Delete Skin_cancer_harvard.txt

Skin_cancer_harvard.txt

@@ -1,203 +0,0 @@
-Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. 
-An estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. 
-The single most important thing you can do to protect your skin is to reduce sun exposure.
-Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays from repeated sun exposure and sunburns. 
-Exposure to UV radiation from tanning beds and sun lamps can also increase skin cancer risk.
-The two most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). They are slow-growing and seldom spread to other parts of the body. Both can be treated, but they can be disfiguring.
-Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer. Though less common — accounting for about 1% of skin cancers — melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is fast-growing and more likely to spread than BCC and SCC.
-Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, such as the scalp, face, ears, neck, lips, chest, arms, hands, and legs. But it also can form in other areas like the palms, beneath the fingernails and toenails, and genitals.
-Besides overexposure to UV rays, other factors that increase one's risk for skin cancer include having:
-* fair skin
-* blond or red hair
-* blue, green, or gray eyes
-* skin that burns easily
-* a family history of skin cancer
-* a tendency to develop moles or abnormal appearing or large moles
-* previous bad sunburns
-* older age.
-The best way to lower your risk for skin cancer is to protect your skin from UV light. 
-Use sunscreen on exposed skin whenever outside, and wear protective clothing including wraparound sunglasses and a wide-brim hat.
-Skin cancers commonly appear on the most sun-exposed areas of the body, like the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands. 
-They can also develop in scars, skin sores, or rashes elsewhere on the body. Here is what common skin cancers look like.
-Basal cell carcinoma (BCC).BCCs usually appear as tiny, painless bumps with a pink, pearly surface. 
-As it slowly grows, the center of the bump may become sore and develop into a crater that bleeds, crusts, or forms a scab. 
-Although it is commonly located on the face, basal cell cancer can develop on the ears, back, and neck.
-Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCCs usually begin as a small, red, painless lump or skin patch that slowly grows and may develop into a non-healing sore. It usually occurs on the head, ears, and hands.
-Melanoma is usually visible as a single dark skin spot. It may appear anywhere on the body, but it most commonly develops on the back, chest, and legs. 
-Most of the time, melanoma develops on normal-looking skin, but it can grow out of an existing mole. Following the ABCDE guideline is a good way to recognize the warning signs for possible melanoma.
-* A: Asymmetry: One half of a mole or spot does not match the other.
-* B: Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
-* C: Color: The pigmentation is not uniform; the coloring may include shades of tan, brown, or black; dashes of red, white, or blue can add to the mottled appearance.
-* D: Diameter: A mole or spot is greater than 1/4 inch in diameter, or about the width of a pencil eraser. However, melanomas can be smaller.
-* E: Evolving: A mole or spot looks different from others and/or changes size, shape, or color; or begins to itch, hurt, or bleed. A mole that bleeds, feels numb, or has a crusty surface also may indicate a melanoma.
-The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). 
-Less common are melanoma and the even more rare Merkel cell carcinoma, the two leading causes of death from skin cancer.
-Most skin cancers start in the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis. The main difference between skin cancers is the type of cell from which each originates.
-Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of cases. It starts in basal cells located deep in the epidermis. BCCs tend to grow slowly, and it's rare for a BCC to spread to other parts of the body. But if left untreated, BCCs can grow into nearby areas, deep into the skin, and destroy bone and tissue. If not fully eradicated during treatment, BCCs can return to the same place. People with BCCs are also more likely to get new ones elsewhere.
-Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). About 20% of skin cancers are SCCs. They begin in the squamous cells in the middle and outer parts of the epidermis. SCCs sometimes develop from a precancerous skin growth called an actinic keratosis, a rough, scaly patch on the skin that usually affects older adults after years of sun exposure. SCCs also are slow-growing, although they are more likely than BCCs to grow into deeper layers of the skin and spread to other parts of the body.
-Melanoma. This type of skin cancer forms from melanocytes, skin cells in the bottom layer of the epidermis. Melanoma only makes up about 1% of skin cancers, but it's the deadliest because affected melanocytes can multiply and spread quickly.
-Merkel cell carcinoma. This skin cancer is 40 times more rare than melanoma and forms from Merkel cells found in the layer of basal cells. It also tends to grow and spread quickly and is the second most common cause of skin cancer death after melanoma. 
-Melanoma (also known as malignant melanoma) is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It occurs when melanocytes (the cells that give skin its color) begin to reproduce uncontrollably. Melanoma can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body.
-Melanoma is usually visible as a single dark skin spot, often larger than 6 millimeters (mm) in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser) but sometimes smaller. Melanoma can form from an existing mole, or develop on normal-looking skin. Certain features of moles can raise the risk of melanoma, such as:
-* a new mole appearing after age 30
-* a new mole at any age, if it is in an area rarely exposed to the sun
-* a change in an existing mole
-* one or more atypical moles — moles that resemble a fried egg, are darker than others, or have an irregular shape
-* twenty or more moles on the body larger than 2 mm across
-* five or more moles each larger than 5 mm across.
-The most common sites for melanoma are the face (especially in older people), upper trunk (primarily in men), and legs (mostly in women). 
-Melanoma can also appear on other parts of the body, such as under fingernails or toenails, the genitals, and inside the eye.
-Melanoma is often easy to spot early. Regularly check your skin to look for new moles and for changes in existing ones.
-People at increased risk for melanoma need regular checkups from their doctor or dermatologist. Because some melanomas can arise from existing moles, a doctor or dermatologist may remove atypical moles, as they may be more likely to become cancerous.
-Determining whether a mole or other spot is melanoma usually involves removing a small piece and some of the surrounding tissue and examining it for cancer.
-There are five stages of melanoma, zero to four, with each stage defined by the melanoma's thickness, how deeply it has penetrated the skin, and whether it has spread. The higher the number, the more extensive the disease and, generally, the worse the prognosis.
-Tumors on the skin's surface can usually be cured, but deeper cancers are more difficult and sometimes impossible to treat.
-If treatment begins when the tumor is less than 0.75 mm deep, the chance of a cure is excellent. More than 95% of people with small melanomas are cancer-free as long as eight years later. However, for deeper melanomas the survival rate is poor.
-To help prevent skin cancer, follow standard sun protection guidelines. For example:
-The mantra for sunscreen is to use it early and often. Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before heading outside, then reapply every two hours. Use at least two tablespoons to cover exposed areas of the face and body, with a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone. And don't forget the ears, the tops of the feet, and the backs of the legs.
-When choosing a sunscreen, focus on broad-spectrum coverage, SPF number, and water resistance.
-Broad-spectrum coverage. This means the sunscreen protects against UVB sun rays — the leading cause of sunburns — and UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to skin aging and wrinkles. Both types of UV rays can damage DNA, raising the risk of skin cancer. Other terms you might see on labels that mean the same thing are "multi-spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection."
-This stands for sun protection factor. The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection. For instance, SPF 30 blocks 97% of the UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks 98%. Anything higher than 70 SPF does not provide much extra protection. Stick with sunscreen with a 30 to 50 SPF.
-No sunscreen is waterproof, but water-resistant sunscreen withstands water and sweat for a limited time. It's best to reapply sunscreen after getting out of the water or if you've been sweating a lot.
-Wear a hat with at least a four-inch brim all around and sunglasses that block sunlight from the sides. As for clothing, opt for synthetic fibers such as polyester, Lycra, nylon, and acrylic. These have elastic threads that pull the fibers close together, which reduces the spaces between them and thus blocks more of the sun's UV rays. Color matters, too. Darker colors are better at protecting the skin against  UV rays than lighter colors.
-Some clothing brands offer specially designed sun protection clothing, which is marked with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) label and number. The number indicates what fraction of the sun's UV rays can penetrate the fabric and reach your skin. For example, a shirt with a UPF of 50 allows only one-fiftieth of the sun's rays through, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
-Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is at its peak.
-Get a professional skin check from a dermatologist every one to two years. Those with previous skin cancer or strong family history should be checked more often. Also, keep an eye on your skin. Routinely check your body in the mirror for unusual spots, growths, or suspicious moles. Ask your spouse, partner, or a family member to look at your back and other areas you can't see, like the scalp and the backs of the thighs and ears. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you notice any suspicious spots, growths, or moles that get larger, become darker, or change shape.
-Many skin cancers are treatable if caught early. Your dermatologist may recommend various treatments depending on the type of skin cancer, its size and location, how far it has spread, and whether a treated skin cancer has returned.
-Surgery is the initial treatment for melanoma that appears in just one spot. The doctor removes the visible tumor, along with 0.5 to 2 centimeters of healthy skin around the tumor, depending on its size.
-In some cases, the doctor may perform Mohs surgery, a specialized procedure in which the tumor is shaved away one thin layer at a time and examined under the microscope. If any cancer cells remain, another layer of tissue is removed, and the process is repeated until no cancer cells appear in the removed sample. This technique helps the doctor remove as little healthy skin as possible.
-If the melanoma is more than 1 millimeter deep, your doctor must determine if it has spread to nearby lymph nodes. If cancer is found, most often all of the lymph nodes in the area will be removed. However, it has not been absolutely proven that removing all lymph nodes improves the chances of survival. When a cancer has spread to only one or two other sites, surgical removal can improve survival.
-Additional therapies can often help people with thicker tumors that have grown deep into the skin, spread to other areas of the body, or both. Most often, patients are treated with immunotherapy and/or drugs designed to block major pathways that allow cancers to grow. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are less effective, but can be used when other treatments stop working.
-Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. BCCs and SCCs share similar treatments. These include:
-* cutting away the cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. A skin graft may be necessary if a large area of skin is removed.
-* scraping away the cancer with a surgical tool then using an electric probe to kill any remaining cancer cells
-* freezing cancer cells with liquid nitrogen
-* destroying the tumor with radiation
-* Mohs surgery
-* applying drugs directly to the skin or injecting them into the tumor
-* using a narrow laser beam to destroy the cancer.
-Skin cancer is cancer that starts as a growth of cells on the skin.
-The cells can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. Sometimes the cells break away and spread to other parts of the body.
-Many kinds of skin cancer exist. 
-The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. while these are the most common, they often can be cured. 
-The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma. 
-It is more likely to spread, making it harder to cure.
-Most skin cancers happen on skin that gets a lot of sunlight. 
-The light that comes from the sun is thought to cause most skin cancers. 
-You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by covering your skin with clothes or sunscreen to protect it from the sun.
-Some skin cancers happen on skin that doesn't typically get sun. 
-This likely means that something else is causing these cancers.
-To reduce your risk of these kinds of skin cancers, check your skin regularly for any changes. 
-Report these changes to your healthcare professional.
-Signs and symptoms of skin cancer include: A new growth on the skin that might look like a mole, a bump or a scab, A rough patch on the skin, A sore on the skin that won't heal, Changes to a mole or freckle, such as getting bigger or changing color, Itchy skin around a skin growth, Pain around a skin growth.
-Make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional if you notice any changes to your skin that worry you.
-Most skin cancers happen on parts of the body that get a lot of sun. 
-This includes the scalp, face, lips and ears. 
-Other parts of the body that might get sun include the arms, backs of the hands, back and legs.
-Skin cancer also can happen on skin that typically doesn't get sun. 
-This includes the palms of the hands, the genitals, and under the fingernails and toenails. 
-When skin cancer happens in people with Black or brown skin, it tends to happen in these places that don't typically get sun.
-Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to light from the sun. 
-
-
-The light that comes from the sun is a kind of ultraviolet light. 
-That kind of light also can come from tanning beds and tanning lamps. 
-Ultraviolet light contains radiation that changes the DNA inside skin cells and leads to skin cancer.
-Not all skin cancers happen on skin that typically gets a lot of sun. 
-
-
-This means something else also causes skin cancer. It's not always clear what causes skin cancer. 
-
-
-But healthcare professionals have found some things that increase the risk. 
-
-
-These include having a weakened immune system and having a family history of skin cancer.
-
-
-Skin cancer starts when skin cells develop changes in their DNA. 
-
-
-A cell's DNA holds the instructions that tell the cell what to do. 
-In healthy cells, the DNA tells the cells to grow and multiply at a set rate. 
-
-
-The DNA also tells the cells to die at a set time.
-In cancer cells, the DNA changes give different instructions.
-It can be difficult to learn that you have skin cancer. You may feel frustrated, confused and/or angry. You could be facing decisions that feel overwhelming. You might be wondering what to do next.
-The good news is that you are not alone. Skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer; millions of people have battled it. And so can you. Your diagnosis is simply the first step.
-You may find peace of mind by focusing on the beneficial things you can do to be in the best position to fight skin cancer. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
-Being well-informed about your skin cancer and the options you have to fight it can be empowering. We encourage you to be proactive by educating yourself, advocating for yourself and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation to prevent future skin cancers. Above all, remember that a healthy lifestyle and good health care go hand in hand.
-* Contact health care providers, including your primary care physician, specialists, your dentist and pharmacist to inform them of your diagnosis and treatments. This helps providers make informed decisions for your ongoing care.
-* Ask questions. When speaking to your doctors, take notes and make sure that you fully understand your treatment options. Ask about surgery, whether you will need a plastic surgeon, treatment side effects and what to expect during recovery. Check our Do’s and Don’ts for Skin Cancer Patients for more helpful tips.
-* Find the support you need to cope. We hope you will discuss nutrition, exercise, relaxation or stress-relieving activities, sleep needs and more with your health care team. Reach out to skin cancer communities online for peer support. Check our support resources page for a list of organizations that may be able to help.
-* Take a deep breath. You’re stronger than you think, and you will get through this. See below for advice from people who have battled skin cancer and want to support you.
-Thanks to increased public awareness and advances in early detection, skin cancers today are often diagnosed and treated in the early stage. Still, any type of skin cancer, whether common or rare, can grow, spread and become dangerous or even life-threatening.
-If you are diagnosed with any form of skin cancer that becomes advanced, whether it’s a BCC, SCC, melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma, you should always ask your dermatologist if you need to see a medical oncologist. Advanced skin cancers often require a multidisciplinary health care team.
-Check the links below for more information and resources for patients with advanced skin cancers.
-A skin cancer diagnosis can be physically, emotionally and financially challenging. You’re not alone. Our Robins Nest program provides you with a carefully curated list of organizations that offer assistance with insurance, health care costs, transportation, coping support and other issues that arise with a skin cancer diagnosis.
-It’s important to see a doctor if you have any lumps, bumps, spots, sores, or other marks on your skin that are new or changing, or that worry you for any other reason. 
-Skin cancer may not show clear physical signs at first, which can delay detection. However, some types may cause sensations like itching, tenderness, pain or a burning feeling. You might notice a spot that bleeds, crusts or doesn’t heal. Basal cell carcinoma can feel like a pearly bump or sore, while squamous cell carcinoma may be rough or scaly. Melanoma usually isn’t painful but may itch or bleed as it progresses. Since many skin cancers don’t feel different, it’s important to watch for visual changes like new or changing moles.
-Squamous cell carcinoma also tends to develop in areas of high sun exposure. In some cases, squamous cell carcinoma can affect areas that are not exposed to sunlight. 
-Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body and may develop out of existing moles. In people with darker skin tones, melanoma tends to occur on the palms or soles of the feet. 
-1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
-More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
-Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
-When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.
-* The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an affiliate of the World Health Organization, includes ultraviolet (UV) tanning devices in its Group 1, a list of agents that are cancer-causing to humans. Group 1 also includes agents such as plutonium, cigarettes and solar UV radiation.19
-* Ultraviolet (UV) tanning devices were reclassified by the FDA from Class I (low risk) to Class II (moderate to high risk) devices as of September 2, 2014.20
-* Indoor tanning devices can emit UV radiation in amounts 10 to 15 times higher than the sun at its peak intensity.41
-* Twenty states plus the District of Columbia prohibit people younger than 18 from using indoor tanning devices: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. Oregon and Washington prohibit those under age 18 from using indoor tanning devices unless a prescription is provided.21
-* Australia, Brazil and Iran have banned indoor tanning altogether.22
-* The cost of direct medical care for skin cancer cases attributable to indoor tanning is $343.1 million annually in the U.S.23
-Acne is a very common skin condition that causes pimples. 
-
-
-You’ll usually get pimples on your face. 
-
-
-Clogged pores cause acne. 
-
-
-Teenagers and young adults most often get acne, but it can also occur during adulthood for many people. 
-
-
-Treatment is available to clear acne from your skin and prevent scarring.
-
-
-Acne is a common skin condition where the pores of your skin clog.
-
-
-Pore blockages produce blackheads, whiteheads and other types of pimples. 
-
-
-Pimples are pus-filled, sometimes painful, bumps on your skin.
-The medical term for acne is acne vulgaris.
-Cystic acne: Cystic acne causes deep, pus-filled pimples and nodules. These can cause scars.
-Fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis): Fungal acne occurs when yeast builds up in your hair follicles. These can be itchy and inflamed.
-Hormonal acne: Hormonal acne affects adults who have an overproduction of sebum that clogs their pores.
-Nodular acne: Nodular acne is a severe form of acne that causes pimples on the surface of your skin, and tender, nodular lumps under your skin.
-All of these forms of acne can affect your self-esteem, and both cystic and nodular acne can lead to permanent skin damage in the form of scarring. 
-It’s best to seek help from a healthcare provider early so they can determine the best treatment option(s) for you.
-Acne usually affects everyone at some point in their lifetime. 
-It’s most common among teenagers and young adults undergoing hormonal changes, but acne can also occur during adulthood. 
-Adult acne is more common among women.
-You may be more at risk of developing acne if you have a family history of acne (genetics).
-The most common places where you might have acne are on your: Face, Forehead, Chest, Shoulders, Upper back.
-Oil glands exist all over your body. The common locations of acne are where oil glands exist the most.
-There are several ways to treat acne. 
-Each type of treatment varies based on your age, the type of acne you have and the severity. 
-A healthcare provider might recommend taking oral medications, using topical medications or using medicated therapies to treat your skin. 
-The goal of acne treatment is to stop new pimples from forming and to heal the existing blemishes on your skin.
-Your healthcare provider may recommend using a topical acne medication to treat your skin. 
-You can rub these medications directly onto your skin as you would a lotion or a moisturizer. 
-These could include products that contain one of the following ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid, Azelaic acid, Retinoids, Antibiotic, Dapsone. 
-You can’t completely prevent acne, especially during hormone changes, but you can reduce your risk of developing acne by: Washing your face daily with warm water and a facial cleanser, Using an oil-free moisturizer, Wearing “noncomedogenic” makeup products and removing makeup at the end of each day, Keeping your hands away from your face.
-Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. The exact causes of eczema remain a mystery to experts, but it is generally believed to be a combination of genetic and external environmental factors.
-What is known is, kids typically develop eczema early on in childhood, but teens hitting puberty can develop it too. Usually teens with allergies or asthma develop this scaly, itchy, red rash. Temperature changes, stress, fragrances and overly hot water can make it worse.
-Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp.
-Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure. It can be painful, interfere with sleep and make it hard to concentrate. The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while. Common triggers in people with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis include infections, cuts or burns, and certain medications.
-Treatments are available to help you manage symptoms. And you can try lifestyle habits and coping strategies to help you live better with psoriasis.
-​​Some patients have a related condition called psoriatic arthritis, which can be characterized by stiff, swollen, or painful joints; neck or back pain; or Achilles heel pain. If you have symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, it is important to see your doctor soon because untreated psoriatic arthritis can lead to irreversible damage.
-The symptoms of psoriasis can come and go. You may find that there are times when your symptoms get worse, called flares, followed by times when you feel better.
-Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, which means that your body’s immune system starts overacting and causing problems. If you have psoriasis, immune cells become active and produce molecules that set off the rapid production of skin cells. This is why skin in people with the disease is inflamed and scaly. Scientists do not fully understand what triggers the faulty immune cell activation, but they know that it involves a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Many people with psoriasis have a family history of the disease, and researchers have pinpointed some of the genes that may contribute to its development. Many of them play a role in the function of the immune system.