Facial skin cancer can start off innocently enough because the signs and symptoms may look like ordinary moles. But if left unchecked, the potentially damaging effects can leave lasting scars. The American Academy of Dermatology estimated that over one million skin cancer cases were diagnosed in 2008.
Cause
The primary factor in the development of facial skin cancer is overexposure to the sun. The sun's rays contain ultraviolet (UV) light that harbors radiation in three different wavelengths: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA and UVB are the types that do the most damage to facial skin cells. The radiation inside them activates malignant genes called oncogenes that can start cancer. Other facial skin cancer causes could be heredity, overexposure to toxic chemicals and exposure to radiation.
Symptoms
One of the more overt symptoms of facial skin cancer is the appearance of new growths or moles. Although most people acquire 40 to 60 new skin moles throughout their lives, some moles and growths can be considered precancerous. They set themselves apart from other more normal growths through surface characteristics such as asymmetrical shape and irregular borders. Varied colors and a diameter larger than a pencil eraser could also indicate facial skin cancer. Other signs of facial skin cancer include scaly, reddish patches on the face that come from aging or sun damage.
Diagnosis
Skin cancer in general comes in three cell categories: basal carcinomas, squamous carcinomas and malignant melanomas. Facial skin cancer cells are basal or squamous. Doctors identify squamous tumors by looking for their v-shaped growths along the face and neck. She will check for these inflamed, tender growths that, when open, rarely completely heal. When looking for basal tumors, doctors will spot pimple-like growths that, when stretched, look partially gray. Basal tumors also expose their vessels when broken. For suspected growths, doctors may also perform biopsies.
Rare Cases
Some facial skin cancers are rare and can be more aggressive than basal or squamous cancers. Merkel cell facial skin cancer can be diagnosed when doctors find shiny nodules near the hair line on the face around 2 inches long. Merkel cancer spreads much more rapidly than other facial skin cancers. The sebaceous glands can also be subject to facial skin cancers, particularly around the eyelids. They appear as benign, painless nodules even though the skin cancer is aggressive.
Prevention/Solution
The first step in prevention is early detection. The minute a patient suspects an abnormal growth, he should have it checked out by a doctor. Although some facial skin cancers are hereditary, it can be prevented to some degree. Limiting extensive exposure to the sun and other sources of UV ray should be considered. People should wear wide-brimmed hats and apply sun screen if they plan to be out in the sun. For those who work with toxic chemicals, it is advised to don personal protective equipment such as face shields. Also, avoid touching the face after handling toxic materials.
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