If these cells are not destroyed by the immune system they will develop into cancerous growths. You can be exposed to UV rays in many ways but the most common way is by exposure to the Sun.

However, some people can be exposed to sunlight more than others and never appear to develop skin cancers. It seems that some people are more sensitive to the ultraviolet radiation than others (although too much exposure to the sun will result in skin cancer for most people eventually). This is true and is based on the amount of melanin in the body. Melanin is the body’s natural defense against the sun. It turns the skin brown as a way prevent it from burning. This is the tan that many people cultivate.

People who have less melanin will have paler skin. This often means that the skin will not brown but go red in the sun. It will also burn if they spend too much time in the sun or don’t protect their skin. Sunburn is obviously painful but it also indicates that the skin has been exposed to too much UV rays. It is the best way to develop cancerous growths on the skin. People with fair or red hair or light colored eyes are also sensitive to the sun.

Even if you do not fit this genetic makeup, you are still susceptible to skin cancer if your family has a history of developing the disease.

The effects of skin cancer depend on the type and length of time that it has been developing. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of the disease. It is normally benign, in that it does not spread from the original source. It looks like a blemish on the skin that could be brown or red in color.

Squamous cell carcinoma is another form of skin cancer that is normally found on parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight. Again, it does not always spread from the original location but is more likely to spread than basal cell. If it does spread it will normally only spread to surrounding cells. So if it is on the surface of the skin you will notice a mark that is brown or red that starts to get larger over time.

Melanoma is the third form of skin cancer. It is rare but potentially serious. It doesn’t always appear on areas of the body directly exposed to sunlight but can be in unusual places, like the feet, that may rarely come into contact with sunlight. Again, it might look like a red or brown blemish or spot initially. As it develops it may develop into a lump under the skin.

Of the three forms of skin cancer, melanoma is most likely to be malignant. This means it can grow at an uncontrollable rate and spread to other parts of the body. When this occurs it can become invasive, in that it will grow through other tissues or organs destroying them in the process. Even if it does not destroy organs, the melanoma can become so large that it prevents the organs from functioning properly.

If melanoma metastasizes throughout the body, treating it becomes extremely difficult thus early detection is key to melanoma treatment.

Limiting your exposure to sunlight and other forms of ultraviolet radiation is the best preventative care you can take. Getting your skin checked out from time to time by your doctor is also a good idea. This is especially good advice if you notice any new or unusual moles or spots on your skin. Or if these lesions appear to have changed in any way.

Bookmark with

Hide Sites