Good Example Of Essay On Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common of the skin cancers (The Skin Cancer Foundation nd.). The primary cause of having Basal Cell Carcinoma is long exposure to Ultraviolet rays which could be from the sun or tanning beds. However, this type of cancer is more common in people with fair skin, red or blonde hair or eyes with color including green, blue or grey (WebMD nd.). In addition, BCC can also be genetically inherited. It is characterized by two or more of these five features: (1) persistent, non-healing open sore, (2) reddish patch, (3) shiny nodule, (4) pink growth and (5) scar-like area (The Skin Cancer Foundation nd.). Fortunately, there are various ways of getting rid of this cancer, however, doctors recommend a treatment depending on the size of the cancer, sensitivity of the affected area and how long the patient had the cancer. Treatments include excision (cutting out the tumor), curettage and desiccation (scraping the tumor off the skin and eliminate the remaining cancer cells using electric needles), cryosurgery (killing the cancer cells using liquid nitrogen), radiation therapy (killing the cancer cells using x-rays), Mohs Surgery (removing the cancer layer by layer ensuring that the cancer is eliminated by viewing the layer under the microscope) and creams or pills (WebMD nd.).
The second most common type of skin cancer is the Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This skin cancer is caused by an abnormal growth of abnormal cells in the squamous cells region of the epidermis (The Skin Cancer Foundation nd.). Similar to BCC, Squamous Cell Carcinoma is primarily caused by long exposures to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. It is characterized by pink, dry or scaly growth or patch in the skin. This rough patch is very itchy and may feel irritated when rubbed. Luckily, Squamous Cell Carcinoma can be treated with various treatment options similar with treating BCC. Treatments depend on the depth of the skin cancer and whether the cancer has spread. Treatments include excision, curettage and desiccation, photodynamic therapy, Mohs Surgery, radiation therapy, laser treatment and creams or pills (AAD nd.).
Malignant Melanoma is considered the deadliest skin cancers. Although once considered uncommon, this type of cancer has received an increase of annual reports. This type of cancer develops once there is an abnormal growth of melanocytes or cells producing melanocytes. People at risk of this type of cancers are those with long exposure to UV rays, number of moles (regardless of type), fairer skin (lighter colored hair and eyes) and personal history of melanoma. However, Malignant Melanoma can be traced as hereditary. Family histories of melanoma, pancreatic cancer, Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM) and multiple nevus syndrome can be a factor of how likely a person may have Malignant Melanoma. Treatment options depend on the stage of the melanoma. Early-stage melanoma considers surgery as the definitive treatment. Advanced melanoma considers adjuvant therapy such as interferon alfa and Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) for those who has just gotten surgery. Unfortunately, for Stage IV melanoma, there is still no therapeutic regimen that could prolong survival without the risk of toxicities. However, there are drugs approved by the FDA that could help in treating metastatic melanoma such as Dacarbazine, Interleukin 2, Carboplatin and paclitaxel and Thymosin alpha 1 (Tan 2013).
Kaposi’s sarcoma is a type of cancer that can affect the skin as well as internal organs. This type of cancer is caused by a virus known as the human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) or sometimes called the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). However, this virus is very common to most people (1 out of 20 has this virus). This suggests that people who developed Kaposi’s sarcoma are those with weakened immune system which could be from medication or another disease. This cancer is characterized by red or purple patches on the skin. However, some symptoms may arise if some internal organs are affected. There are four types of Kaposi’s sarcoma: Endemic African Sarcoma, Classic Kaposi's sarcoma, HIV-related and transplant related Sarcoma. Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy (NHS nd.).

References:

AAD. (nd). Squamous cell carcinoma. American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved from <https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q---t/squamous-cell-carcinoma>
NHS. (nd). Kaposi's sarcoma. NHS Choices. Retrieved from <http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kaposis-sarcoma/Pages/Introduction.aspx>
Tan, Winston. (2013). Malignant Melanoma. Medscape. Retrieved from <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/280245-overview>
The Skin Cancer Foundation. (nd). Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). SCF. Retrieved from <http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma>
The Skin Cancer Foundation. (nd). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCF. Retrieved from <http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma>
WebMD. (nd). Basal Cell Carcinoma. WebMD. Retrieved from <http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/basal-cell-carcinoma>