Skin Cancer

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a
filter to screen out and reduce the UV light that reaches the earth's surface
and its people. Very simply, sunburn and UV light can damage the skin and lead
to skin cancer (1., p 1). The American Cancer Society also faulted repeated
exposure to x-rays, artificial forms of UV radiation like tanning beds, and
contact with chemicals like coal tar and arsenic as other causes of skin cancer
(4., p 1). Additionally, if there is a history of skin cancer in the family, an
individual may be at a higher risk (1., p 1). Individuals who have experienced
only one serious sunburn have increased their risk of skin cancer by as much as
50% (1., p 4).

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell
carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma usually imposes itself
on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun. It usually appears as a
small raised bump with a smooth shiny surface. Another type resembles a scar
that is firm to the touch. ...

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the warning signs of melanoma. "A" is for asymmetry. One half of
the mole does not match the other. "B" is for border irregularity. The edges
are ragged, notched, or blurred. "C" is for color. The pigmentation is not
uniform. "D" is for a diameter of greater than 6mm. Any progressive increase
in size should be of particular concern (8., p 1).

For both basal and squamous cell carcinomas, surgery is the most common
treatment. Electrosurgery is the process in which the cancer is scooped out
with a sharp instrument and then an electric current is used to burn the edges
around the site to kill any remaining cancer cells. Cryosurgery freezes the
tumor to kill the diseased tissue ...

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