Skin Cancer Basics
Skin Cancer is known as Squamous cell carcinoma and is a tumor that invades the area aggressively. Most skin cancer cells lie just underneath the outer layer of skin. It is most commonly found in the areas of the skin that is directly exposed to the sun. It is also common to find skin cancer on the lower lip and ears. The good news is as long as skin cancer is treated as soon as it is discovered, the chances of beating it is great.
Cause
Skin cancer may be caused by an over exposed amount of direct UV rays, radiation, inflammation and chronic skin irritation, and ingesting a large amount of herbicides that contain arsenic. Exposure to cancer causing agents such as tar and oil can also cause skin cancer.
Risks
You may be more at risk of Skin Cancer is you are a white male and over age 60, have an outdoor job, live in a warm and sunny climate, and have premalignant lesions already forming. Other factors that contribute to the development of skin cancer include psoriasis, chronic lupus, hereditary diseases and smallpox vaccination.
Dr. Pillai will run some test to determine if it is really skin cancer and then talk to you about what to do next. Not all skin cancer treatments are the same. Some treatment may require a little surgery to remove the skin cancer cells and the tissue around it.
If you notice any odd looking lesions you may want to contact Dr. Pillai as soon as possible so you don’t stress out over your findings. Dr. Pillai will look for any physical evidence that Skin Cancer is visible and may treat it while you are in the office. Dr. Pillai may also recommend radiation therapy in order to treat skin cancer, however, this is usually offered to older patients but may also be an option for you. Dr. Pillai will be looking for any lesions found on the back, ears, face, or hands as well as the forearms too. Lesions may be very scaly or they may have irregular borders or they maybe raised up a little.
Preventing Skin Cancer is not always easy to do,
especially if you work outdoors a lot during the summer time. Apply sunscreen at least thirty minutes before you go outdoors. Wear a hat and long sleeves whenever possible. Always put lip screen on your lips to protect them from the sunlight. Check your skin about once a month to see if you notice any changes. If so, report these changes to your doctor to avoid skin cancer from getting out of hand.
For more information about Skin Cancer contact Dr. Pillai today.
