Monday, October 17, 2005

Melanoma Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world today. It can be grouped into two classifications that describe the acuteness of the disease. Namely, melanoma being more serious and nonmelanoma skin cancer which is easier to treat.

This form of skin cancer occurs in malanocytes (cells that regulate pigment in our skin). Melanomas can appear as moles. It can spread very quickly to other parts of the body. However, if spotted early, can be treated by removing the growth. Therefore, it is important that it is discovered early.

Learning the warning signs of melanoma
Doctors have developed an easy way to remember how to judge an unusual change in the skin for melanoma:

A - Asymmetry, where the shape of one side is different from the other.
B - irregular Border
C - Color dissimilarities
D - Diameter larger than 6 mm.

Any of these signs is reason for you to have an immediate medical evaluation form a doctor.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer

Occurring in two different forms (basal and squamous), nonmelanoma skin cancer have various appearances. Such as:

> Flat, scaly red areas
> Sores that do not heal
> Small red bumps

You should see the doctor in the event that there are no visible improvements after three weeks.

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