There are several types of cancer that start in the skin. The most common are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer.
Skin cancer can look many different ways. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won't heal. Sometime there may be a small lump. This lump can be smooth, shiny and waxy looking, or it can be red or reddish brown. Skin cancer may also appear as a flat red spot that is rough or scaly.
Radiation Therapy is treatment with high-energy rays (such as x-rays) to kill or shrink cancer cells. The radiation may come from outside the body or from radioactive materials placed directly in the tumor (internal or implant radiation).
Photodynamic Therapy is a two-step procedure that is done on an outpatient basis. You will be injected with a light-activated drug, which targets cancerous cells. Approximately 24-48 hours later, a laser light is directed through a scope onto tumor cells, exposing the cancerous tissue to a certain spectrum of light. The light "switches on" the drug, destroying the cancerous cells without damaging your surrounding healthy tissue.
Topical Chemotherapy is when medication is placed directly onto the skin rather than being given by mouth or injected into a vein.
2. Wear a broad hat and clothing that blocks the sun's rays. Wet shirts and many lightweight clothes allow dangerous rays to pass through.
3. Wear sunglasses that block (UV) light.
4. Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Apply 30 minutes before going out, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or perspiring.
5. Overexposure to sun in cold-weather months also poses a risk for skin cancer. Wear sunblocks and sunglasses when outdoors for long periods at any time of the year.
6. Keep infants out of the sun. Babies less than six months old should never wear sunscreens; their bodies can't metabolize the chemicals.
7. Apply sunscreens liberally to children over the age of six months.
8. Be aware that dark-skinned people are not immune to skin cancer. Dark skin produces more melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color), so it offers more protection. However, it can still burn.
9. Do not use tanning booths. Because of high levels of UV rays, cataracts and other eye injuries may occur when users don't wear goggles.
