Skin Cancer

Tyler Lamb

Intro.

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually.

Causes

• Skin cancer is caused by UV rays emitted from the sun. These rays can be found in tanning beds as well. Staying in UV rays too long is dangerous and can lead to developing skin cancer.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers include: • Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV)

radiation • Fair complexion • Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic

compounds, or radium • Family History • Multiple or atypical moles • Severe sunburns as a child

Facts

• It is not communicable so it doesn’t spread to other people• The term "skin cancer" refers to three different conditions. In

order of least to most dangerous they are: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma

• It can be terminal

Signs and Symptoms

• The most common sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a growth or a sore.

• Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule

Prevention

• Don't use tanning beds.• Use sunscreen.• Avoid all other UV ray emitting objects.

Treatment

Methods used to treat basal cell carcinomas include: Curettage and desiccation, Surgical excision, Radiation therapy, Cryosurgery, and Mohs micrographic surgery.