THE ABCDs of skin lesions
Dermatologist uses a simple acronym for skin issues such as cancer. Obviously, a skin lesion that does not heal should be check. Moles or lesions that are changing need to be checked. Also, the following guide helps.
A=Asymmetry-look for asymmetry from one half to the other. In other words one half of the mole does not match the other half.
B= Borders-look for ragged, notched or blurred edges.
C=Color- lack of uniformity in the pigment. Shades of back, brown and tan are present. Splotches or red, white and blue add to the mottled look.
D=Diameter-anything over the size of a pencil eraser (6 mm) is considered abnormal skin growth. Any new growth of a mole should be of concern.
If you have moles or lesions on your back, have someone check them using the guide. Avoid excessive sun exposure and especially sunburns. You can get burned on cloudy days as well. Tanning beds also contribute to skin cancers.
Cancerous Skin Lesions:
Actinic keratosis-these are the pre-cancerous skin lesions. These are the scaly lesions on the face, back of the hands and arms. Sun screens can help prevent them.
Basal Cell Carcinoma-This skin usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule- most often on the head, neck and hands. Occasionally, these cancers may appear on the trunk of the body as red patches. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common skin cancers found in fair-skinned people. These tumors are slow spreading and it might take many months or years for one to grow to a diameter of one-half inch. Untreated, the cancer will begin to bleed, crust over, peel, and then the cycle repeats. This type of cancer rarely metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body), it can extend below the skin to the bone and cause considerable local damage.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma-This skin cancer may appeal as a bump, or as a red, scaly patch. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer found in fair-skinned persons. Typical locations include: rim of the ear, the face, the lips and mouth. This cancer can develop into large masses it can metastasize. Found early and treated by dermatologic surgery for both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma is 95 percent.
Malignant Melanoma-This is the most dangerous. It is projected that this most deadly of all skin cancers will develop on the skin of 44,000 Americans annually. Every year, an estimated 73,000 Americans will die from melanoma. 1 in 70 Caucasians may be at risk of developing melanoma in his or her lifetime. It is important to note that the death rate is at last declining because patients are seeking treatment earlier. Like all skin cancer, melanoma is almost always curable when detected in its early stages. Melanoma begins in melanocytes, which makes the skin tan, acting as partial protection against sun. Melanoma cells usually continue to produce melanin, which accounts for the cancers appearing in mixed shades of tan, brown and black. Melanoma can also be red or white. Melanoma tends to spread, making early recognition and treatment essential. Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning, but it may also begin in or near a mole, or another dark spot on the skin. It is important to know the location and appearance of the moles on your body. The most important step you can take to recognizing skin cancer is to have any changing mole examined by a dermatologist. Excessive sun exposure, particularly sunburn is the most important preventable cause of melanoma. Heredity also plays a part since a person has an increased chance of developing melanoma if a family member has had melanoma. Atypical moles, which may run in families, and a high number of moles, can serve as markers for people at higher risk for developing melanoma. Dark brown or black skin is not a guarantee against melanoma. Dark-skinned people can develop melanoma, especially on the palms of the hand, sole of the feel, under nails or in the mouth. Warning signs of melanoma include: changes in the surface of a mole, sealiness, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a new bump, spread of pigment from the border into surrounding skin and change in sensation including itchiness, tenderness or pain.
NUTRITION NEWS
- Men with low levels of testosterone are at increased risk for endothelia dysfunction which is an underlying cause of cardiovascular disease.
- Pomegranate may inhibit prostate cancer by inhibits angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels to support tumor growth. An ellagitannin rick pomegranate extract was used in the study.
- A Chinese/Eastern medicine herb called rhodiola shows promise for anti-aging.
- Fish oil, especially the EPA (eicosapenaenoic acid) part may prevent schizophrenia.
- Curcumin (spice) may prevent and reverse heart enlargement.
- Alpha and gamma tocopherol may reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome (increased waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, hypertension, elevated fasting blood sugar, low HDL).
- Soy isoflavones help inhibit bone resorption and increase bone formation, and improve bone mineral density according to a recent study.
- Zinc reduces diarrhea in children.
- Broccoli sprouts help prevent bladder cancer- darn, I'm not a fan of broccoli.
- DHEA sulfate may help improve cognitive ability.
- Exercise reduces fatigue among inactive adults.
- Green Tea extract increases fat burning and insulin sensitivity.
- Magnesium lessens stroke risks in male smokers.
- Vitamin D Deficiency is common even in sunny climates.
- Macular degeneration and cataracts may be preventable with supplementation of meso-zeaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
