South Shore Skin Center Warns of Increase in Skin Cancer in Young Women

Author: Steve Dubin

Government cancer statistics from the last 31 years that were analyzed by researchers at the National Cancer Institute have shown that the number of younger women with melanoma has increased by 50 percent.

Melanoma is the number one cancer diagnosed in young white females in the U.S. and the fourth most common cancer among teens. Early detection is the only way to prevent it from becoming deadly. The New England area has the highest concentration of melanoma cases, partially due to weather patterns of intermittent, intense sunlight which increases residents’ risk.

Dr. Richard Eisen and Dr. Ramzi Saad, dermatologists at South Shore Skin Center attribute the spike in melanoma cases in young women to increased and extended exposure to UV rays, from both the sun and indoor tanning.

“Young women are at the highest risk because of the amount of time they spend tanning, whether outside or indoors. Sunscreen does provide protection, and because of that, many young women increase the amount of time in the sun or at an indoor tanning bed. They really should be using sunscreen and reducing the amount of UV exposure,” explained Dr. Eisen.

Essentially, there are three ways to protect the skin from UV exposure: Seek shade; wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Although sunscreen use has increased over the years, so has the amount of time people purposely spend in UV light, whether it’s from the sun or indoor tanning. According to Drs. Eisen and Saad, Americans depend on sunscreen too much and should utilize the other two methods of protection – seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.

“The general population is very much aware of melanoma nowadays. But, simply using sunscreen without limiting exposure to UV rays is not enough. It’s imperative that young women in particular avoid indoor tanning and limit their UV exposure, or their risk of developing melanoma will remain high,” explained Dr. Saad.

According to Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN, MSN, Executive Director of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, “We can reduce melanoma incidence by teaching skin cancer prevention and early detection. Anyone can develop skin cancer. Yet, it is easily recognizable and preventable. By educating young people and their caretakers (parents, nurses and teachers) about limiting exposure to UV rays, we can save lives.”

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center is the only provider in the area offering the advanced technology of Fraxel re:pair laser treatments in addition to Fraxel re:store laser treatments. Dr. Richard Eisen, a board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center is a leading expert in lasers, in particular, the Fraxel re:pair and Fraxel re:store laser systems. Other cosmetic services include Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more.

South Shore Skin Center also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

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Skin Cancer Photos Serve as an Early Detection Tool

Author: Adam Hefner

Detecting skin cancer in its earliest stages not only significantly increases the patient’s chance of making a full recovery, it can also save the patient from having to go through aggressive treatments which can have severe side effects. The key to early detection is in finding skin irregularities and recognizing them as possible skin tumors, and promptly having them examined by a doctor.
Some background information along with skin cancer photos can help you recognize what symptoms to look for.





Skin cancer is much more likely to be detected within its earliest stages of development if the patient has taken an active part in the process. You need to perform regular skin self-examinations, searching every part of your body for any irregularities with a basic idea of what you need to be looking for. If you find any suspicious growths, you can visit a doctor for professional evaluation.





The symptoms you need to look for vary in cases of melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer. You need to be especially attentive to the possibility of developing melanoma if you have certain risk factors, such as a higher than average number of nevi, or moles, or a high number of dysplastic nevi.





Dysplastic nevi are moles with an unusual appearance. They may be asymmetrical or particularly large. If you have any of these risk factors, you may want to ask a doctor for help in watching for an increase in the number of moles you have or any changes in their condition. After an initial evaluation, you may want to check regularly with a doctor. Even if you don’t have an unusually high number of moles or dysplastic nevi, you should still watch for new moles or changes in existing moles when you do your skin examination.





New dysplastic nevi should be seen by a doctor. If an existing mole changes in size, shape, or color, or if irritation or any color change occurs in the bordering skin, you should consult a doctor.





Moles are usually benign growths and most people have between 10 and 40 of them. They are formed of the same melanocyte cells which can turn into skin cancer, so moles do need to be watched carefully for any changes.





Nonmelanoma skin cancer generally affects the basal or squamous cells which make up the epidermis. These types of skin cancer can be less striking in appearance than melanoma, and are less severe, but early detection is still extremely important. While nonmelanoma skin cancer is most common on the face and other parts of the body which are exposed to sunlight, the entire body should be checked for symptoms.





Symptoms may appear as small lumps, which may be red or flesh-toned, or as sores or rashes which do not heal on their own. Any sores or rashes found during a skin examination should be watched carefully to see if they’re healing, and if they aren’t, this means a doctor should be consulted.





Skin cancer photos can be a useful aid in helping you determine what skin irregularities warrant a visit to a doctor, but should not be used as an exclusive guide for self-diagnosis. Do regular self-examinations, use the information provided in addition to photos, and see a doctor for any irregularity that you can’t identify, because even if it isn’t skin cancer, it may require medical attention.

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To learn much more on how important analyzing skin cancer photos is, visit http://www.SkinCancer-101.com where you'll find this and much more, including information on skin cancer on nose.

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Detecting Skin Cancer Made Easy

Author: Bertil Hjert

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer existing in the world. It can strike at any age group. Most people do not consider skin cancer as a serious problem. However, it is important to know that the cancer can be really difficult to handle or even deadly if not treated directly.


It is important to keep on performing regular self examination so that you can come to know about the problem at an early stage.


Here are certain tips on examining your self for skin cancer so that the disease does not turn out to be serious or ugly in the future. While conducting a self examination, you should keep in mind that about 1 in 5 people can have some form of skin cancer in their entire lifetime.


Experts recommend that you need to check yourself for skin cancer on a monthly basis in order to spot the problem.


You would require some mirrors in order to see all parts of your body. Try to check the entire area of your body. You need to analyze your head, face and scalp in the mirror.


Gradually examine the other parts of your body. Make sure that you check the genital areas also check the portion between your toes well.


When doing a self examination for skin cancer, you must check for irregular moles. Usually, mal-formed moles are a result of malignant melanoma. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer. If you find an asymmetrical mole on your body, consult your doctor.


Remember that most moles complete their growth prior to the age of twenty. In case, the mole on your body starts growing after the age of twenty, consult your doctor immediately.


Another important thing to check for irregularities on the borders of the mole. The borders should be well defined and uniform in growth. Another symptom of skin cancer is a mole that changes color to a dark red, black or white. This is a direct indication of development of skin cancer on your body.


Remember that early diagnosis may be the only way to surviving skin cancer. In case, you spot anything you might feel a problem, consult an oncologist or dermatologist on an immediate basis. A little caution from your side may do wonders to your body.

Moles on the body can turn in to cancerous melanomas. Hence it is very important to check your moles on a regular basis and talk to your doctor whenever you feel that there is a sign of danger.


The best thing to do is to follow a 4 step, A-B-C-D guide when checking your moles. In case, any of the points mentioned below are true, talk to your doctor right away.

a) Asymmetry

In case, ½ of the mole does not match the other half, there is a problem. Any mole or birthmark with skin growth that increases in size should be reported to doctor.

b) Border

The border of the mole should not be ragged, notched or blurred.

c) Color

In case, the mole is a mixture of brown, black and tan contact a doctor.

d) Diameter

A mole larger than pencil eraser is an important sign of skin cancer.

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For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about SKIN CANCER please visit SKIN CANCER REPORT

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Go for the Skin cancer surgery to get exonerate of skin cancer

Author: Jessica Thomson

If your physician has diagnosed that you are suffering from skin cancer, then you have to advantage its remedy instantly. Even the physician would advise you diverse options for the therapy of your skin cancer. Due to the traumatic mental state during these stages, it is also likely that you get bewildered with all the technical languages exercised by your physician. But with the shock of your diagnosis for skin cancer, it is probable that you don't memorize all the remedies and treatments which were advised to you by your physician. However, most primarily the area influenced by cancer should be considered upon. Moreover, your age is also another aspect on the basis of which the apt remedy for your skin crisis is decided. You should also carefully edify the skin cancer and the several affected parts of your body.
Skin cancer surgery in the present times is considered to be the preeminent remedy to get relieve of the skin cancer. An excellent cosmetic surgeon would eradicate your cancer by taking out some of the affected skin tissues of the concerned bit of your body. The proportion of the skin that is to be amputated would essentially depend upon the sort of the cancer and its depth. Chiefly, the skin area of around two centimeters is eradicated while performing the skin cancer surgery. Many kind of the skin cancers are also amputated by the assist of liquid nitrogen. Also, for the therapy of the many kinds of skin cancers a drug named Imiquimod proves to be beneficial. Most of the predictable cosmetic surgeons across the world eradicate the skin cancer affected area by primarily freezing that part of the patient's skin.
An extensive cosmetic surgery becomes exceptionally essential to get rid of the skin cancer if the guarding lymph joint in the skin also shows cells of cancer after a painful biopsy. Thus, this skin cancer surgery is planned very carefully so that the lymph nodes nearby the cancer concerned areas are eradicated along with the other disturbed bits. This surgery is also followed with a Radiotherapy course, for fast recovery.
Apart of the skin cancer surgery, a new remedy called the immunotherapy skin cancer vaccination is also employed by many of the contemporary cosmetic surgeons. But as a lot of research work is still being carried on about the consequence of the remedies, the therapy is not yet popularized. Also, the Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for skin cancer. However, you must appreciate that there is no eventual prevention for the skin cancer. However, some of the processes have the capability to condense the danger related to the development of this harmful disease. For the medication of the skin cancer, the Cosmetic Makeover is one of the most trustworthy institutions. The connoisseur doctors operating at the Cosmetic Makeover are connoisseur in the skin cancer reconstructive surgery.

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For more insights and further information about skin surgeryvisit our site http://www.cosmeticmakeover.com.au/

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Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer

Author: peterhutch

Basal Cell Carcinoma is a very common type of skin disorders but is very dangerous also. Basal cell carcinomas enlarge slowly and steadily and can invade neighboring tissue, like the eye, but they usually do not spread to distant parts of the body (metastasize). Basal cell carcinomas are the result of sun damage to the skin.


Risk factors:


Age. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the sun's damaging effects begin at an early age. Therefore, protection should start in childhood in order to prevent skin cancer later in life.


Exposure to ultraviolet radiation in tanning booths. Tanning booths are very popular, especially among adolescents, and they even let people who live in cold climates radiate their skin year-round.


Therapeutic radiation, such as that given for treating other forms of cancer.


Causes


Skin cancer is divided into two major groups: non-melanoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer, and is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, 75% of all skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas.


Arsenic exposure: Chronic exposure to arsenic is associated with BCC development. Exposure may be medicinal, occupational, or dietary.


Immunosuppression: Immunosuppression is associated with a modest increase in the risk of BCC.


Xeroderma pigmentosum: This autosomal-recessive disease predisposes people to rapid aging of exposed skin, starting with pigmentary changes and progressing to BCC.


Exams and Tests


Your doctor will check your skin and look at the size, shape, color, and texture of any suspicious areas.


If skin cancer is a possibility, a piece of skin will be removed from the area so that is can be examined under a microscope. This is called a skin biopsy. This must be done to confirm the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma or other skin cancers. There are many types of skin biopsies. The exact procedure depends on the location of the suspected skin cancer.


Treatment


Treatment is more likely to work well when cancer is found early. If not treated, some types of skin cancer cells can spread to other tissues and organs. If a melanoma has spread, chemotherapy can be used, but it is not usually effective. After a melanoma has spread, surgery and radiotherapy can be used on the secondary tumours. This will prolong life but it is not a cure. In the case of disease that has spread (metastasized) further surgical or chemotherapy may be required.


Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery (or Mohns micrographic surgery) is an outpatient procedure in which the tumor is surgically excised and then immediately examined under a microscope. The base and edges are microscopically examined to verify sufficient margins before the surgical repair of the site. If the margins are insufficient, more is removed from the patient until the margins are sufficient. Specially trained dermasurgeons do this procedure, usually in-office. Mohs surgery is the recommended procedure for basal cell carcinoma of the face, ears, hands, fingers, distal forearms, and distal lower extremities. Its use is also highly recommended for squamous cell carcinoma; however, the cure rate is not as high as Mohs surgery for basal cell carcinoma.

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Read about Premature Ejaculation Treatment, Erectile Dysfunction Treatment . Also read about Gifts for Girlfriend, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Boyfriend, Gifts for Him and Male Sexual Enhancement and Increase Penis Size

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The 3 Forms Of Skin Cancer And Hints On Preventing Their Occurrence

Author: Martha Fitzharris

Skin cancer is the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. 1 out of 3 new cancers is skin related. Excessive sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancers. The skin tumor normally develops in the epidermis making it visible to the naked eye, which can make the disease easier to diagnose. When treatments start at an early stage, there is a high probability of containing the cancer and curing it completely. Over close to 90% of skin cancer patients make it past the 5 year survival mark.



There are 3 types of skin cancers. The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Many different factors can come into play when discussing who is at risk for this form of the disease. Frequent or excessive sun exposure is far and away the biggest reason people develop this skin disease. These cancers develop in the basal layer of the skin and although the cancer does not normally spread to other organs, it can continue to grow locally if not treated properly. The skin pain associated with this form of tumor is initially non-existent what can be a bad thing because it can delay detection.



The second most common form of skin cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. These are not limited to the skin and can occur anywhere from the mouth to the prostate. These carcinomas only make up about a fifth of new cancer cases but are considered much more dangerous because of their ability to spread easily. Squamous cell carcinomas are mostly characterized by a large, red mark that takes the appearance of an open sore over time. They are quite dangerous and should be removed only through surgery or other medically appropriate procedures.



Melanomas are the third and most dangerous form of skin cancer. A large majority of skin cancer related deaths are due to this stage cancer. Most melanomas start off looking like moles. It is essential that if you have a new mole on your body that you get it checked by a doctor. What looks like a simple mole could turn out to be a cancerous growth. The reason its imperative to get any growth checked out is that nearly all skin cancers are 100% curable if found early. Like all other forms of skin cancer, skin type and sun exposure are the biggest factors in determining risk.



Treatment of skin cancers can range from digging out the diseased cells to chemotherapy. Some of the side effects of treatment can range from nausea to hair loss due to chemotherapy. Consult your oncologist with any questions or issues regarding side effects. Alternative medicine options and questions should only be discussed with a certified health care professional.



Use of artificial tanning beds has been shown to be a high risk activity in regards to skin cancers. High concentrated amounts of UV light may give your skin a little color but can cause exponentially more damage in the long run. Is a 1 week tan really worth the risk? People who make their home near the equator need to take extra care since studies show they are more likely to develop skin related issues than peoples living near the poles. Many steps can be taken to avoid skin cancer so do not fret.



A sun screen of at least 30 SPF applied generously every 2 hours will greatly reduce your risk of cancerous growths. Take a few minutes every few weeks so well to give yourself a self examination. Catching something in the early stages can mean the difference between life and death. Hats and long sleeve shirts are your friends during sunny days. It may be uncomfortable to be covered up during hot, sunny days but one needs to think in the future when talking about skin cancers. Just one deep burn can cause you problems down the road.



The sun is a dangerous thing. We need to be aware of the risks associated with excessive exposure in order to protect ourselves. Skin cancer is a common affliction affecting millions of Americans. A few small steps and a little knowledge about the symptoms and treatments can save many lives. Pay attention to any new growth or skin lesion that could be a precancerous signal on the body, do a little more research on the internet about actinic keratosis and contact a health care professional if anything appears. Time is of the essence.

About the Author:

Martha Fitzharris is a member of the research and development team for a natural skin care product. Find out more about how this skin care cream works for acne & rosacea, keloid scar treatment and skin rejuvenation and age spots removal.

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Insight Into Skin Cancer Treatments

Author: Fred Camaros

There are several options available for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. The following are the normal procedures employed to determine whether a patient has skin cancer :



· Skin examination by a qualified individual to check for bumps or spots that may look unusual in terms of color, size, shape, or texture.



· A pathological examination (biopsy) procedure on a portion of the abnormal-looking growth to determine the presence of cancer cells. This can be accomplished in any of 3 methods: shave biopsy wherein a surgical razor is used to shave-off parts of the suspected growth; punch biopsy wherein an instrument called a trephine is used to remove a circle of tissue from the growth and excisional biopsy wherein the entire growth is removed surgically with the use of a scalpel.



Treatment and recovery of skin cancer depends significantly on the conditions or stage of the cancer, there is no sure fire method of treating and managing skin cancer as each case is unique to the individual and is also influenced by factors such as the type of the cancer, location and size of the tumor (whether it has metastasized or not) and the patient's overall health and physical condition.



In the traditional method of treatment, there are four options available.



Surgery: There are various surgical procedures employed for the treatment of the non-melanoma type of skin cancer.



· For superficial skin cancer Mohs micrographic surgery is the most common procedure wherein the tumor is gradually incised from the affected area of the skin in very thin layers and examined microscopically to verify the presence or absence of cancer cells. The procedure continues until the presence of cancer cells is negative.



· Simple excision is the surgical removal of a tumor including some of the surrounding skin tissues.



· Shaving the surface of the affected skin area with a surgical blade.



· Cutting the tumor from the skin with a sharp tool resembling a small spoon and then treating the edges of the immediate area of the cut with electrical current to stop and control bleeding and destroy remaining cancer cells.



· Another option is cryosurgery whereby the abnormal tissues are destroyed through freezing.



· Using laser to cut affected skin tissue or remove malignant tumor.



· Removal of the top layer of skin using a sander-type tool or skin defoliants to remove affected skin cells.



Radiation: Radiation cancer treatment therapy is the use of x-rays or radiation to destroy cancer cells. These can either be external by using a machine outside of the body or internal by introducing radioactive elements into or near the affected area.



Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to control the spread of cancer cells in the body. It can either be applied topically as a cream or lotion, orally or by intravenous and/or intramuscular injection into the patient's vein or muscle.



Photodynamic Therapy: The use of drugs in combination with laser to destroy cancer cells. The drug is injected into the patient's vein and remains inactive until it is subjected to laser via fiber optic tubes at which time it becomes active and kills the cancer cells.



There is one thing in common with all of the above mentioned traditional treatment options for skin cancer - they are generally invasive.



Although there is nothing wrong with the methodology, alternative methods of skin cancer treatment, which are now gaining acceptance in the West, espouse a holistic approach in the treatment of skin cancer or an illness. A holistic approach is geared towards the mental, physical and emotion aspects of the patient and not just the physical symptoms of the illness.



They proceed from the premise that an individual gets sick simply because his immune system is weak and can not fight the virus that attacks the system. For treatment to be successful, it is therefore necessary to strengthen a person's immune system including emotional and physical resources in order to combat threats to the body.



In the traditional model of Western medicine, once skin cancer is diagnosed and determined the only acceptable form of treatment is the clinical model. However, a study of the alternative approaches to prevention and treatment reveal that in consonance with the traditional method both can be very effective in treating advanced skin cancer.



Medical experts are aware that certain minerals and antioxidant vitamins that can be derived from fruits and vegetables help repair damaged body tissues and promote the regeneration of healthy skin.



Now, medical practitioners are advocating the use of alternative methods of skin cancer prevention and treatment through a healthy diet and active lifestyle in order to protect individuals from the harmful effects of sunlight - the number one factor directly related to skin cancer development.



An active and healthy lifestyle and regular exercise is necessary in order to combat skin cancer since even stress cause the weakening of the immune system which then makes individuals more prone to sickness.



With proper exercise such as yoga, tai chi, running and even acupuncture, the body's immune system can be made stronger even if skin cancer is already at an advanced stage.



Coupled with a healthy and nutritious diet, individuals stand a better chance to fight skin cancer and strengthen the immune system to fight off the malignant cancer cells.



One of the more promising discoveries is the effect of green tea towards skin cancer. Taken orally or applied topically, green tea shows a striking effect on the skin in relation to cancer and carcinogens because it is a natural antioxidant. Green tea antioxidants (medical term green tea polyphenols) show a remarkable ability to prevent and inhibit the growth of various types of skin cancers from basal cell carcinoma to melanoma in tests carried out on animals and human patients.



However, those already suffering from skin cancer should never self medicate. It is good practice to consult with your doctor regarding the use of traditional and alternative form of treatments since there may be an interference effect between the two when taken together. Discussing any alternative treatment options with your cancer doctor ensures faster recovery and future prevention.

About the Author:
If you have skin cancer and you would like to learn more about your skin cancer treatment options please visit the CancerBreakthroughs.com website for more detailed information and advice.

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