Question 1

coler of skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Color and cancer: Caucasians are the primary victims of skin cancer. However, everyone, regardless of skin color, can fall prey to it. Unfortunately, many patients and even some physicians are under the impression that non-caucasian people are immune to this disease. That is one reason people of color are diagnosed with skin cancer at later stages. These delays mean that skin cancers are often advanced and fatal.

Question 2

what causes skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Sun damage, Genetics: There can be a family component to many cancers including skin cancers. This should not be taken lightly. Sun exposure is another large risk factor for skin cancer. The two together can be very dangerous. If you have a strong family history, lots of sun exposure, or any enlarging skin lesions, be evaluated by your local doctor and/or dermatologist.

Question 3

is skin cancer hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Can be: There can be a family component to many cancers including skin cancers.  This  should not be taken lightly.  Sun exposure is another large risk factor for skin cancer. The two together can be very dangerous. If you have a strong family history, lots of sun exposure, or any enlarging skin lesions, be evaluated by your local doctor and/or dermatologist.

Question 4

how does skin cancer grow?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Skin cancer grows both sideways and. In depth. There are different kinds of skin cancers which have different patterns of growth. Basal cell carcinoma erodes the skin but rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma spreads locally but can also spread through lymph or blood vessels or even along nerve fibers. Melanoma, can spread locally and by blood, nerve amd lymph.

Question 5

how do you get skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Photodamage: Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the two most common skin cancers.  They develop due to excessive sun exposure.  In people who are otherwise healthy, these tumors do not metastasize but cause destruction by direct extension.  The 3rd most common skin cancer is malignant melanoma, fatal if metastasized.  Although some cases of melanoma are hereditary, most are also due to sun exposure.

Question 6

how does skin cancer begin?

Accepted Answer

Sun damage: With rare exception, most skin cancers are caused by sun damage.   Any new skin bump which is new, enlarging, and changing is concerning.  The older you are, and the more sun exposure you have had, the higher the risk of skin cancer.  Melanomas risk is remembered as abcd: asymmetry, irregular borders, irregular coloration, diameter >6mm.  If in doubt, have it check out by your doctor.

Question 7

how do you treat skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Skin cancers is usually treated by surgical excision. This allows you to assess that the margins are clear and will allow you to stage the tumor appropriately. Occasionally, in poor surgical candidates, non-surgical modalities may be employed.

Question 8

how can skin cancer be treated?

Accepted Answer

Usually surgery: Most skin cancers are treated initially with surgical excision. In some cases, depending on the type of tumor, other modalities may be employed. These include radiation, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, and others.

Question 9

can skin cancer be transmitted?

Accepted Answer

No: Like other cancers, skin cancers are not transmissible.  A reasonably healthy person can't get cancer from anyone else.

Question 10

skin cancer types, what are they?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer : The most common skin cancers are basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma respectively.

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