Cancer
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
Tag: biopsy
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Skin Cancer
Skin Conditions
Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in the U.S. When found early, skin cancer can be treated with success.
Skin Cancer Warning Signs
Contact your doctor if you notice any of these following signs:
For basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers (types that seldom spread to other parts of the body):
Small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump
Firm red lump
A lump that bleeds or develops a crust
A flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly
For melanoma (can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal if not treated early). Look for any of these signs in an existing mole:
A. Asymmetry – The shape of one half does not match the other.
B. Border – The edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
C. Color – The color is uneven.
D. Diameter – The size changes and is often bigger than a pencil eraser.
E. Evolving lesion – This is one that changes size, shape, shades of color or symptoms or has surface bleeding.
Causes
* Recurrent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause.
* Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as sun lamps and tanning beds.
Risk Factors
* Having skin cancer in the past.
* A family history of skin cancer.
* Having fair skin that freckles easily, especially with red or blond hair and blue or light-colored eyes.
Treatment
Depending on the size, type, and stage of the cancer, treatment includes:
* Surgery. There are many types.
* Chemotherapy. One form is a cream or lotion with anticancer drugs that is applied to the skin. Other forms are given through an IV.
* Radiation therapy. n Interferon drugs.
* Skin grafting.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care / Prevention
Start prevention in childhood to protect against skin cancer later in life.
* Limit time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
* Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher as directed.
* Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, more often if you’re sweating or going in and out of the water.
* Cover skin exposed to the sun, such as long-sleeved tops, pants, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.
* Avoid sun lamps and tanning beds.
Skin Self-Exam
* Do a skin self-exam monthly. The best time to do this is after a shower or bath. To check your skin, use a well- lit room, a full-length mirror, and a hand-held mirror.
* Locate your birthmarks, moles, and blemishes. Know what they look like. Check for a sore that does not heal.
* Check all areas.
1. Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror. Then, raise your arms and look at the left and right sides.
2. Bend your elbows and look carefully at the palms of your hands. Make sure to look at both sides of your forearms and upper arms.
3. Look at the back and front of the legs. Look between the buttocks and around the genital area.
4. Look at your face, neck, and scalp. Use a comb or blow dryer to move hair so that you can see the scalp better.
5. Sit and closely examine the feet. Look at the soles and the spaces between the toes.
{Note: Get a skin exam from your doctor or health care provider as often as advised.}
Resources
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
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Uterine Cancer
Women’s Health
The uterus (womb) is a hollow, pear- shaped organ in a female’s lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. Cancer of the uterus most often affects the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, so is also called endometrial cancer. It is the most common reproductive cancer in women. Most women diagnosed with uterine cancer are between the ages of 50 and 70. When found and treated early, though, more than 90% of cases can be cured.
Signs & Symptoms
* Abnormal bleeding, spotting, or discharge from the vagina is the most common symptom.
* Any vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause. The bleeding can begin as a watery, blood-streaked discharge. Later it can contain more blood.
{Note: Some cases of uterine cancer can be detected by a Pap test, but this is used to detect cervical cancer. Even if you have had a recent normal Pap test, see your doctor if you have post menopausal vaginal bleeding.}
Cancer of the uterus does not often occur before menopause. It can occur around the time menopause begins, though.
When bleeding stops and starts up again, let your doctor know. If you are on hormone therapy, you may have regular cyclic bleeding.
Causes, Risk Factors & Care
The risk for uterine cancer is greater if you have had increased exposure to estrogen from one or more of the following:
* Late menopause or early menstruation
* Irregular periods or ovulation
* Polycystic ovarian disease. The ovaries become enlarged and contain many cysts due to hormone imbalances.
* Obesity. Women who are obese make more estrogen.
* Estrogen therapy. {Note: Estrogen therapy increases the risk for uterine cancer. Giving progestin with estrogen can dramatically reduce the risk.}
Other risk factors include:
* A history of infertility
* A history of endometrial hyperplasia. This is abnormal thickening of the endometrium.
* A history of breast, colon, or ovarian cancer
* Diabetes
Treatment includes one or more of the following:
* Surgery. Most women have a total hysterectomy. This removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
* Radiation therapy
* Chemotherapy
* Hormonal therapy
* Clinical trials
Self-Care
Medical care, not self-care, is needed for uterine cancer.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact Doctor When
* You have any “Signs & Symptoms” of uterine cancer.
* You need to schedule your yearly pelvic exam.
Resources
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine