Conditions

Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer. The two most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both are highly curable if treated early. The third major type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma, which is a more serious disease.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of the three major types of skin cancer. Unlike many other malignant growths, it does not spread until it has been present for a long period of time. The cell damage results in an ulcerlike growth that spreads slowly as it destroys the tissue. Basal cell carcinomas do not usually spread throughout the body and are generally curable. However, recurrences are common. If they are not treated, they can do substantial damage to the lower layers of skin and bone.

In squamous cell carcinoma, the underlying skin cells are damaged, and this leads to the development of a tumor or lump under the skin, most often on the ears, hands, face, or lower lip. The lump may resemble a wart or a small, ulcerated spot that never heals. This is a very treatable type of skin cancer if it is detected and dealt with early.

Malignant melanoma is rarer than the other two, but is much more serious. With this type of skin cancer, a tumor arises from the pigment-producing cells of the deeper layers of the skin. If malignant melanoma is not treated it can be life threatening, spreading through the bloodstream and lymphatic vessels to the internal organs. However, if the disease is treated early, the chances of recovery are quite good.

Signs and Symptoms:

One or more lesions manifesting:

• Failure to resolve
• Enlargement
• Irregular or notched borders
• Shiny or crusted surface
• Change in color or variegated colors
• Bleeding

Diagnosis:

After a physical examination, your doctor will most likely suggest a biopsy to remove part (or all ­ if the tumor is small enough) of the tumor for testing.

Treatment Options:

Skin cancer may be treated by curettage and electrodesiccation, surgical excision, cryotherapy, or occasionally X-ray therapy. The appropriate choice is based on the type, size, and histologic findings.

Traditional Treatments:

• Thick malignant melanoma as well as metastasized melanoma may be treated with chemotherapy.
• Surgical Procedures.
• Large cancers, recurrences, and lesions with poorly defined borders are excised under microscopic control (Mohs' surgery). Small, superficial lesions may be removed by surgical excision.
• Other treatments such as cryotherapy may be suitable for patients for whom surgery is contraindicated. For melanoma, excision requires a 1-cm lateral tumor-free margin for lesions less than 1 mm thick.
• Thicker lesions may require more extensive surgery along with sentinel node biopsy.
• Mastectomy is generally indicated for Paget's disease of the nipple.
• For indolent, superficial lesions of KS without AIDS, cryosurgery, electrocoagulation, or electron beam radiation is sufficient to flatten or fade most lesions.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Certain nutritional approaches and therapeutic diets may positively affect the prevention and treatment of skin cancer.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Beta-1,3-D-glucan can stimulate immune cells to digest cellular debris. Follow label directions.
• Dimethylglycine improves cellular oxgenation. Follow label directions.
• Garlic enhances immune function. Take two capsules three times daily.
• Histidine is said to increase the skin's immunity to damage from the sun's rays. Follow the label directions.
• Proteolytic enzymes are powerful free radical scavengers that also reduce inflammation. Follow label directions.
• Quercetin is a flavonoid that has antioxidant properties.
• Selenium is a powerful free radical scavenger that protects against UV damage. Take 200 mcg daily.
  Warning: Do not exceed 40 mcg of selenium daily during pregnancy.
• Superoxide dismutase destroys free radicals. Follow the label directions.
• Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that destroys free radicals. Take 10,000 ­ 50,000 IU daily for 10 days. Take with 15,000 IU daily of natural beta-carotene and a carotenoid complex (follow label directions).
  Warning: If you are pregnant, intend to get pregnant, or if you have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A.
• Vitamin B complex is necessary for normal cell division and function. Use a complex that supplies 100mg of each major B vitamin.
• Vitamin C with biofavonoids is a powerful anti-cancer agent that boosts immunity. Take 5,000 to 20,000 mg daily, in divided doses.
• Vitamin E promotes healing and tissue repair. Use up to 1,000 IU daily of d-alpha-tocopherol form.
  Warning: If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.

Alternative Therapies:

• Alfalfa, burdock, dandelion root, horsetail, Irish moss, marshmallow root, oat straw, rose hips, and yellow dock are all beneficial for tissue repair. Rose hips are also a good source of vitamin C.
• Astragalus generates anticancer cells in the body and boosts the immune system.
• Bilberry, cayenne, ginger, goldenseal, nettle, sarsaparilla, and turmeric stimulate the liver and help to stabilize blood composition, and may retard the proliferation of cancer cells.
• Burdock root and red clover aid in cleansing the blood and lymph nodes.
• The seeds and peel of the Chinese cucumber inhibit cancer cells.
• Skin cancer may respond to treatment with poultices combining comfrey, pau d'arco, ragwort, and wood sage.
• Ginkgo biloba, pau d'arco, and curcumin are powerful antioxidants with immune enhancing capabilities.
• Green tea has anticancer properties.
• Tea tree oil cream, applied topically, is a natural antiseptic and anitfungal that enhances healing.

General Recommendations:

• Watch for the symptoms of cancer.
• Examine your skin regularly.
• Stay away from tanning salons. Their equipment can cause skin cancer just as the sun's rays can.
• Beware of new moles that appear after age forty, as well as any mole that appears unusual.
• See your doctor if you find a growth that fits any of the warning signs.
• Take protective measures while in the sun. The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Avoid going out in the sun as much as possible during this time period. Always use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more.
• If you have a family history of melanoma, avoid the sun as much as possible.
• Avoid exposure to halogen lighting.

Warnings:

• Do not exceed 40mcg of selenium daily during pregnancy.
• If you are pregnant, intend to get pregnant, or if you have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A.
• If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily. If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.