Treatment And Reduction

Basic Treatment of Skin Cancer
If a skin biopsy reveals cancer, the dermatologist has an array of medical and surgical procedures as treatment, depending upon the type of cancer, its location, and the needs of the individual.

Dermatologic surgical treatments include: surgical excision; electrodessication and curettage (ED&C), which involves alternately scraping or burning the tumor in combination with low levels of electricity; cryosurgery (freezing using liquid nitrogen); and laser surgery. Other dermatologic treatments include radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy (a chemical is applied to the skin prior to exposure to a light source). Develop a regular routine to inspect your body for any skin changes. It is wise to have an annual skin examination by a dermatologist, especially for adults with significant past sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer.

Reduction of Risk
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma.You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here’s some tips how could you be protected from UV Light :

• Generously apply a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed skin.

• Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing and applying sunscreen.

• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun. Some recent reports suggest that getting vitamin D from sun exposure may prevent the occurrence and spread of cancers, both of internal organs and of the skin. No responsible authority suggests that to help with vitamin D, people ought to sunbathe or visit tanning salons. Vitamin D comes from food and is also produced by the skin upon exposure to sunlight. Active children and young adults living in sunny regions (Southern California, Hawaii, countries around the equator, etc.) can produce most of the vitamin D they need from their skin.

• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling.

• Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.