcinoma is the term used to describe a cancer that begins in cells that cover or surround an organ.

In the United States, basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, and it rarely spreads to other areas. Regardless, it's important that all types of skin cancer are found early and promptly treated, preventing them from invading and destroying nearby tissues.

Nonmelanoma skin cancers are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Melanoma skin cancer begins in the melanocytes.

The most common types of cancer in the United States are skin cancers. It's estimated that 40 to 50 percent of people who live to be 65 or older in the United States will develop skin cancer at least once in their lifetime. Even so, people of all ages and every nationality are at risk of developing skin cancer. People with blue or light colored eyes, those with freckles or fair skin, and people with blond or red hair present a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

The principal cause of skin cancer is the sun's UV (ultraviolet) radiation. There are two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. Artificial sources of UV radiation, like sun beds and tanning booths, can also cause skin cancer.

People living in certain areas are more likely to develop skin cancer. Those who live in areas where they are exposed to high levels of UV radiation and are more likely to develop the disease. The Texas sun, for example, is especially strong. High rates of skin cancer are also found in South Africa and Australia where people are exposed to excessive amounts of the sun's radiation.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Keefe Figgatt is a writer for several great web sites, on health articles and alternative health themes.
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