Like all other
forms of cancer, skin cancer is a disease of
the cells. Cells are tiny structurs that make
up all parts of the human body. Healthy cells
normally reproduce in a controlled and
orderly pattern by dividing one cell in two,
two into four, four into eight and so on.
When cell division is not orderly, abnormal
growths occur. Called tumors, these growths
can be either being or malignant.
Benign tumors
usually remain localized that means, they do
not spread. Usually, benign tumors remain
relatively mild and do not threaten ones
life.
Malignant
tumors, on the other hand become
progressively worse if not treated promptly.
they may spread from their original site or
they may enlarge greatly and affect other
parts of the body. Once a cancer has spread
or becomes greatly enlarged, the chance of a
total cure is significantly reduced. Thats
why early detection is so very important.
Skin cancer
has a rare, aggressive form called malignant
melanoma. However, most cases of skin cacer
rarely spread and are classified as one of
two types :
- Basal
cell carcinoma
- Squamous
cell carcinoma
Approximately
90 percent of all basal cell and squamous
cell cases occur on the face, especially
areas heavily exposed to the sun such as the
nose, ears, temples, cheeks and lips. Most
often these cases are diagnosed and treated
in the same way. Usually these forms of
cancer are not life-threatening ; but if left
untreated, they can cause permanent, physical
damage.