Skin Cancer Treatments

One of the most prevalent cases of cancer is skin cancer. In the US alone it is estimated that 1 million citizens are affected with this kind of disease. It is important that we are aware of how skin cancer develops and how it can be prevented to avoid its fatal consequences.

In order to understand how skin cancer develops, one should first have an idea on the parts of the skin and how they function.

The skin is composed of two layers - the outermost part is called the epidermis while the innermost part is called the dermis. The epidermis is composed of flat cells called squamos cells. Under them are round cells referred to as basal cells. There are also the melanocytes cells which form the color of the skin and are found in the lower portion of the skin’s epidermis.

Just underneath the epidermis is the dermis containing lymph and blood vessels as well as glands. Some of these produce sweat that helps the body to cool down. Some glands also produce sebum, an oily material which helps the skin to remain moisturized. Both sweat and sebum are able to reach the skin’s surface by going through pores.

Just like in any part of the body, cells are considered as the skin’s basic units. Skin cells expand and multiply into new cells. Skin cells also die, leaving new cells to further develop.

However, the process can be hampered when old cells refuse to die, or when new cells develop even when the skin does not require them. The development of surplus skin cells can result to a mass of tissue which is called as tumor. Tumors may be non-cancerous or they may be cancerous. The name of cancers refer to the type of cells in which they grow.

There are various types of cancer although the three most prevalent are melanoma, squamous cell cancer, and basal cell carcinoma.

Melanoma results from the uncontrolled increase in melanocytes or pigment cells. This type of cancer is usually common among male Caucasians especially those who live in sunny climates. It is estimated that 50,000 people worldwide die from Melanoma every year.

Squamous cell cancer may result from too much x-ray exposure, chemical exposure, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and old age. It usually affects people who are aged 50 and over. Those who have inflamed or injured skin and who are regularly exposed to the sun have high risks of getting this type of skin cancer.

The most common type of cancer, basal cell carcinoma usually is found on the neck and head. While it is not fatal, basal cell carcinoma can disfigure one’s appearance. It is estimated that 30% of Caucasians are affected by this type of skin cancer.

Like in most cases of cancer, skin cancer can be treated through chemo and immuno therapy, and radiation therapy.

Most of the time, skin cancer develops on the face, head, arms, and hands since these are areas that are usually exposed in the sun. However, skin cancer can also develop anywhere in the body.

Margaret Leslie

Nowadays, there are a growing number of people that are choosing to remove their tattoos. Some find that tattoos bring back unwanted memories of the past. Others find that tattoos may be detrimental to their health and eventually cause skin cancer or some type of skin disease. Career concerns, bad artwork or art placement, changing lifestyle or personal taste are just a few of the reasons that people decide to remove their tattoos. Studies have shown that approximately 10% of Americans have some kind of tattoo and of that percentage, 50% want them removed.

Tattoo removal surgery has recently become more popular for various reasons. A patient should do their research and give the surgery some serious thought before proceeding.

If you are considering having a tattoo removed, the first thing you want to do is research the various options available for tattoo removal surgery. You need to also consider the costs, time commitment, and risks.

The next step is to make an appointment with a local physician or dermatologist to setup an initial consultation. The doctor will discuss your options and go over any questions or concerns you have. The doctor will be able to explain the surgery and go over the details such as cost and risks. When you decide to move forward, an appointment will be made for the initial procedure. The size and condition of your tattoo will determine how many sessions will be necessary to complete the removal process.

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Skin is our largest organ and one that is not immune to developing cancerous cells. Skin cancer develops when damaged cells start growing and dividing uncontrollably in the skin. This form of cancer is the most prevalent with more than one million cases in the United States diagnosed each year. Here we will cover some of the commonly asked questions.

What Are The Different Forms of Skin Cancer?

There are different types of skin cancer with three forms accounting for almost all of the diagnosed cases. They are:

? Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)- Accounting for nearly 80% of skin cancer, BCC develops in the basal cells which are located in the lowest layer of the epidermis. It is commonly found on areas of the body regularly exposed to the sun such as your face, head and upper body. Signs of BCC include skin that appears as a sore that repeatedly heals and re-opens, a slightly elevated pink growth, patch of irritated skin that is red in color and/or shiny translucent skin. This type of cancer does not commonly spread but should be treated to protect surrounding tissue.

? Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)- Found in the uppermost layers of the epidermis, SCC cancer affects squamous cells. Long term exposure to the sun can result in this form of cancer in middle to elderly aged individuals. The skin may appear to have an inflamed base with a crusty or scaly area over the base. While this cancer is most commonly found on areas of the body exposed to the sun, it can be found anywhere. Early detection and treatment can prevent this form of cancer from spreading.

? Melanoma- The most dangerous and lethal form of skin cancer, this form accounts for only 4% of diagnosed cases. Melanoma readily spreads to other areas of your body such as your lymph system or other internal organs. Most commonly found in moles either pre-existing or new, melanoma has a 95% cure rate if caught in time for treatment. It is important that you are aware of any moles on your body and what they look like so you can spot changes in existing moles or the appearance of new moles. Undetected and untreated, melanoma becomes very difficult to treat and can result in death.

Who Gets Skin Cancer?

To be quite honest, anyone can get any type of cancer. There are however certain individuals who are at a higher risk than others. The following factors play a role in the likelihood of developing skin cancer:

? Individuals who are fair-skinned or burn easily.

? People who use tanning devices.

? Genetics or family history of the disease.

? Certain occupational exposures, i.e. coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic or radium.

? Excessive exposure to UV radiation.

Exposure to the sun is the leading cause of cancer which makes protecting your skin from sun exposure vitally important.

Can You Prevent Cancer?

Yes, you can take precautions that lower your risk of developing skin cancer. Take all effort to reduce your exposure to sun and other controllable risk factors. This includes wearing SPF 15 or higher sunscreen everyday in addition to sunglasses and brimmed hats to shield your face from the sun. If at all possible avoid exposing your skin to sunlight during the peak of the day (10am-4pm) and give up tanning beds as they can also damage your skin.

For more information on cancer you can visit the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute.

Tisha Kulak Tolar is a writer for Fit4EverYoung.com, where she writes about bodybuilding, exercise, general health and fitness, nutrition and supplements.

Skin cancer can be divided into two main groups:

Malignant melanoma and
Non-melanoma skin cancer.

Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the rarest, but most serious form. It affects the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) found in the skin and can appear as a new mole, or arise from an existing mole on the skin. Malignant melanoma has the potential to spread to other sites or organs within the body but is curable if treated early. Each year about 235 females and 150 males are diagnosed with malignant melanoma in Ireland.

Non-melanoma skin cancers (Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma)

Non-melanoma skin cancers are far more common but less dangerous than malignant melanoma and rarely fatal. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma frequently appear on sun-exposed skin after many years of exposure. This exposure also causes premature ageing of the skin. Non-malignant skin cancers are easily treated by minor surgery. If left, non-melanoma skin cancers will grow and disfigure - therefore early treatment is recommended. Each year about 7,500 people are diagnosed with non-melanomatous skin cancers in Ireland with 3445 in females, 3889 in males.

Basal cell carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas

Solar keratoses (actinic)
Solar keratoses develop on skin which has been damaged by long term sun exposure. Usually many are present and can appear as hard, scaly lumps. Some become unsightly as they slowly grow larger. The skin underneath solar keratoses can vary in colour from a normal fleshy shade to pink or red. Sometimes these skin lesions can become itchy. Common sites are the face, backs of hands, forearms, ears, scalp and neck. Solar keratoses are not skin cancers. However, a very small percentage can develop into a skin cancer in later life. Some specialists regard solar keratoses as precursors to skin cancer, therefore it is important to seek medical advice on treatment.

- Solar keratoses appear as hard scaly lumps on the skin. They may crust but do not heal.
- Solar keratoses can be rough, scaly irregular patches which are easily felt but not clearly seen.
- Often they are not troublesome in anyway but do not heal.
- Some are very troublesome, if present on the lips or nose as they tend to bleed spontaneously.

Solar keratoses are most frequently treated by freezing using Liquid Nitrogen (Cryotherapy) or by applying a treatment cream. Some larger lesions may be removed by minor surgery under local anaesthesia. Treatment is usually carried out on an out-patient basis with the minimum disruption to your daily routine. All treatments aim to cure. The most appropriate treatment depends on the size, site and number of solar keratoses. Solar keratoses seldom recur following treatment but others may develop over the years.

Who is most at risk of developing skin cancer?.

People with very fair skin are most at risk of developing skin cancer. Those who cannot develop a tan are most at risk of malignant melanoma, but everyone is at risk of being sunburnt, especially indoor employees, children and babies. Malignant melanoma is more common in females. Non-melanoma skin cancers are most frequently seen in older age groups and outdoor workers who have a continuous all-year tan. The incidence of skin cancer is rapidly rising in the young adult population.

Are skin cancers treatable?

Both malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are curable if treated in the early stages. A minor surgical procedure is all that is usually required to remove cancers of the skin. Regular inspection of skin and moles at home helps in recognising any abnormal skin lesions or changing moles. Change in size, shape and colour of a mole are the early warning signs of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of these skin cancer, because it can quickly metastasise to other parts of the body. However, if is detected soon after if first develops, it is curable by simple surgical excision. In Ireland, over 375 cases of melanoma are reported each year and up to 60 Irish people will die of this disease.

The most common form of skin cancer in Ireland is basal cell carcinoma BCC, of which over 3,500 new cases are reported each year. These numbers are almost halfed between male and female and the incidence shows a small increase over the past six years. This cancer very rarely spreads to other organs but if left undetected, will continue to grow slowly, and may invade the underlying tissues. Again, this tumour is curable by surgery or radiotherapy. The third type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma SCC, which often develops from a solar keratosis or sunspot. If it is not treated early, it may spread to other parts of the body, but is again curable before that occurs by either surgery or radiotherapy. About 600 females and 1,000 males develop squamous cell carcinoma in Ireland each year. The other cancers include those of baso-squamous (mixed) carcinomas and other morphologies.

Sunshine is the single most important causative factor for all skin cancers.

Ultra-violet rays contained in sunshine are known to be harmful and can cause skin cancers. The increase in skin cancers in Ireland has been linked with the desire to have a tan, with repeated sunburn, fair skin types and genetic factors, such as number of moles.

Malignant melanoma is associated with frequent high intensity sun exposure. Whereas non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by long-term exposure to low intensity sunshine. The amount of sun exposure during childhood and frequency of sunburn are now believed to increase the risk of developing skin cancers in adult life. It is therefore most important to protect all children from intense sunshine. Hats, T-shirts and sunscreens are recommended at home, at school and on holiday.

Providing protection against the sun

Sunscreens are vital whenever exposed to strong sunlight, at home as well as abroad. Always reapply sunscreens after water sports, games or exercise. Children play outdoors during the hottest part of the day whilst at school, therefore it is wise to apply an SPF 15+ to your children before they go to school. Emulsions such as Anthelios XL contain aluminium hydroxide and can be used with infants and with highly intolerant skin. ROC make a rnumber of products in the MINESOL? range, including mineral sunblock cream SPF 40, which is recommended for babies in case of inevitable exposure. This particular 100% mineral screen cream has a pleasant and almost invisible texture. During sunny periods liberal sunscreen application should become a daily routine each morning before dressing or 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Heatwaves in Ireland are not uncommon, therefore sunscreens are useful in handbags and first-aid boxes. It is important to apply sunscreens as recommended by the manufacturer. Most sunscreens identify a sun protection factor (SPF) which can range from SPF - SPF60+. The SPF is calculated by each manufacturer for their own particular product so it is important to remember that SPF may differ between brands of sunscreen. All sun protection factors are based on how long it takes for unprotected skin to burn (average length of time = 10 minutes). For example, if you use SPF 15+ the protection offered would last approximately 2-3 hours i.e. (10 minutes X 15 =150 minutes). The SPF is a rough guide only, therefore care and attention should be given to skin type, the strength of the rays or sunshine, time of day, season and latitude from the equator. Many products including Antherpos or Uvistat Lip screen or MINESOL? Sun stick SPF 20 offer lip protection especially in people who are prone to recurrent herpes labialitis.

Sunbeds and solariums

Ultraviolet radiation (UVA rays) emitted from sunbeds and solariums is now known to have harmful effects on skin. Suncreams and Lotions such as Uvistat contain chemical agents and titanium dioxide and are UVA protectants. Excessive use of sunbeds can cause rapid ageing of the skin, long term damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. There is no such thing as a safe tan. Many people today use sunbeds to develop or maintain a tan. Some people believe that a suntan from a sunbed is a safe tan. Skin specialists say a tan is a sign of skin damage and advise everyone to avoid the use of sunbeds and solariums. This is especially important for the very fair skinned and persons under the age of sixteen. Likewise, persons with skin cancer or those with a family history of skin cancer should never use sunbeds or solariums.

NMS cancer statistics for Ireland

* Average of 7334 new cases per year, 1994-96: 3445 in females, 3889 in males.

* Average of 40 deaths per year: 10 in females, 30 in males.

* Age-standardised incidence rates about 48% higher in males than females.

* By far the most common type of cancer in both females and males.

* Recorded incidence rates higher in Republic of Ireland (RoI) than in Northern Ireland (NI), by about 16% for females and 26% for males, but this possibly reflects differences in registration practice.

On average each year, 3445 new cases of malignant non-melanoma skin cancer (NMS) were registered in females, 3889 in males, in Ireland as a whole. NMS cases (primarily squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas) were by far the most common category of cancer in both females and males (29% of all malignant cancer cases).

European-age-standardised rates were significantly higher among males than females, by about 48%. On average, females were estimated to have a 1-in-12 chance of developing these cancers by age 74, males a 1-in-8 chance. Median age at diagnosis was 72 years for females and 70 years for males. In the period 1994-96 only 10 deaths among females and 30 deaths among males were attributed to non-melanoma skin cancer each year. This represents about 1 death for every 200 incident cases, reflecting the fact that these cancers are rarely fatal. Reported mortality rates (EASRs) were significantly higher in males than females, by about 370% (95% confidence limits 200-645%), but inaccurate certification of causes of death may possibly contribute. On average, females were estimated to have a 1-in-6600 chance, males a 1-in-1600 chance, of dying from these cancers by age 74.

Comparison of incidence rates within Ireland

Recorded incidence rates of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMS) were significantly higher in RoI than in NI for both males and females. However, these differences may possibly reflect, in part, higher case ascertainment (completeness of registration) in RoI than NI, as a result of a more targeted effort to collate all NMS cases in RoI. Involvement of other factors cannot be excluded however.

Dr. Patrick Treacy is a cosmetic expert. He is Medical Director of Ailesbury Clinics Ltd and the global Cosmetic Medical Group. He is Chairman of the Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors and is Irish Regional Representative of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. He is European Medical Advisor to Network Lipolysis and the UK’s largest cosmetic website Consulting Rooms. He practices cosmetic medicine in his clinics in Dublin, Cork, London and the Middle East.

Dr. Treacy is on the Specialist Register in the UK and Ireland and holds higher qualifications in Dermatology and Laser technology and skin resurfacing. He was amongst the first doctors worldwide to use the permanent facial endoprosthesis BioAlcamid for HIV Lipodystrophy patients. He was also the first person to introduce many techniques such as Radiofrequency assisted lasers, Fibroblast transplant and Contour Threads to Irish patients.

Dr. Treacy is an advanced aesthetic trainer and has trained over 300 doctors and nurses from around the world. He is also a renowned international guest speaker and features regularly on national television and radio programmes. He was invited to speak about stem cells and cosmetic medicine at the World Aesthetic Conference in Moscow this year.

The Irish College of Cosmetic Doctors
The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors
The British Medical Laser Association
The American Society for Aesthetic Medicine
The American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery The European Society of Laser Dermatology
The European Society for Dermatological Surgery (ESDS)
The International Society for Dermatologic Surgery
The International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology

Dr. Treacy is the European Representative for the NetWork-Lipolysis where he is on the Medical Advisory Board and the Scientific Advisory Board.
Ailesbury Clinics Ltd Suite 6 Merrion Road Ailesbury Road Dublin 4 Ireland
Phone +35312692255/2133 Fax +35312692250
http://www.ailesburyclinic.ie

How dangerous is CMM to the Irish population?

On average each year, about 375 new cases of malignant melanoma of the skin are diagnosed in Ireland each year, 235 in females, and 140 in males. Every year about 60 people in Ireland die of CMM, of these about 32 are female and 28 are male. This makes CMM the 6th most frequent category of malignant cancer in females, but only the 12th most frequent in males. European-age-standardised rates show it is also significantly higher among females than males, by about 52%. On average, an Irish female is estimated to have a 1-in-100 chance of developing this cancer by age 74, while males a 1-in-150 chance. CMM is now the most common cancer amongst Irish women aged 20-29 years. Irish females also have the third highest number of cases of this form of skin cancer in the EU, while Irish males have the sixth highest out of 15 other European nations. (EUCAN study Ferlay et al 1999). Rates of CMM amongst males in Northern Ireland are significantly higher than males in RoI (about 14%). Within the EU, a north-south gradient is evident with melanoma rates higher in the more northerly countries, especially Sweden. This is consistent with the hypothesis that intermittent sunlight exposure in sun-sensitive individuals may be a critical factor in melanoma development.

The condition becomes a significant cancer from about age 20 or 25 onwards and based on All-Ireland data, rates appear to rise gradually to about age 50, with a steeper increase in rates thereafter, reaching a peak in age-classes from 75 years onwards. Rates are substantially higher among females than males in all age-classes between 15 and 69 years, especially in the range 15-34 years. Although patterns are broadly consistent between NI and RoI, the age-profile of NI patients indicates, on average, earlier occurrence. It is interesting that mortality rates with European Age Standardised Incidence Rates (EASRs) do not differ significantly between males and females, despite higher incidence rates in females, thus reflecting lower average survival rates in males. On average, the risk of dying from melanoma of the skin in Ireland before age 75 is presently estimated to be 1 in 770 for women and 1 in 800 for men.

Risk Factors for Melanoma

Family history of melanoma
Dysplastic nevi
History of melanoma
Weakened immune system
Many ordinary moles (more than 50)
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Severe, blistering sunburns
Freckles
Fair skin

Diagnosis

Because melanoma usually begins on the surface of the skin, a trained health care worker often can detect it at an early stage with a total skin examination. A monthly skin self-exam is important for people who have any of the known risk factors, especially those with dysplastic naevi or those with a very large number of ordinary moles who are at an increased risk of developing a melanoma. A new scanning machine SolarScan, which can detect malignant melanomas early in their course without requirement for a biopsy has recently been launched in Australia. The new device works by capturing an image of a patient’s skin lesion and it was developed over a period of eight years. It apparently can diagnose a melanoma before it exhibits features detectable in a routine clinical examination. Around 1,000 Australians and 1,600 people in the UK are killed each year by melanoma. If detected early, melanoma has a cure rate of almost 100 per cent, however, late detection (melanoma > 3 millimetres deep) results in only a 59 per cent survival rate.

Doing a skin self-examination

(1) Stand in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lighted room, after a bath or shower and use a hand-held mirror to look at hard-to-see areas.

(2) Begin with the face and scalp and work downward. Check the head, neck, shoulders, back, chest, and be sure to check the front, back, and sides of the arms and legs. Check the groin, palms, fingernails, the soles of the feet, the toenails, and the area between the toes. A friend or relative may be able to help inspect areas such as the scalp and neck..

(3) Be aware of where your moles are and how they look. Look for any signs of change in outline, shape, size, colour (especially black) or feel of an existing mole. Also, note any new, unusual, or “ugly-looking” moles. Remember to check moles carefully during times of hormone changes, such as adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause. It is known that as hormone levels change, moles may also change.

Prevention of Melanoma

UV radiation from the sun and from sunlamps and tanning booths damages the skin and can lead to melanoma and other types of skin cancer. The intensity of UV radiation from the sun is greatest in the summer, particularly during midday hours. A simple rule is to avoid the sun or protect your skin whenever your shadow is shorter than you are. People who work or play in the sun should wear protective clothing, such as a hat and long sleeves. Many doctors believe sunscreens may help prevent melanoma, especially those that reflect, absorb, and/or scatter both types of ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreens are rated in strength according to a sun protection factor (SPF). Those with a SPF value of 2 to 11 provide minimal protection; those with a SPF of 12 to 29 provide moderate protection, while those with an SPF of 30 or higher provide high protection against sunburn. Sunglasses that have UV-absorbing lenses should also be worn. The label should specify that the lenses block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. ROC offer a range of screens with MINESOL? that protect the skin against the negative effects of UVAs and UVBs. People with a history of melanoma would be advised to look at their SPF 60 sunblock cream. Uvistat? is one of the top Irish sun care brands and was originally formulated for dermatologists to use with patients suffering from sun damaged skin. This product is marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim and offers balanced UVA and UVB protection, is hypo-allergenic, water resistant and lasts for about 85 minutes.

Methods of Treatment

Surgery is the standard treatment for this disease and it is necessary to remove not only the tumour but also some normal tissue around it in order to minimize the chances of metastases. The width and depth of surrounding skin that needs to be removed depends on the thickness of the melanoma and how deeply it has invaded the skin. If it is necessary to remove a large area of tissue, a skin graft may be done at the same time. Interestingly, new research suggests that people who have small melanomas, can be successfully treated with smaller excisions than was needed in the past. The Swedish research, published in the October 2001 issue of Cancer, found that patients with melanomas, 0.8 to 2.0 mms thick, did just as well if they had 2cms of healthy tissue removed rather than the accepted 5cms.

Sentinel Node Biopsy has now become part of the standard treatment for melanoma. Surgeons locate sentinel or guard nodes, by injecting a radioactive substance and a blue dye into the site of the melanoma. Once these agents have migrated to the sentinel nodes, the nodes can be identified by the presence of the blue dye and with the help of a hand-held radioisotope detector that beeps like a Geiger counter. Microscopic examination of tissue from the excised nodes determines whether the melanoma has metastasised from its original site. When metastasis has occurred, additional methods of treatment include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological therapy may be used separately or in combination. One of the common combination regimens used more frequently is the so-called Darmouth regimen consisting of carmustine (BCNU), cisplatin, DTIC, and tamoxifen. Initial reports described response rates of 50%.

Biological therapy or immunotherapy uses biological response modifiers (BMRs) to reinforce the body’s immune system and guard against the recurrence of melanoma. For patients with a high risk of recurrence, interferon alfa (Roferon-A) is sometimes recommended after surgery. Interleukin-2 and melanoma vaccines are other BRMs under study. French scientists from the INSERM U 463 laboratories, in Nantes, have recently developed a treatment to boost the immune system of melanoma patients after they have had surgery to remove skin tumours. The treatment, is based on cells called TILS (tumour infiltrating lymphocytes) that produce a reaction against the cancer, has cut the number of relapses and increased the survival of patients who were given the treatment in early trials.

Genetic Therapy will become more prevelent as recent research from an international team of experts suggests that the majority of malignant melanomas have mutations in the BRAF gene. Dr Richard Wooster and colleagues, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge, UK, undertook a genome-wide search for the genes that frequently prompt cancer-causing mutations. The authors state in the latest edition of Nature, that cancers arise due to the accumulation of mutations in critical genes that alter the normal programme of cell proliferation, differentiation and death. The researchers conclude that 66 per cent of malignant melanomas have mutations in the BRAF gene. The discovery of a new oncogene at such an early point in the project suggests that systematic searches through cancer cell genomes for mutations could provide a much clearer picture of the defects that underlie cancer. The results of their study follow an investigation that compared the BRAF sequence from 15 cancerous cell lines with healthy cells from the same donors. Significantly, the researchers found that the majority of the mutations can be located at a specific region of the BRAF protein. They disrupt the enzymatic activity of the BRAF protein and hence the growth of the affected cell. They conclude that the high frequency of BRAF mutations in malignant melanomas suggests that targeting this gene’s activity could represent a new treatment strategy for skin cancer.

What about the future?

Experts are optimistic for the discovery because the previously unknown mutation is very similar to another that helps cause a type of leukaemia. In trials, a drug, which blocks that gene, has already been outstandingly successful in treating leukaemia patients. Professor Mike Stratton, head of the Cancer Genome Project, also believes that this discovery could be a direct lead to new treatments for malignant melanoma. It could take about five years to identify a safe compound to use, followed by several years of clinical trials and it would be about 15 years before a drug became available. In the UK, 6,000 new cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed each year and 1,700 people die from the disease. The number of new cases in the US is 54,000 and the number of deaths each year 7,400. Dr Mike Dexter, director of the Wellcome Trust, also expects information from the human genome to lead to a revolution in cancer treatment. This is an intriguing discovery that highlights the close association between genetics and cancer. The cause of this genetic mutation is unclear, but we do know that ultra-violet radiation damages DNA and triggers cancer. There is a direct link between sun exposure and melanoma, and people must remain alert to this danger.

Pointers of Melanoma

Large size - Most melanomas are usually at least 5 millimetres (about 1/4 inch) across when they are found; although many may be much larger. An unusually large mole may be melanoma.

Many colours - A mixture of tan, brown, white, pink, red, grey, blue, and especially black in a mole suggests melanoma.

Irregular border - If a mole has an edge that is irregular or notched, it may be melanoma.

Abnormal surface - If a mole is scaly, flaky, oozing, or bleeding, has an open sore that does not heal, or has a hard lump in it, it may be melanoma.

Unusual sensation - If a mole itches or is painful or tender, melanoma may be present.

Abnormal skin around mole - If colour from the mole spreads into the skin around it or if this skin becomes red or loses its colour (becomes white or grey), melanoma may be present.

Key facts about Malignant Melanoma in Ireland

* Average of 375 new cases per year, 1994-98: 235 in females, 140 in males.

* Average of 60 deaths per year: 32 in females, 28 in males.

* Age-standardised incidence rates about 50% higher in females than in males.

* 6th most frequent category for cancer incidence in females, 12th in males.

* 12th most frequent cause of cancer deaths in males, 15th in females.

* Median age at diagnosis 58 years for females and 60 years for males, lower than that for all cancers.

* Higher incidence rate among males in Northern Ireland (NI) than the Republic (RoI), by about 14%.

* Incidence rates higher than EU average for males and, especially, females.

Dr. Patrick Treacy is a cosmetic expert. He is Medical Director of Ailesbury Clinics Ltd and the global Cosmetic Medical Group. He is Chairman of the Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors and is Irish Regional Representative of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. He is European Medical Advisor to Network Lipolysis and the UK’s largest cosmetic website Consulting Rooms. He practices cosmetic medicine in his clinics in Dublin, Cork, London and the Middle East.

Dr. Treacy is on the Specialist Register in the UK and Ireland and holds higher qualifications in Dermatology and Laser technology and skin resurfacing. He was amongst the first doctors worldwide to use the permanent facial endoprosthesis BioAlcamid for HIV Lipodystrophy patients. He was also the first person to introduce many techniques such as Radiofrequency assisted lasers, Fibroblast transplant and Contour Threads to Irish patients.

Dr. Treacy is an advanced aesthetic trainer and has trained over 300 doctors and nurses from around the world. He is also a renowned international guest speaker and features regularly on national television and radio programmes. He was invited to speak about stem cells and cosmetic medicine at the World Aesthetic Conference in Moscow this year.

The Irish College of Cosmetic Doctors
The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors
The British Medical Laser Association
The American Society for Aesthetic Medicine
The American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery The European Society of Laser Dermatology
The European Society for Dermatological Surgery (ESDS)
The International Society for Dermatologic Surgery
The International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology

Dr. Treacy is the European Representative for the NetWork-Lipolysis where he is on the Medical Advisory Board and the Scientific Advisory Board.
Ailesbury Clinics Ltd Suite 6 Merrion Road Ailesbury Road Dublin 4 Ireland
Phone +35312692255/2133 Fax +35312692250
http://www.ailesburyclinic.ie

Some of us might love a healthy tan but others (like myself) prefer to shy away from the sun. Either way, sun protection is still a must. Harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.

To be sufficiently protected, you will need a sunscreen that can protect you from UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the ones that cause sagging and wrinkles, and the level of protection from these rays is shown by a PA rating system, with PA+++ being the highest index.

UVB rays are the ones that cause burning and spots. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of a sunscreen shows how long you will be protected from UVB rays. For example, if you usually take 10 mins in the sun to get burned, a sunscreen of SPF 15 will protect you for 15 times longer (150 mins). I recommend at least SPF 30 and PA+++ for daily use and SPF 50 if you are planning to stay in the sun for hours.

Everyone needs sunscreen, not only the fair-skinned. Though darker skin provides some natural form of sun protection, it doesn’t prevent skin cancer and sunburn. Also, remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or so, or more often if you sweat a lot or go swimming. This is because some of your sunscreen will come off (even if it’s waterproof), and thus offer less protection.

Lastly, don’t miss out places such as your ears, feet, nose, eyelids when applying sunscreen. I once forgot to apply sunscreen on my ears before going out for hours in the sun and I ended up with pinkish sun-burnt ears for a week! Ouch.

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As summer approaches, school is already out and many of us are taking advantage of those longer days. In some areas, it’s already reaching the 90s while in others it’s merely in the 70s. Either way, kids and their parents are spending more time outside, and we need to think about skin cancer prevention.

While some sunshine is helpful to our bodies, too much is not a good thing. More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by sun exposure, and the American Cancer Society estimates that one million new cases will be diagnosed this year.

Dermatologists all agree that prevention is the best. Here are some precautions to take this summer to possibly prevent skin cancer in yourself or the ones you love. These recommendations are for adults and children. Babies 6 months and younger should never be in direct sunlight and should always wear a hat and protective clothing.

1. Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Make sure it is water-resistant and reapply every two hours.
2. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside so your skin has time to absorb it. The average person gives sunscreen less than 2 minutes to absorb.
3. Be generous in application of sunscreen. An ounce of sunscreen should cover the face, neck, arms and legs of the average adult. More is better, no such thing as too much sunscreen.
4. Avoid tanning beds at all cost/and try to be indoors when UV rays are at their worst between 10 and 4. It has been found that UVA may be even more harmful than UVB and that tanning beds are actually higher UVA than natural sunlight.
5. Visit your dermatologists annually or more often if something is detected.

Natural sunlight provides our bodies with Vitamin D which is essential for optimal health. As we apply sunblock and limit our skin cancer risk, we also reduce our vitamin D. Therefore, it is wise to use a good quality vitamin D supplement (or better yet, a well-balanced multi-vitamin). It is somewhat of a catch-22: skin cancer prevention vs lacking vitamin D. Balance is the key. We know the sun causes premature aging, and the fact is too much also causes skin cancer.

Protect yourself with these simple steps because early detection is definitely the best skin cancer prevention you could have.

Barb Lulay, an Education Health Specialist and owner of Health and Harmony, focuses on reducing an individual’s risk of cancer, especially skin cancer. If you’d like a free report to protect yourself from cancer and even aging, simply visit Skin Cancer Prevention. Barb has helped thousands of people reduce their risk of becoming the next cancer statistic. By using a phenomenal, yet simple system, she teaches people to not only reduce their risk of cancer but also enjoy the benefits of anti aging. To request this free report, simply visit Reduce Cancer & Slow Aging now.

Ever wonder which celebrities have had skin cancer and either beaten it or unfortunately died from the disease? There is a great deal of information to be learned through the different cases of cancer. There are many types of cancer. Cancer of the skin has recently been the number one case of cancer and has already taken many lives. However, there are those who have battled skin cancer and have won.

Cybill Shepherd - Had her battle of skin cancer in 2002. It was bad enough that it warranted surgery. Like many celebrities who have suffered skin cancer, Cybill Shepherd showed that she was a survivor. The 52 actress of the long running television show “Moonlighting” can count herself lucky because the cancer was not that serious, a single growth on her back,

Elizabeth Taylor - Suffered from skin cancer in 2002 as well and had surgery to get rid of the cancer. The 70 year old actress of “Cleopatra” has battled through and won the fight. Luckily there are no signs of the cancer even being there. With the surgery completed, Miss Taylor can continue with her life and be known as a survivor.

Here’s more: Ronald Reagan, Bob Marley, John McCain, Eva Cassidy, Sam Donaldson, Anderson Cooper. Some have lost. Some have won.

These celebrities have shown that cancer has a cure. There is treatment that your body can accept or reject. This is based on the bios of your body and what it allows. There have been other celebrities who have battled skin cancer and have failed to cure themselves in time. This is due to the uneducated decisions of the actors and actresses who feel that they are above the disease. Human beings can get any disease out there regardless of fame or fortune.

Celebrities often feel they can do anything in the Hollywood world. Sometimes there are things which you cannot fix. There have been many victims of skin cancer and many deaths have accompanied with the attacks. This is why it is best to always pay attention to the changes in your body. Don’t be like the few people who ignore the signs and wind up having the disease that is incurable. There are many dangers to be careful of and to be watched out for. The moment your body does not feel quite so right, go to your doctor and discuss your symptoms.

Dr. Barry Lycka is president of LesTout.com the number one source of internet guidance.

Not everybody has a tough hide, this is evident by the number of skin cancer cases that pass through the doctors offices each year. Although early detection has decreased the fatal blow that cancer can have, prevention can always advert any further complications. Read further to find out a few preventative nutrients for skin cancer.

The most common antioxidant that has a general well being affect on the spread of cancer cells is vitamin C. It is because of the toxin removal that the white cells can better attack cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. There are other nutrients that have an affect on the battle against skin cancer.

These two are:

1. Curcumin - this is found in the spice turmeric. This has been found to kill melanoma cells on contact.
2. Resveratrol - mostly advertised as an anti aging nutrient. Now has surfaced as a skin protector against UVA rays.

The problem when trying to get the facts about these nutrients is the studies. Since you can’t patent these nutrients the drug manufactures have no interest in studying there effects. This leaves it up to independent universities or other places that might have questionable results.

We rely on the good reputation of long time supplement makers to supply us with results and feedback from their customers. This in conjunction with their own laboratory studies done by independent agencies. You can feel safe knowing that most supplements, especially the ones mentioned above, have a long history of being safe and useful.

Comparing what nature has provided against the side effects of man made synthetic drugs, you can be assured that most nutrients have benefits to human health. To explore more options for skin cancer.

Start by going to Skin Cancer Alternatives for more information and alternatives on this subject. It’s time to take back your Health. It’s time to enjoy life again and it’s your time to find out about all the choices you have for Good Health.

Your body was designed for healing, give it what it needs and it will do the rest.

Melanoma, the deadly skin cancer, is on the rise. In the United States in 2008, there were estimated 62,480 new cases. In the same year, 8,420 people were predicted to die from this cancer. Melanoma is the #6 most common malignancy in men and #7 most common in women. The ethnicity of melanoma is quite interesting, with 98.2% of cases in white patients, 1.1% in Hispanics, and 0.7% in African Americans.

So, how do you tell if a spot on your skin is a melanoma? There is no sure method. A lot of times, even doctors cannot tell a benign mole from a malignant melanoma, especially when it is still early and small. That is why dermatologists do so many shave biopsies in the office. The piece of skin is then specially stained and looked at under the microscope by pathologists to look for melanoma cells - then and only then can anyone be sure.

However, there are some helpful common sense guidelines. First, you should pay attention to your skin. Any new mole is more suspicious than one that has been around without change for years. Any mole that is very dark or grows quickly in size and thickness should sound off alarm bells. The experts do offer some helpful warning signs to look for - summarized as ABCD as follows: (A) asymmetry, (B) border irregularity, (C) color variation, and (D) diameter greater than 6mm. In men, melanoma occurs most commonly on the trunk, followed by arms, and head and neck areas. In women, it is found most commonly on the legs, followed by arms and then the trunk.

Some people are at particular high risk for developing melanoma. These patients should see a dermatologist at least once a year. High risk factors include family history of melanoma, previous skin cancer, childhood radiation, and dysplastic nevus syndrome. There is now a genetic blood test for a hereditary type of melanoma. You may consider this test for yourself or your family member if: a) you have had 3 separate melanomas, b) 3 or more members of your family have had melanoma, or c) 3 or more members of your family have had melanoma or pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, because there is no drug proven to prevent melanoma, high risk essentially just means more vigilance and more care to avoid direct sun exposure.

Dr. Mai Brooks is a surgical oncologist/general surgeon, with expertise in early detection and prevention of cancer. More at http://www.drbrooksmd.com, and thecancerexperience.wordpress.com