Skin Cancer: If You Suspect, Inspect!

Let me say at the outset, skin cancer is not something you want to f*ck around with. If you do, you may regret it. I’ve had two surgical procedures done on me because of skin cancer, one far worse (nose) than the other (head). Fortunately, all the cancer in both instances was removed.

One type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin, is the second most common form of skin cancer, characterized by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells. When caught early, most SCCs are curable.

SCC of the skin is also known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Adding the word “cutaneous” identifies it as a skin cancer and differentiates it from squamous cell cancers that can arise inside the body, in places like the mouth, throat or lungs.

One of three main types of cells in the top layer of the skin (the epidermis), squamous cells are flat cells located near the surface of the skin that shed continuously as new ones form.

SCC occurs when DNA damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation or other damaging agents trigger abnormal changes in the squamous cells.

SCCs can appear as scaly red patches, open sores, rough, thickened or wart-like skin, or raised growths with a central depression. At times, SCCs may crust over, itch or bleed. The lesions most commonly arise in sun-exposed areas of the body.

Having been through this before, the most recent surgical procedure being just yesterday, I strongly suggest an annual, complete body scan by your dermatologist to check any out-of-the-ordinary spots that may indicate the presence of cancer.

A full body skin exam, or skin cancer screening, is a visual exam that checks the skin for certain unusual marks which may be signs of skin cancer. Birthmarks, moles, and other suspicious spots that have an unusual color, size, shape, or texture are what dermatologists usually pay most attention to during these screenings. 

Usually, there is nothing to worry about since skin cancer is very common and, unless its location is some place like the nose, is very easily treated by a simple surgical procedure.

One can never be too careful, especially seeing as though this second round of skin cancer was located on the top of my head – and I wear a hat almost all the time!

Be wary, be aware and be seen by a dermatologist if you haven’t paid them a visit in the last year or if you suspect an area on your self that may be trouble.

So do it already and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

 

Live Long and Prosper, Ukraine!

Hopefully making a ruckus, one blog post at a time!

Be sure to check out my other blog, Ideasnmoreblog, for a different kind of playground for creativity, innovation and inspiring stuff.

 

A Thing or Two

My journey down the short story road came to a milestone a day or so ago when I completed my latest work of fiction. It will be published this Thursday on my Ideasnmoreblog and, most likely, on other media outlets appropriate for these things.

It has been a rather lengthy journey, at least for me, taking over several months to write it. Since I started my fiction writing last year, this is the longest it has taken me to complete a story. I didn’t expect that to happen. Among other things, depression, lack of interest, lack of focus, an anything-but-constructive-attitude all contributed to my delay in getting this thing completed.

As a writer, I’ve become very familiar with all aspects of feeling stuck. There were times I’d sit down ready to create and absolutely nothing would seep out of my mind. Then, I’d write an idea, few words or so and struggle to emit a paragraph or three. Sometimes, that would be enough to open the floodgates.

During this process I would at times hear a voice inside my head as if directing me what to write down next. It could be a thought, an actual phrase or just a word. That would then translate into another paragraph, then another until I’d amass a certain word count to guide me into how lengthy I really want this piece of literary magic to become.

“The Shadows” is my latest. I hope you enjoy it!

 

Beware of Carcinomas

The last time I visited the dermatologist, she did a full body scan to detect suspicious growths or spots that may indicate symptoms of skin cancer. This process is also sometimes called “skin cancer screening” and is essential for detecting and treating skin cancer early on.  As it had been several years since I last had one, we both thought it about time for an update.

Glad I took part. The scan turned up negative except for one small area at the very top of my head. Called a squamous cell carcinoma, its diameter is smaller than a penny. It’s the second most common form of skin cancer and is easily treated.

I’ll have to have it removed, of course, but the treatment should be considerably easier and less invasive than the first area I encountered some years ago, on my nose. That one was quite deep and went down to the bone. Before they could complete the operation, they had to perform a skin graph from my forehead. When it was over, all was fine, although I looked like I had been in a fight. But, they removed all the cancer!

Whenever you detect an odd area on you body, please have the skin checked out. A full body scan does not hurt and you owe it to yourself to do it. The rewards outweigh the potential risks.

Hopefully making a ruckus, one blog post at a time!

Be sure to check out my other blog, Ideasnmoreblog, for a different kind of playground for creativity, innovation and inspiring stuff.