Keefe Figgatt
People refer to cancer as "The Big C". While it may seem as though all forms of the disease fall under one main categorization, there are actually more than 100 ailments that may be considered to be "cancer". Every type is different, but all are related to diseased cells in the body.
Those cells that are healthy and comprise the body's tissue grow before dividing and replacing themselves. This is how the body grows, maintains its health and in good repair. However some of these cells can lose their ability to perform these tasks, limiting their growth and progress. They may divide themselves too rapidly or grow without organization. Some times too much tissue can be produced, resulting in tumors being produced. Tumors may be benign or malignant.
When a tumor will not lead to cancer, it is said to be "benign". These types of cancerous cells will not extend to other parts of the body, and they are not life threatening. Most often, benign tumors can be surgically removed and will not return. Benign tumors are a nuisance, but do not usually pose a threat.
Malignant tumors are those that will lead to cancer. These tumors invade and destroy the neighboring healthy tissues and organs, causing illness in the body. Malignant tumors can spread or "metastasize" to other organs and cause new tumors to grow throughout the body.
Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma are the two main kinds of skin cancer. Carcinoma is the term used to describe a cancer that begins in cells that cover or surround an organ.
Over 90 percent of skin cancers in the United States are Basel cell carcinoma. This category of cancer grows slowly and rarely spreads to other areas, although it is crucial that all types of skin cancers are found and treated as early as possible to prevent them from invading and destroying the nearby tissues.
Basel cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinomas are often referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. A melanoma is another form of cancer that can occur in the skin, which begins in the melanocytes.
Skin cancers presently account for the most common types of cancer in the United States. An estimated 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to be 65 years and older will develop skin cancer at least once in their lifetime. It's important to note, however, that people of any age and nationality can develop skin cancer. Fair-skinned, freckled people with red or blond hair and blue or light colored eyes are most risk of developing the disease.
The ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun is the principal cause for skin cancer. There are two kinds of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. There are also artificial sources of UV radiation, for instance, sun beds and tanning booths which can also cause skin cancer.
People living in certain areas are more likely to develop skin cancer. Those who live in areas where they are exposed to high levels of UV radiation and are more likely to develop the disease. The Texas sun, for example, is especially strong. High rates of skin cancer are also found in South Africa and Australia where people are exposed to excessive amounts of the sun's radiation.
Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles
Keefe Figgatt is a writer for several popular web sites, on health articles and alternative healthunique content skin cancer articles are available with free reprint rights. issues. This and other
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