Moles and skin cancer?
I have a lot of moles-A LOT-so many it would take me ages to check all of them, does this mean I have a higher chance of getting Melanoma? I'm really pale skinned and don't go out in the sun much but I do want a tan this year. I'm not one of those people who's scared to do anything in case they get cancer but I was just wondering if the fact I have so many moles puts me at higher risk. I have got a few removed before (for cosmetic reasons) and I want to get more removed because they make me self conscious. So basically my question is-if I have a lot of moles does that make me more at risk of getting skin cancer (Melanoma) and if I didn't have any moles at all (or got them all removed) would that mean there's no way I could get Melanoma? My mum and nan have both had skin cancer if that makes any difference-but not Melanoma, one was Basal cell carcinoma and the other one I can't remember but it wasn't that serious. Thanks.
What are the major risk factors for skin cancer?
1.Fair skin.Having less melaninin in your skin means you have less protection from damaging UV radiation.2.A history of sunburn.One or more severe, blistering sunburns can increase your risk of melanoma3.Excessive ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.Exposure to UV radiation, which comes from the sun and from tanning lights and beds, can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma4.Living closer to the equator or at a higher elevation.People living closer to the earth's equator, where the sun's rays are more direct, experience higher amounts of UV radiation than do those living in higher latitudes.In addition, if you live at a high elevation, you're exposed to more UV radiation5.Having many moles or unusual moles.Having more than 50 ordinary moles on your body indicates an increased risk of melanoma. Also, having an unusual type of mole like Dysplastic Naevi6.A family history of melanoma.7.Weakened immune system.Immunocompromised state like organ transplant, AIDS increase risk of skin cancer.
Can only one sunburn cause skin cancer? How much is the risk?
Hi, Yesterday (July 20th) I got a very bad sunburn on my back and hands. I was snorkeling at Hawaiian beaches for almost 3 or a little more hours from 11:00 to 14:30 at noon. The weather was somewhat cloudy. so I was deceived and didn't use any sunscreen. Now, my skin has become so irritated (specially on the shoulders, though there is no sign of blistering yet). despite the deep irritation and pain it seems to be a first degree burn. Should I worry about developing any skin cancer in the future? (considering the facts that I'm now 25 years old with a white Caucasian skin and I have always protected my skin against sun light and this was in fact the first time that I was exposed to very high exposure without any protection. I have also lots of moles on my skin, a couple of them on my back, one of them ~5mm diameter, but regular) How far does it take to blister if it's gonna happen? TNX
Does removing moles prevent cancer?
Removing cancerous moles will reduce the risk of cancer cells spreading, but some studies have suggested that if you had skin cancer in the past, there’s a chance you can still develop another type of skin cancer; it can be due uncontrollable factors such as age, family history, and race.The best preventive measure is monitoring your skin. Get a skin cancer check regularly, and don’t forget to uses sunscreen and keep your use of tanning beds and lamps in check.This article about Removing Moles: When to Seek Help from a Skin Cancer Clinic might help. It has a lot information about moles and mole removal procedure.
Can having a permanent tattoo lead to skin cancer?
On a theoretical physiological level, I am concerned that the chronic inflammation and scarring caused by tattoos could increase the risk of dysplasia, or abnormal skin cell growth, however I am not personally aware of any research that has directly looked at this particular relationship.What I can definitely say from a practical perspective is that having large areas of heavily tattooed skin makes it very difficult for your skin cancer doctor to accurately check for cancers. I know some tattoo artists will avoid tattooing over existing moles, which is helpful, however it is worth remembering that most skin cancers, in particular deadly melanomas, will arise as new lesions rather than in an existing mole. The tattoo ink masks the early changes in pigmentation and vascular growth that your skin cancer doctor needs to see to make an accurate and early diagnosis of cancer. So I advise patients to think very carefully about skin cancer and the risk of a delay to diagnosis prior to having extensive areas of skin tattooed, especially in high risk sun exposed areas.
Are black people more or less likely to get skin cancer?
Black people are much less likely to get skin cancer.Here's a graph from the CDC showing just how much less likely it is for black people to get skin cancers:The yellow line at the very top shows skin cancer rates for white people while the red line at the bottom shows skin cancer rates for black people. The reason for the difference is a pigment called melanin which absorbs UV light.[2] Black people have much more melanin in their skin. By absorbing the UV light, melanin prevents the UV light from damaging DNA, and thus reduces rates of cancer.Melanin levels increase in white people when they get a tan.Melanin is also found in the hair which is why your hair provides some UV protection.[1] graph via Skin Cancer Rates by Race and Ethnicity[2] http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/d...
What's the difference between moles and freckles?
Both freckles and moles are areas of increased pigment (melanin) in your skin. But they're not the same thing. Freckles are small, flat, pigmented spots on your skin. They vary in color from red to tan to brown. Freckles are not present at birth. Instead, they develop in childhood and in later years as a result of repeated sun exposure. Freckles occur primarily in sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your nose and shoulders. Moles (nevi) are clusters of pigmented cells (melanocytes). Although they often appear as small, dark brown spots, moles come in a range of colors and sizes. They can be raised or flat and can develop almost anywhere on your body — even between your fingers and toes. Unlike freckles, moles can be present at birth. They often become more prominent with age. Moles also may darken with repeated sun exposure or as a result of hormonal changes in pregnancy. Freckles rarely develop into skin cancer. However, freckles are especially common in people with light skin, and having light skin that burns easily increases your risk of skin cancer. Also, some skin cancer in its earliest stages resembles a freckle. If you have a pigmented lesion — whether you think it's a freckle or mole — that changes in size, shape or color, or becomes painful, consult your doctor.
Sooo scared of skin cancer and tanning. Please help!?
I'm 18 and I used a tanning bed for about a year or so and it was off and on. I started for like a few months then stopped then started again then stopped for good. I do have alot of moles but I tanned real easy in a tanning bed. After I stopped I read all the stuff on the Internet about skin cancer and I'm literally crying because I'm so scared. I do have moles. I've gotten tiny moles from tanning and that really scares me. They haven't grown or anything but I'm just freaking out so bad because I just think I'm going to get it and I'm too scared to get checked out. I've only gotten burned a few times. Skin cancer doesn't run in my family and I'm Italian so my mom said my side of the family tans easy even though I'm light skinned. I don't go near tanning beds anymore and I regret going. I always check my moles because I'm starting to get paranoid now. I can't sleep or eat. It's making me sick. I'm so scared of cancer and when I went tanning it was like 2 times a week. 10-12 minutes. Sometimes 3 but I would skip days and use a bronzing lotion they have me. My dad told me if he thought it was unsafe for me he wouldn't let me do it and he said he's done it his whole life and nothing has happened to him as long as I don't over do it. Please help me? Is there anyone out there who went tanning with moles and is fine? I'm very scared? And please no rude comments, it'll just make me freak out even more.