A person is considered as having skin cancer when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, which most typically occurs as a result of skin being overexposed to the sun. There are also many other factors that are considered as being able to cause skin cancer however, so sunlight is not the only factor responsible here. There are actually three basic types of skin cancer which are: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Melanoma is considered as being the most serious and severe form of the three, and is also more difficult to diagnose and treat. It affects the deeper layers of the skin and also has the greatest potential to spread to other tissues in the body.
One of the most frightening facts of all regarding skin cancer is that all three of these types of skin cancer are on the rise, in both adults and children. However they can be prevented by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolent radiation, engaging in proper and regular exercise, and paying attention to any suspicious changes in your skin.
Effects of Skin Cancer
When it comes to the effects of skin cancer, there are many. The effects of skin cancer on a particular patient will depend on a few factors, namely if they have the following conditions or characteristics: light skin color, history of severe sunburn, family history of skin cancer, large dark-colored birthmarks, and HIV.
The effects of skin cancer can be incredibly damaging to anyone however, especially if it is left unnoticed and untreated for an extended period of time. This is because the longer skin cancer – or any type of cancer for that matter – is left untreated, the longer it is able to negatively affect the body and possibly spread to other parts of the body as well.
Although there is no surefire way of preventing skin cancer, there are many preventive and precautionary steps that you can take in order to guard yourself against skin cancer and its effects as best as possible.
If you do end up developing the disease however, it is important that you get yourself in to see your doctor as soon as possible in order to discuss the available methods of treatment and what the best treatment plan is going to be for you and your particular condition.
Your health care provider will continue to check you regularly even after treatment, particularly by looking for any new, changed, or unusual moles or spots on your skin.