Skin Cancer - Be Carefull

[koolmike]

All you sun lovers out there pay special attention to this article:


Basal Cell Carcinoma
THE MOST COMMON SKIN CANCER
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting approximately one million Americans each year. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. More than one out of every three new cancers are skin cancers, and the vast majority are basal cell carcinomas. These cancers arise in the basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the epidermis (top skin layer).

THE MAJOR CAUSE
Almost all basal cell carcinomas occur on parts of the body excessively exposed to the sun — especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. On rare occasions, however, tumors develop on unexposed areas. In a few cases, contact with arsenic, exposure to radiation, open sores that resist healing, chronic inflammatory skin conditions, and complications of burns, scars, infections, vaccinations, or even tattoos are contributing factors.

WHO GETS IT
Anyone with a history of sun exposure can develop basal cell carcinoma. However, people who are at highest risk have fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes. Those most often affected are older people, but as the number of new cases has increased sharply each year in the last few decades, the average age of patients at onset has steadily decreased. The disease is rarely seen in children, but occasionally a teenager is affected. Dermatologists report that more and more people in their twenties and thirties are being treated for this skin cancer. Men with basal cell carcinoma have outnumbered women with the disease, but more women are getting basal cell carcinomas than in the past. Workers in occupations that require long hours outdoors and people who spend their leisure time in the sun are particularly susceptible.



NOT TO BE IGNORED
Basal cell carcinomas are easily treated in their early stages. The larger the tumor has grown, however, the more extensive the treatment needed. Although this skin cancer seldom spreads, or metastasizes, to vital organs, it can damage surrounding tissue, sometimes causing considerable destruction and disfigurement — and some basal cell carcinomas are more aggressive than others.

When small skin cancers are removed, the scars are usually cosmetically acceptable. If the tumors are very large, a skin graft or flap may be used to repair the wound in order to achieve the best cosmetic result and facilitate healing.

RISK OF RECURRENCE
People who have had one basal cell carcinoma are at risk for developing others over the years, either in the same area or elsewhere on the body. Therefore, regular visits to a dermatologist should be routine so that not only the site(s) previously treated, but the entire skin surface can be examined.

Basal cell carcinomas on the scalp and nose are especially troublesome, with recurrences typically taking place within the first two years following surgery.

Should a cancer recur, the physician might recommend a different type of treatment. Some methods, such as Mohs micrographic surgery, may be highly effective for recurrences.

======================================================= ====

I recently went to the dermatologist (past 2 days) and had a small mole removed from my back that was a carcinoma. Thank God not a melanoma which is much more serious. Make sure you use sunscreen all the time. I didn't and look what happened. Now I gotta watch. I can still go out in the sun but now I HAVE TO use sunscreen...or else!

Doctor recommends Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 70 for everyone.
(anything over 50 is good)


Summer is here. Good Luck!

[BigFatOgre]

Thanks for the update. I never did like the sun.

[bitchslicer]

i live in England i don't think i need to worry

[koolmike]

i live in England i don't think i need to worry

You need something for rain and fog.

[bitchslicer]

:nod:

[steelba]

Will do doctor mike :starefreak:

[XArsenicx]

I'm not outside that much, but when I do go out I'm always wearing sun tan lotion so I think I'm good.

Most of my time is spent inside watching horror movies.

[BooBerry]

I've lived in one of the sunniest places ever for almost 20 years... and it's been summer here for a couple months now.

Your warning has come too late for me! :shakefist:

[Nightmares]

I always wears long sleeve shirts when outside.Sun beats down on my tatts,fades with time,especially black work.I get dark quick,which I hate,kind of loses the effect on my tatt work. :negative:

oh,and the cancer thing too :negative:

[jabbawockee]

Yeah faded tattoos are definitely no dice.


And Steelba why are you so pissed off all the time? The majority of your posts I see are pretty negative.

[UzumakiW]

Used to spend a lot of time in the sun. Got sun burnt bad a lot as a kid. Still tend to. Figure I'm close to being screwed anyway.

[Nightmares]

And Steelba why are you so pissed off all the time? The majority of your posts I see are pretty negative.


soadeto rage :starefreak:

[Sutter Kane]

And Steelba why are you so pissed off all the time? The majority of your posts I see are pretty negative.


Yeah Steelba WTF? :starefreak:


I'm Mexican and have an abundance of pigmentation.

Fuck Skin Cancer :smokin2:

[ReptilianPig]

It's good to know la raza in en la casa.

Most of my time is spent inside watching horror movies.It's the life to live.

And Steelba why are you so pissed off all the time? The majority of your posts I see are pretty negative. What's your damage, Stella?

I chose an early morning (2am-off) job for a reason. I don't do sun, hot-natured. I've been up during the daytime hours a lot recently and now my arms are all burnt sienna while the rest of my body is a nice shade o' pale. Frankenstein's monster, here.

At least I don't turn red and pink like some of you poor lil cancer-prone Caucasians out there.

I scrolled down for a list of symptoms or something. None. Tumors are a sure fire sign, right?

[Elduardo]

Tiz good advice, I've had pre-cancerous moles removed and have a family history of melanoma.

Whether you have the family history or not you should never allow yourself to get sunburned and should check your skin periodically for anything that looks abnormal.

[Necromancer]

I've always been extremely sensitive to sunlight, and have been taken to the hospital on several occasions in my youth because of extreme sunburn/ sunpoisoning. So I have ,and do monitor how much time I spend in the sun. I always keep myself covered most of the time ( hats, long sleeved shirts, and pants)

[XArsenicx]

Yeah faded tattoos are definitely no dice.


And Steelba why are you so pissed off all the time? The majority of your posts I see are pretty negative.

Not enough hugs as a child.

[Jason Duron]

Not enough hugs as a child.

Or too many hugs (from perhaps a creepy uncle or cousin)?

:shrugs:

[DMHead777]

Eh, I live in Chicago and so far this "summer" has been filled with rain and one week of 90+ degree weather. So, I think I am good.

[XArsenicx]

Or too many hugs (from perhaps a creepy uncle or cousin)?

:shrugs:

I guess that would do it too. :shrugs:

[koolmike]

Hug this :finger3:

BAck to the subject at hand.

[koolmike]

Skin Cancer: Saving Your Skin From Sun Damage

Why is the sun so bad for my skin?

The sun's rays, which are called ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays (UVA and UVB rays) damage your skin. This leads to early wrinkles, skin cancer and other skin problems.

Being in the sun often over time, even if you don't burn, can lead to skin cancer. A tan is the body's desperate attempt to protect itself from the sun's harmful rays.


Are tanning booths safer?
No. Tanning booths use ultraviolet rays. Makers of the booths may claim that they use "harmless" UVA rays. But both UVA and UVB rays cause skin damage. While UVA rays take longer than UVB rays to damage the skin, they go deeper into the skin than UVB rays.

Where is skin cancer most likely to occur?
Most skin cancers occur on parts of the body that are repeatedly exposed to the sun. These areas include the head, neck, face, tips of the ears, hands, forearms, shoulders, back, chests of men, and the back and lower legs of women.


What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
A number of things may put you at higher risk of having skin cancer some day:
•Having fair skin, red or blond hair
•Having light-colored eyes
•Sunburning easily
•Having many moles, freckles or birthmarks
•Working or playing outside
•Being in the sun a lot as a child
•Having had a serious sunburn
•Having family members with skin cancer
•Tanning in the sun or with a sunlamp


What does a normal mole look like?
A normal mole is solid tan, brown, dark brown or flesh colored. Its edges are well-defined. It's usually smaller than 1/4 inch in diameter and has a round or oval shape. It should be flat or dome-like.


How can I tell if my mole isn't normal?
The main thing to look for is any change in a mole that you have or the appearance of a new mole. Most normal moles appear by age 30. Any moles that appear after age 30 should be watched carefully and brought to the attention of your family doctor.


Signs of skin cancer ABCDE rule:

A for asymmetry: A mole that, when divided in half, doesn't look the same on both sides

B for border: A mole with edges that are blurry or jagged

C for color: Changes in the color of a mole, including darkening, spread of color, loss of color, or the appearance of multiple colors such as blue, red, white, pink, purple or gray

D for diameter: A mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter

E for elevation: A mole that is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface


Other signs include:

•A mole that bleeds
•A fast-growing mole
•A scaly or crusted growth on the skin
•A sore that won't heal
•A mole that itches


How can I prevent skin cancer?
The key is to avoid being in the sun or using sunlamps. If you're going to be in the sun for any length of time, wear clothes made from tight-woven cloth so the sun's rays can't get through to your skin, and stay in the shade when you can. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck and ears.

Remember that clouds and water won't protect you--60% to 80% of the sun's rays can get through clouds and can reach swimmers at least one foot below the surface of the water. The sun's rays can also reflect off of water, snow and white sand.


Tips on preventing skin cancer
•Avoid the sun, especially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest.
•Don't use tanning booths or sunlamps.
•Wear protective clothing and hats.
•Check your skin yourself every month for signs of skin cancer.
•If you see an area on your skin that looks unusual, ask your family doctor about it.


Should I use sunscreen?
If you can't protect yourself by staying out of the sun or wearing the right kind of clothing, use sunscreen to help protect you. But don't think that you're completely safe from the sun just because you're wearing sunscreen.


How should sunscreen be used?
Use sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Put the sunscreen everywhere the sun's rays might touch you, including your ears, the back of your neck and bald areas of your scalp. Put more on every hour if you're sweating or swimming.


What's the best way to do a skin self-examination?
The best way is to use a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror to check every inch of your skin.


1. First, you need to learn where your birthmarks, moles and blemishes are and what they usually look like. Check for anything new, such as a change in the size, texture or color of a mole, or a sore that doesn't heal.


2. Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise your arms and look at the left and right sides.


3. Bend your elbows and look carefully at your palms and forearms, including the undersides, and your upper arms.


4. Check the back and front of your legs.


5. Look between your buttocks and around your genital area.


6. Sit and closely examine your feet, including the bottoms of your feet and the spaces between your toes.


7. Look at your face, neck and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move hair so that you can see better.

By checking yourself regularly, you'll get familiar with what's normal for you. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor. The earlier skin cancer is found, the better.

source: familydoctor.com

[XArsenicx]

O_O"

[steelba]

so pissed off all the time? The majority of your posts I see are pretty negative.
mind your F'n business bitchmade :stare:


Yeah Steelba WTF? :starefreak:

:shifty:


What's your damage, Steel?

Are you even still here I thought you loved BD and every other site so much you were leaving :starefreak:

Not enough hugs as a child.
:mhehe: .... :starefreak:

[XArsenicx]

It's okay Steelba, we're here for you. :itsok:

:starefreak:

[steelba]

It's okay Steelba, we're here for you. :itsok:

:starefreak:
I thought n00bz were only here to talk about crappy horror flicks they think are good :stare:

[XArsenicx]

I thought n00bz were only here to talk about crappy horror flicks they think are good :stare:

:lol2:

Nope, surprisingly I'm a little more useful :D

[Grendel]

A buddy of mine (now about 45) was raised and lived in Florida for most of his life. Has had skin cancer issues for years. Last year he had some tests come back positive for basal cell and ended up getting two holes carved into (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_surgery) his upper forehead and scalp, one the size of a silver dollar, the other a tennis ball.

Not leaving sunscreen at home anymore, that's for sure...

[HEKTIK15]

Hmmmm , so freckles into scabs is a bad thing

[H78]

This thread :lol2:

[AndyP]

So let me see if I understand this. If I go into the sun without protection, then I'll get skin cancer. If I lather up with sun screen every time than I'll get a vitamin D deficiency. The odds are more on my side when it comes to cancer, so I'll take my chances. Besides if you avoid everything that can give you cancer, than you'd just be living in a shack in the woods.

[koolmike]

So let me see if I understand this. If I go into the sun without protection, then I'll get skin cancer. If I lather up with sun screen every time than I'll get a vitamin D deficiency. The odds are more on my side when it comes to cancer, so I'll take my chances. Besides if you avoid everything that can give you cancer, than you'd just be living in a shack in the woods.

Better off not getting cancer.

[Grendel]

This thread :lol2:Not funny if you're on the receiving end:

http://zhurnaly.com/images/MohsSurgeryWound.jpg

http://facialplasticsurgery.wustl.edu/fpp/plastic.nsf/WV/622AAB393144662A86256F8F007A42B8?OpenDocument

http://www.cullmandermatology.com/MOHS-Surgery.html

[woodenheart]

Fuck the sun, gimme rainy gloomy days and a computer full of horror movies, I am happy...yes I am a miserable fuck..I hate summer.

[Nightmares]

Fuck the sun, gimme rainy gloomy days and a computer full of horror movies, I am happy...yes I am a miserable fuck..I hate summer.

:starefreak:

[koolmike]

This thread :lol2:

Don't see what's so funny. I guess in a child's mind this thread could be funny :dsp:

[koolmike]

Not funny if you're on the receiving end:

http://zhurnaly.com/images/MohsSurgeryWound.jpg

http://facialplasticsurgery.wustl.edu/fpp/plastic.nsf/WV/622AAB393144662A86256F8F007A42B8?OpenDocument

http://www.cullmandermatology.com/MOHS-Surgery.html

Exactly.

[Sutter Kane]

Fuck the sun, gimme rainy gloomy days and a computer full of horror movies, I am happy...yes I am a miserable fuck..I hate summer.

I bet your only happy when it rains, when its complicated and when the news is bad. :metalbang:

[H78]

Not funny if you're on the receiving end:

http://zhurnaly.com/images/MohsSurgeryWound.jpg

http://facialplasticsurgery.wustl.edu/fpp/plastic.nsf/WV/622AAB393144662A86256F8F007A42B8?OpenDocument

http://www.cullmandermatology.com/MOHS-Surgery.html

Whoa!! In that case, skin cancer is NOT funny!

You guys totally missed the point. Thanks for the serious tone though. :lol:

[Cobretti]

Not funny if you're on the receiving end:

http://zhurnaly.com/images/MohsSurgeryWound.jpg


He looks rather jolly for someone with a huge friggin' hole in their head. :stare:

[Sutter Kane]

I guess what we've learned from this thread is:

Skin Cancer: Serious and not funny

Dead Michael Jackson jokes: Seriously funny

:dunno:

[koolmike]

Also that skin cancer can happen to anyone who isn't careful.

[H78]

Also that skin cancer can happen to anyone who isn't careful.

That's what my :lol2: was about earlier.

If people aren't careful, they can get skin cancer?!

http://www.adirondackmachines.com/ist2_849392_police_siren.jpg

I'm going to start a thread reminding people to check both ways before they cross the street.

(Before you get all frazzled, I'm just bustin' your balls K :D)

[Elduardo]

Probably one of those things where many people aren't aware of the dangers of it and what to look for and it's highly treatable if noticed early.


But I guess posting anything in general chatter here has a low probabilty of being taken seriously.

[koolmike]

That's what my :lol2: was about earlier.

If people aren't careful, they can get skin cancer?!

http://www.adirondackmachines.com/ist2_849392_police_siren.jpg



:dsp:

Well I guess we all aren't as smart as you.

[koolmike]

Probably one of those things where many people aren't aware of the dangers of it and what to look for and it's highly treatable if noticed early.


H78 doesn't seem to understand this.

[WarBeast]

Being the fishbelly-white, shaven-headed, nocturnal type of Beast that I am, I tend to tread warily in the sun... If I'm gonna be out in sunlight for any real length of time, I have my skully on and some sort of long-sleeve shirt. I tend to sunburn to the point of blisters, so I'm not big on swimming in outdoor pools or sunbathing.
I work indoors and I tend to spend a majority of my leisure time indoors.

Basically, I just agree with Woodenheart on this... Fuck the Sun...

[Elduardo]

H78 doesn't seem to understand this.

No suprise, some things never change.

[H78]

H78 doesn't seem to understand this.


No suprise, some things never change.

You two. :lol:

http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ZqnB5OP0tG3x1M:http://www.sprezzatura.me.uk/images/20061010203541_pals.jpg