Skin cancer is a type of cancer that affects tissues of the skin. Squamous cell or basal cell cancer usually develops in skin cells that are not responsible for skin pigmentation. Both types of cancer are affected by the skin that has been subjected to ultraviolet radiation mostly from the sun and tanning bed. It helps to go for bulk billing skin clinic Gold Coast for pension, concession and DVA card holders and children under 16 at Coolangatta Medical Centre. The most affected parts include the face, hands, neck, arms, and legs.
Another reason why you should consider going for bulk billing skin clinic Gold Coast for pension, concession and DVA card holders and children under 16 at Coolangatta Medical Centre is because skin cancers have become quite common compared to other cancers. And their incidence continues to rise faster each day. There are several tests and procedures that can be used to detect and diagnose skin cancer. However, there are also numerous factors that can impact prognosis and treatment options.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease. It is also important to note that having a risk factor doesn’t necessarily mean you will get cancer neither does not having a risk factor exclude you from getting cancer. The following are some of the risk factors for both squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma:
- Exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight for a long period
- Fair skin complexion which entails
- Light-colored eyes such as blue or green
- Blond or red hair
- History of sunburns
- A skin inflammation that has continued for a long time
- Weak immune system
- Family history of skin cancer
- Exposure to arsenic
- Old age
- Previous treatment using radiation
Tests and Procedures that are Used to Detect and Diagnose Different Types of Skin Cancer
The most common tests and procedures used include:
- Physical Examination
This entails a comprehensive physical examination of the whole body and check for overall signs and symptoms of good health. The physical exam also includes identifying possible signs of ailment such as lumps or anything that is not ordinary. The doctor can also evaluate the patient’s history of past diseases and their treatments as well as the health habits of the patient.
- Skin Exam
This is a detailed examination of the skin to check for anything that may seem out of place such as bumps, spots unusual color, texture or shape.
- Skin Biopsy
This is when all or part of the unusual growth on the skin is cut off and sent to a pathologist and viewed under a microscope. The main types of skin biopsy include:
- Punch biopsy
- Shave biopsy
- Incisional biopsy
- Excisional biopsy
Factors that Affect Prognosis and Treatment Options:
The prognosis of skin cancer can depends on:
- The general health of the patient
- The stage of cancer which is divided into five stages starting at stage 0 to stage 4
- Whether the victim if immunosuppressed
Factors that Affect Treatment Options Include:
- The size of the growth and the affected body part
- Stage of the cancer
- The type of cancer
- The general health of the patient
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer
There are numerous treatment options for skin cancer patients. The most standard treatment options are:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemical peel
- Surgery which may entail simple excision
- Targeted therapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Other drug therapy