The Facts About Skin Cancer


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Home \| Health And Wellness The Facts About Skin Cancer By: Keefe Figgatt, Posted on: 2007-07-11 Cancer is a very general term used to describe a potentially devastating disease. There are actually more than 100 conditions that are considered to be "cancer". All of these ailments are related to diseased cells in the body. Those cells that are healthy and comprise the body's tissue grow before dividing and replacing themselves. This is how the body grows, maintains its health and in good repair. However some of these cells can lose their ability to perform these tasks, limiting their growth and progress. They may divide themselves too rapidly or grow without organization. Some times too much tissue can be produced, resulting in tumors being produced. Tumors may be benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not lead to cancer. They do not extend to the rest of the body and are not life threatening. These type of tumors are usually removed via surgery and usually do not return. They are often more of a nuisance than a threat. Malignant tumors are those that can lead to cancer. These cancerous tumors cause further illness in the body by invading nearby organs and destroying healthy tissues. Malignant tumors can metastasize or spread to other organs, causing new tumors to grow throughout the body. Skin cancer comes in two main forms: basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma. A "carcinoma" is a type of cancer that begins in the cells that cover or surround an organ. In the United States, basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, and it rarely spreads to other areas. Regardless, it's important that all types of skin cancer are found early and promptly treated, preventing them from invading and destroying nearby tissues. Basel cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinomas are often referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. A melanoma is another form of cancer that can occur in the skin, which begins in the melanocytes. Skin cancers presently account for the most common types of cancer in the United States. An estimated 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to be 65 years and older will develop skin cancer at least once in their lifetime. It's important to note, however, that people of any age and nationality can develop skin cancer. Fair-skinned, freckled people with red or blond hair and blue or light colored eyes are most risk of developing the disease. The ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun is the principal cause for skin cancer. There are two kinds of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. There are also artificial sources of UV radiation, for instance, sun beds and tanning booths which can also cause skin cancer. The location where a person lives plays a role in the risks of developing skin cancer. People live in areas where they are exposed to high levels of UV radiation and are more likely to develop skin cancer. For example, the Texas sun is especially strong. There are also high rates of skin cancer found in South Africa and Australia where the populations get excessive amounts of the sun's radiation. Article Source: http://www.allthebestarticles.com Keefe Figgatt writes for a variety of popular Internet magazines, on health articles and alternative health issues. Get your own completely unique content version of this article. Please Rate this Article Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Health and Wellness Articles Via RSS! Additional Articles From - Home \| Health And Wellness Is Tramadol Habit Forming - By : megan m Is Cpap An Effective Treatment For Snoring? - By : Thomas Wilson Vitamin D Is A Double Edged Sword - By : Russell Eaton Getting The Facts Right On How To Get Rid Of Louse Infestations - By : Rashel Dan Hgh. Can It Really Work As An Effective Anti Aging Product? - By : Scott Schofield Exploring Postpartum Hair Loss - By : Jamie Bollig Day Spas Aren't Just For Women - By : Betty P Davis Burn Fat Safely and Effectively - By : P. Rodgers Alzheimer's Disease- Facts You Should Be Aware Of - By : Robert William Locke Arthritis Drug Options - By : Eunice Gaelek	Attention Writers! Articles Needed! Sign Up for a free account or learn more. Featured Author Eileen McDargh Members Area Submit Articles Member Login Submission Guidelines Publishers/Webmasters Top Authors Most Popular Articles Ezine Notifications Article RSS Feeds Link to Us Privacy Policy Terms of Service Featured Websites Wedding Party Shoes Sports and Concert Tickets Backyard Bird Guide Questions? Contact Us Vote For All The Best Articles.com at Best Directory TopSiteList Sponsored by Fitness Inform Vote For All The Best Articles.com at Top Article Directory List Top Sites

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