Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, affecting millions of people in America as well as around the globe every year. While many cases of skin cancer are curable if detected early, some kinds may be fatal if ignored. This blog aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with various types of skin cancer and the need for prompt treatment.
Melanoma is widely regarded as a very dangerous type of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. Although it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths.
What happens if you don't treat melanoma?
In cases of melanoma, early detection and treatment are essential to improve outcomes. Untreated melanoma can have severe consequences such as:
Local spread: The tumor can grow deeper into the skin and even reach the lymph nodes.
Metastasis: Cancer cells can split off and travel to distant organs such as the liver, brain, lungs, and bones.
Organ failure: If it spreads, it can affect the function of vital organs.
Decreased survival rate: When melanoma spreads to distant parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate declines to about 27% from approximately 99% for localized melanoma.
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon but extremely dangerous type of skin cancer. It typically appears as a solid, reddish-purple, painless lump on the skin that has been exposed to the sun. MCC occurs in an older population, more frequently on the head and neck, in a higher percentage of men.
What happens if you don't treat Merkel cell carcinoma?
Because MCC is an aggressive condition, it must be diagnosed and treated right away. In the absence of therapy, MCC can progress quickly:
Fast growth: Every two to three months, MCC tumors can double in size.
High metastasis rate: At the time of diagnosis, lymph nodes are involved in about 33% of cases.
Distant spread: The lungs, brain, and bones are among the organs where MCC can spread fast.
Poor prognosis: Less than 20% of patients with advanced MCC survive for five years.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most prevalent kind of skin cancer. Even while it's usually not as harmful as melanoma or MCC, if not treated, there may still be serious hazards.
What happens if you don't remove squamous cell carcinoma?
While most SCCs are curable when detected early, advanced cases can be life-threatening, emphasizing the importance of timely treatment. Untreated SCC can lead to:
Local destruction: As the tumor gets bigger, surrounding tissues and structures may be destroyed.
Metastasis: Neighboring lymph nodes may become infected with advanced SCC.
Increased treatment complexity: Rarely, SCC may extend to distant organs and pose a serious threat to life.
Skin cancer can often be treated if diagnosed early. The cancer's kind, stage, and location along with the general health of the patient are among the variables that determine the best way to treat skin cancer. Typical treatment options are:
Surgery: This is often the primary treatment for most skin cancers. Surgical methods include excision, Mohs surgery, and cryosurgery.
Radiation therapy: It is used for cancers in sensitive areas or for patients who can't undergo surgery.
Chemotherapy: Localised tumors can be treated with topical chemical creams. Chemotherapy is usually used for advanced cases or when cancer has spread to other body parts.
Immunotherapy: It helps the body's immune system fight cancer cells.
Gene-based therapy: It involves the use of drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
Even though the above treatments are commonly employed, GEIPE, or Gentle Electrotherapy to Inhibit a Pivotal Enzyme, is a more advanced and innovative strategy that is gaining popularity and is applicable to all variety of skin cancers.
This therapy is based on blocking a pivotal enzyme, RnR, in cancer cell growth which contains a free-radical (unpaired electron) – essential for its activity. A gentle stream of electrons or low-level current can destroy or quench the free-radical thereby disabling RnR and arresting cancer growth. Alas, this cancer therapy, which is universally applicable to all cancers, has little money-making potential and thus is not offered by any cancer clinic.
However, GEIPE treatment is available for skin cancer patients world-wide as a home-remedy. This unique non-toxic, non-surgical approach is both effective and low-cost. Please visit its website for more information. Thanks to this ground-breaking treatment, no skin cancer patient would lose their life, if they become aware of it in time.
Highly Effective: This highly effective treatment eliminates any pain or itching related to cancer after just one session. The fast-growing cancers shrink quickly, others take somewhat longer.
Non-invasive: Unlike surgery, GEIPE doesn't require cutting or removal of cancerous tissue.
No side effects: Compared to chemotherapy or radiation, GEIPE has no side effects to speak of.
Cost-effective: GEIPE is very affordable unlike most traditional cancer treatments.
Convenience: With the portable device, you can get treatment from the comfort of your home.
While treatment options continue to advance, prevention and early detection remain the best strategies for combating skin cancer. Here are some key practices that you can follow to prevent skin cancer:
Sun protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours as much as you can.
Regular self-exams: Check your skin monthly for any changes or new growths.
Professional skin checks: Consult a dermatologist annually, or more frequently if you're at high risk.
Avoid tanning beds: Keep in mind that indoor tanning significantly increases skin cancer risk.
Know your risk factors: Fair skin, family history, and certain medical conditions can increase your risk of getting skin cancer.
It is true that untreated skin cancer, especially melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma, can be fatal. Most cases of skin cancer are curable with early detection and adequate treatment. New developments in treatment, such as GEIPE therapy, provide patients renewed hope for efficient, non-invasive, non-toxic treatment.
Remember that you have control over the health of your skin. You can drastically lower your risk of getting deadly skin cancers by using sun protection techniques, doing routine self-examinations, and getting medical help right away if you notice any unusual changes. It may literally save your life if you prioritize the health of your skin and remain vigilant and aware.
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