Skin Cancer And How To Treat It
Skin cancer cases in India are less as compared to western countries but still there are many incidences of skin cancer. Skin cancers occur due to the development of abnormal cells that multiply at a very high rate. These cells have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. There are three main types of skin cancers: basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and melanoma.
There is less likeliness of basal cancer spreading and causing fatal outcomes. Squamous cell cancer has a tendency to spread but melanoma cancer spreads very rapidly.
Causes of Skin cancer
The older one gets, the higher is the risk of skin cancer. The most common cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation. Sunburns and tanning may result in skin cancer.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Basal cell cancer occurs usually on face and neck. It is characterized by flat flesh coloured or brown scar like lesions on skin. It may also appear as a waxy bump.
Squamous cell cancer generally occurs as firm red nodule or flat lesion with a scaly surface. It also occurs usually on sun-exposed parts of body.
Melanoma cancer can occur anywhere on body. It can occur on non-sun exposed parts of body as well. In this case an existing mole can turn cancerous and may change colour, size or even bleed. Brownish spots and red, white or blue lesions are also seen in many patients.
If you see any sudden changes in your skin, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Prevention of Skin Cancer
For preventing squamous cell cancer and melanoma, sunscreen application is necessary. Sunburns and tans should be avoided by keeping body covered under harsh sun. Solariums should never be used for tanning as they emit UVA and UVB rays. The use of tobacco products should also be avoided to reduce chances of skin cancer.
Treatments of Skin Cancer
Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy etc. are some of the ways to treat skin cancer. A good diet with vitamin C can also help in quick healing when taken in conjunction with medical treatments.
Some home remedies may also help in curing skin cancer. These are as follows-
A good diet
There is no 100% proof that diet can help in eradicating cancer but it surely helps in making body stronger against the disease. A diet that is rich in antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C, and selenium should be taken by cancer patients. Dairy products, broccoli, onion, cabbage, tomato, licorice, green tea, flax seed and olive oil are super foods that may help cancer patients.
The intake of omega 3 fatty acids should also be increased. It helps in preventing melanoma. Eating fish or taking omega 3 supplements can help.
Water intake should be increased as it helps in flushing out the toxins.
Herbal remedies
Milk thistle extract strengthens liver and can be taken 150 mg thrice a day. Red clover extract can be taken 500 mg four times a day. It works by preventing the formation of new blood vessels that are needed to supply the growing tumor. Cat’s claw extract 1000 mg can be taken thrice a day but pregnant or lactating ladies should not take it. Cat’s claw extract should not be taken by organ-transplant recipients and people on blood thinners.
Skin cancer can also be soothed by taking a bath with water containing chamomile or lavender essential oil.
Any of these home remedies should be taken only after consulting an expert.
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