Skin Cancer in Durban

Skin cancerIntroduction: Skin cancer is usually a result of too much exposure to the sun. While skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, many types are both preventable and treatable. There are five different types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form and accounts for 90% of all skin cancers. It starts in the basal cells, at the bottom of the outer skin layer and is caused by long-term exposure to sunlight. It is the most easily treated. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type. It starts in the outer skin layer, eventually penetrating the underlying tissue if not treated. It is easily treated when found early, but in a small percentage of cases this cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and is responsible for the most deaths. However, it can be cured if it is diagnosed and removed early. Melanoma starts in moles or other growths on normal skin. Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is caused by a virus in the herpes family. An aggressive AIDS-related form affects about one third of people with AIDS. A more slow-growing form occurs in elderly men of Italian or Jewish ancestry. Signs and Symptoms: Basal cell carcinoma: Shiny bump that is pearly or translucent Flat, flesh-colored lesion appearing anywhere on the body Squamous cell carcinoma: Hard, red nodule on face, lips, ears, neck, hands, arms Flat lesion with scaly surface Melanoma: Change in color, size, shape or texture of a mole Skin lesion with irregular borders Growth of an existing skin lesion Large brown spot with darker speckles Hard, dome-shaped bumps anywhere on your body The only way to know for sure whether a mole or spot on your skin is cancer is to have your doctor look at it. What Causes It?: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Skin cancer may also be due to genetics or radiation treatments. A virus causes Kaposi’s sarcoma. Who’s Most At Risk?: People at risk for developing skin cancer may have the following conditions or characteristics: Fair skin Spend a lot of time outdoors in work or leisure activities History of sunburn Family history of skin cancer Many moles Are over age 40 Large dark-colored birthmark known as congenital melanocytic nevus Pre-cancerous skin lesions, such as actinic keratosis HIV-positive — a risk for Kaposi’s sarcoma specifically What to Expect at Your Provider’s Office: Your doctor will examine your skin for new, changed, or unusual moles. Your doctor may use a dermatoscope, which is for close examination of skin growths. If your doctor suspects cancer, you will have a biopsy (sample of the skin). A biopsy can confirm whether or not you have skin cancer. Treatment Options: Prevention In most cases, you can prevent skin cancer. If you are at high risk, stay out of the sun. When you have to be in the sun, protect yourself by covering up, wearing a hat, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.