MLA Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

MLA - Research Paper Example Skin cancer, also known as skin neoplasia, refers to â€Å"the uncontrolled growth of unusual skin cells that can extend from the skin into other tissues and organs if left unchecked† (A.D.A.M, 1). As the cells replicate, they form a tumor. Frequently, skin tumors are referred to as lesions. If tumors are malignant, they become cancerous, which means that they intrude on and invade neighboring tissues owing to their unrestrained growth. They may also spread to the body’s remote organs either through the bloodstream or through the lymphatic system. Metastasis is a term that refers to â€Å"the process in which tumors invade a body organ and spread to other body organs† (Emedicinehealth.com 1) – they invade the neighboring tissues and overwhelm them not only by taking their space but also the oxygen and nutrients that they require to survive as well as function. Rockoff documents that skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer and that estimates hav e it that over one million new cases arise every year. He additionally asserts that annually, the rates of all forms of skin cancer are mounting, which has instigated a mounting public concern. Estimates also have it that almost half of all Americans who live to age 65 get skin cancer no less than once. Skin cancer classification depends on the particular types of epidermal cells involved. The various skin cancer categories therefore include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma/basal cell carcinoma epithelioma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma takes place in melanocytes – the cells that produce pigment. Although this cancer type is not so common, it is the most dangerous as it tends to metastasize (spread) all over the body quickly. It is the principal cause of skin disease death. The basal cell carcinoma/basal cell carcinoma epithelioma develops when there is abnormal cell growth in epidermis’ lowest layer while the squamous cell carcinoma occurs due to changes in the s quamous cells, which are found in the middle layer of the epidermis (A.D.A.M., 4). Rockoff asserts, â€Å"The first phase of squamous cell carcinoma is called actinic keratosis† (para1). Further, he explains that the last two cancer types are the common-most forms of cancer and are both known as nonmelanoma skin cancer. Other nonmelanoma skin cancers include kaposi's sarcoma, merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous lymphoma (A.D.A.M., para4). The American Cancer Society documents that â€Å"most cases of nonmelanoma skin cancers occurs on body areas that are mostly exposed to the sun, which include the backs of hands, face, ear, lips and neck†. In addition, depending on the type, they can be slow or fast growing. However, they barely ever spread to other parts of the body. It is important to note that these forms of cancer in particular are very likely to be healed in case of early identification and treatment. Risk factors of Skin Cancer There are various recognized risk factors for skin cancer. Some of them include exposure to the sun and sunburn – as earlier pointed out; areas of the skin that are often exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation are more prone to skin cancer. â€Å"This is deemed the primary cause of all skin cancers† (A.D.A.M., 5). Other causes include light-colored skin, hair and eyes (fair complexion); genetics (having a family history of melanoma); atypical/multiple moles; occupational exposures to radium, coal tar, pitch, arsenic compounds or creosote; in addition to age – nonmelanoma skin