Skin Cancer Reconstruction: What You Need To Know
One of the most common types of cancer in the United States is skin cancer
. In fact, more than 500,000 cases are reported every year. The various types of skin cancer can be found virtually anywhere on the body in areas generally exposed to the sun. The cancer can arise on the hand, arms, and legs but the majority of the cases are on the face, head and neck. Skin cancer can be treatable but the removal of the cancer can leave the affected area disfigured. With proper planning and advice, various methods of removing the cancer with a planned reconstruction can minimize the scar which results from any surgery. Various techniques include simple excision, rotation flaps whereby neighboring skin is moved into the area where the cancer was removed, and other more technical operations can substantially hide the scars which would naturally result from surgery.
Who Gets Skin Cancer?
Virtually anyone is capable of getting skin cancer although of course there are risk factors associated with the condition. Excessive exposure to the sun ultraviolet rays from either tanning or simply working outside with skin exposed can lead to the skin damage which ultimately results in the formation of skin cancer. Light skinned, light eyed people absolutely have more risk than darker skinned individuals given the same amounts of exposure. Living in different parts of the country can increase or decrease your risk since those living in cold climates will more often be clothed and covered, as opposed to those who live in sunny, warm climates where the skin is exposed and outdoor activities are more common. Certain patients have a genetic risk of getting skin cancer whereas in others it simply occurs randomly. The very strong research which proves sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer validates the needs to use sun protection factor (sunscreens) when exposed to sun.
Types of Skin Cancer
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCCA). This type of cancer generally grows fairly slowly and does not tend to spread far, but can ulcerate, invade and erode the local skin. Though not life-threatening in itself, especially if found early, if may be dangerous if it spreads deeply into the skin towards bones and tissues. A small basal cell cancer near the eyelid, for example, may not seem too serious to the person, but the removal of it can greatly affect the eyelid itself since non-cancerous skin has to be removed around the cancerous area. Therefore, all skin cancers must be given attention despite the fact that some are more dangerous than others.
The second most commonly type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Squamous cell carcinoma generally appears on the face, lips and ears, but again can arise anywhere. SCCA is capable of becoming quite dangerous if not treated and not only can it spread deeper than BCCA, but can easily spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant melanoma is the third type of skin cancer, less common, but potentially deadly. Unfortunately, this type of cancer is increasing in incidence especially among young adults. If caught in the early stages this cancer is treatable. However it can quickly spread through the body.
How to Improve the Appearance of Skin after Removal
The best appearance of a wound can be obtained by having a skilled surgeon remove the cancer in a certain geometric manner to provide the best scar, rather than trying to improve a scar already present. Placing incisions in natural skin creases and folds helps to hide scars as well. There are not many methods other than surgery which improves scars. There are many products which claim to reduce the thickness or size of scars, but the exact mechanism of action is unclear and varies by patient. Silicone sheeting and certain creams are available which are applied topically over many months which can result in marginally better scar appearance. Laser surgery to lighten scars can also be used to improve the appearance of scars as well.
by: Carl Mazzara
The Details About The Colorectal Cancer Is There A Cure For Skin Cancer? How To Prevent Cancer From Spreading Could Turmeric Powder Be The Cure To Cancer? Looking Into Dark Circles Treatments Which Will Be Effective Brachytherapy India: Will It Be A Standard For Cervical Cancer? The Best Options For Whitening The Treatments Breast Cancerstart From Neglect What The Causes Of Breast Cancer ? The Effective Knowledge Of Breast Cancer Stage 4 Cancer Everything You Need To Know About Cancer Treatment Plan Stomach Cancer Prevention