Friday, April 27, 2012

An Introduction to Skin Cancer Surgery, Creams, and Other Treatments

Common Treatments for Basal Cell and

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

 

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An Introduction to Skin Cancer Surgery, Creams, and Other Treatments
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 Basal Cell Carcinoma

Non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common types of cancer around the world.

Fortunately, they are also the most curable, especially when the tumors are relatively small and thin.

The type of treatment chosen depends on how large the cancer is and where it is found on the body.

Here is an overview of some of the most common options (an introduction to more rarely used treatments is also available):


Excision

 BCC Excision

Simple surgical excision (removal) is used to treat both primary and recurrent tumors.

The procedure involves surgically removing the tumor and a certain amount of normal-appearing skin surrounding it (the "margin"): For basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, margins are often 2 to 4 mm.

The cure rates following excision are 95% and 92% for primary BCC and SCC, respectively, and are dependent on the site, size, and pattern of the tumor.

Excision may be performed in the outpatient or inpatient setting depending on the extent of the cancer.


Topical Creams


Since its approval in 2004, the immune system activator imiquimod (also known by the brand name Aldara) has been a commonly prescribed topical (skin only) cream for small superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas, as well as a pre-cancerous condition called actinic keratosis.

It is spread on the lesion five times per week, usually for six weeks, and completely clears the skin in about 88% of patients or more, depending on the exact type of cancer.

Another cream for superficial BCC is 5-flourouracil (Carac or Efudex), a chemotherapy drug that is also used intravenously.

These treatments usually don't leave any scars, but they can cause considerable pain and swelling as they work.

Several other creams are being tested now, including ingenol mebutate (PEP005), which is derived from a plant called the "petty spurge."


Curettage and Electrodesiccation

 Curettage and Electrodesiccation 


Curettage and electrodesiccation is a simple, quick and effective method for destroying small basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
After scraping away the growth with a long spoon-like instrument called a curette, the physician uses a mild electric current to destroy any remaining abnormal cells.

This scraping and cauterizing process is typically repeated three times, and the wound tends to heal without stitches.

It is best for primary, not recurrent, lesions.

The cure rates depend on the site: high-risk locations (nose, ear, chin, mouth) have a recurrence rate of 4% to 18%, depending on the tumor size.

Recurrence rates decrease to 3% for tumors at low-risk sites of the trunk and extremities.

Overall, the 5-year cure rates for primary BCC and SCC treated with C and E are 92% and 96%, respectively.


 Mohs Surgery


The Mohs procedure (also known as Mohs micrographic surgery or margin controlled excision) is an advanced technique developed in the 1940s by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs for removing lesions due to basal or squamous cell carcinoma.

It involves removing thin sections of the skin growth, layer by layer.

Each layer is then examined under the microscope, and removal of layers continues until no cancerous cells remain.

It has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment and doesn't cause as much scarring as other methods.

It is especially useful for treating recurring skin cancer, larger tumors, tumors on the ear, eyelid, nose, lip, or hand, tumors in sites prone to recurrence, and the sclerotic subtype of basal cell carcinoma.

It is the "gold standard" treatment: The 5-year recurrence rate is 1% for BCC and 3% for SCC.
However, it is more costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive than other methods.

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Less Common Treatments for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers



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Less Common Treatments for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers

Non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common type of cancer around the world.

Fortunately, they are also the most curable, especially when the tumors are relatively small and thin.

Treatment depends on how large the cancer is and where it is found on the body.

Here is an overview of some of the more rarely used treatment options (an introduction to the more common methods is also available):


Radiation Therapy


Radiation therapy is effective in treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, but it is rarely used because of its side effects, expense and complexity.

It is most often used in patients who are not surgical candidates, in older patients, or in those with complex, disfiguring lesions or lesions on their lower legs, feet, hands or genitalia.

It can also have a role as an adjuvant (after surgery) therapy in cases of aggressive SCC with metastases in the lymph nodes.

The cure rate for radiation treatment is 90% to 93% but the resulting cosmetic appearance was judged as good by only 63% of patients.


Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)


PDT is a relatively new outpatient option for treating basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas that has been shown to be as effective as 5-flourouracil cream but the recurrence rate is higher.
Treatment consists of two phases: first, a light-sensitive chemical is applied to the tumor, then the treated area is exposed to a light.

The light switches on the drug, destroying the cancerous cells without damaging the surrounding tissue.

It is most effective in treating superficial lesions versus the thicker, more invasive ones.

Currently, PDT is useful for those patients whose topical treatments failed or who cannot undergo surgery.


Laser Ablation Therapy


In this treatment, a carbon dioxide laser is focused on a small skin lesion to destroy it.

The area is numbed with a local anesthetic first.

It is used for thin superficial basal and squamous cell lesions and not for deeper tumors since the recurrence rate is higher than surgery.

Since laser surgery does not destroy cancer cells found deeper in the skin, close follow-up with a dermatologist is important.


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BEC5 Curaderm: Actinic Keratoses - Treatment And Prevention

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Actinic Keratoses - Treatment And Prevention

 

Preparing for your appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or primary care doctor.

However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred directly to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).

 

What you can do

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your appointment.

List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.

For Actinic Keratoses, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
  • Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
  • What are my treatment options and the pros and cons for each?
  • What suspicious changes in my skin should I look for?
  • What kind of follow-up should I expect?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions during your appointment.

 

What to expect from your doctor

Questions your doctor may ask you include:
  • When did you first notice the lesions?
  • Have you noticed multiple lesions?
  • Is the condition bothersome?
  • Have you experienced frequent or severe sunburns?
  • How often are you exposed to sun or UV radiation?
  • Do you regularly protect your skin from UV radiation?

 

Tests and diagnosis

Your doctor can usually diagnose actinic keratoses by inspecting the skin.

If there's any doubt, your doctor may do other tests, such as a skin biopsy.

During a skin biopsy, your doctor takes a small sample of your skin (biopsy) for analysis in a lab.

A biopsy can usually be done in a doctor's office using a local anesthetic.

 

Treatments and drugs

It's impossible to tell exactly which patches or lesions will develop into skin cancer.

Therefore, actinic keratoses are usually removed as a precaution.

Your doctor can discuss with you which treatment is appropriate for you.

With most of these procedures, the treated area takes a few days to several weeks to heal.

Actinic keratosis treatment options may include:

  • Freezing (cryotherapy). An extremely cold substance, such as liquid nitrogen, is applied to skin lesions. The substance freezes the skin surface, causing blistering or peeling. As your skin heals, the lesions slough off, allowing new skin to appear. This is the most common treatment, takes only a few minutes and can be performed in your doctor's office. Side effects may include blisters, scarring, changes to skin texture, infection and darkening of the skin at the site of treatment.
  • Scraping (curettage). In this procedure, your surgeon uses a device called a curet to scrape off damaged cells. Scraping may be followed by electrosurgery, in which a pencil-shaped instrument is used to cut and destroy the affected tissue with an electric current. This procedure requires a local anesthetic. Side effects may include infection, scarring and changes in skin coloration at the site of treatment.
  • Creams or ointments. Some topical medications contain fluorouracil (Carac, Fluoroplex, Efudex), a chemotherapy drug. The medication destroys actinic keratosis cells by blocking essential cellular functions within them. Another treatment option is imiquimod (Aldara), a topical cream that modifies the skin's immune system to stimulate your body's own rejection of precancerous cells. Diclofenac gel (Voltaren, Solaraze), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory topical drug, may help, too. Side effects may include skin irritation such as pain, itching, stinging or burning sensation, crusting, and sensitivity to sun exposure at the site of treatment.
  • Chemical peeling. This involves applying one or more chemical solutions — trichloroacetic acid (Tri-Chlor), for example — to the lesions. The chemicals cause your skin to blister and eventually peel, allowing new skin to form. Skin peeling usually lasts for five to seven days. Other side effects may include stinging or burning sensation, redness, crusting, changes in skin coloration, infections and, rarely, scarring. This procedure may not be covered by insurance, as it's often considered cosmetic.
  • Photodynamic therapy. With this procedure, an agent that makes your damaged skin cells sensitive to light (photosensitizing agent) is either injected or applied topically. Your skin is then exposed to intense laser light to destroy the damaged skin cells. Side effects may include redness, swelling and a burning sensation during therapy.
  • Laser therapy. A special laser is used to precisely remove the actinic keratoses and the affected skin underneath. Local anesthesia is often used to make the procedure more comfortable. Some pigment loss and scarring may result from laser therapy.
  • Dermabrasion. In this procedure, the affected skin is removed using a rapidly moving brush. Local anesthetic is used to make the procedure more tolerable. The procedure leaves skin red and raw-looking. It takes several months for the skin to heal, but the new skin generally appears smoother.
Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

The procedures have various advantages and disadvantages, including side effects, risk of scarring, and the number of treatment sessions required.

Afterward you'll likely have regular follow-up visits to check for new patches or lesions.

 

Prevention

Prevention of Actinic Keratoses is important because this condition can be precancerous or an early form of skin cancer.

Sun safety is necessary to help prevent development and recurrence of patches and lesions caused by an actinic keratosis.

Take these steps to protect your skin from the sun:
  • Limit your time in the sun. Avoid staying in the sun so long that you get a sunburn or a suntan. Both result in skin damage that can increase your risk of developing actinic keratoses and skin cancer. Sun exposure accumulated over time may also cause an actinic keratosis. Set time limits when at the pool or beach or when you're spending time outdoors in the winter. Snow, water and ice all reflect and intensify the sun's harmful rays, and UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Clouds block only a small portion of UV radiation.
  • Use sunscreen. Regular use of sunscreen reduces the development of actinic keratoses. Before spending time outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Use sunscreen on all exposed skin, including your lips. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it every two hours or more often if you swim or sweat.
  • Cover up. For extra protection from the sun, wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs and a broad-brimmed hat, which provides more protection than does a baseball cap or golf visor. You might also consider wearing clothing or outdoor gear specially designed to provide sun protection.
  • Avoid tanning beds and tan-accelerating agents. Tanning beds emit ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which are often touted as less dangerous than are ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. But UVA light penetrates deeper into your skin, causes actinic keratoses and increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunless tanning lotions or bronzing lotions that produce a tanned look without sun exposure are a safe choice, if you continue to use sunscreen when outdoors.
  • Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor. Examine your skin regularly, looking for the development of new skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks. With the help of mirrors, check your face, neck, ears and scalp. Examine the tops and undersides of your arms and hands.

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BEC5 Curaderm: Devil's Apple Fruit

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BEC5 Curaderm
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BEC from Solanum Linnaeanum (Devil's Apple)
and Eggplant to Defeat  Skin Cancer
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Devil's Apple
Solanum Linnaeanum is a nightshade species known as Devil's Apple.
In some places it is known as  the "Apple of Sodom".
This poisonous plant bearing tomato-like fruit is native to South Africa and considered to be an invasive species in
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Hawaii
  • Fiji
  • New Caledonia
  • Other Pacific Islands

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Solasodine Glycosides (BEC) 78% Effective Against

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

DEVIL'S APPLE AND SKIN CANCER

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Curaderm Topical Cream
As you know melanoma, a type of skin cancer caused by an abnormal growth of skin cells called melanocytes, can appear anywhere in your body and at any time, in either males or females.
In spite there are certain advices for the prevention of skin cancer, this article will be focused more on some of the natural herbal remedies documented by science to be effective for the treatment of certain types of malignant and benign human skin tumors.


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Devil's Apple Plant

SOLANUM LINNAEANUM

Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Common name: Devil's apple

SOLANOSIDE GLYCOSIDES (BEC) AND SKIN TUMORS

Solasodine Glycosides (BEC) from Solanum Linnaeanum (Devil's Apple) and Solanum melongena (Eggplant) where found to be effective in the treatment of malignant and benign human skin tumors.
Both plants, rich in Solasodine glycosides (BEC), where part of a study carried out by the University of Queensland in Australia, on the properties of BEC for the treatment of keratoses, basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), where it was demonstrated to be effective when used either in a high concentration of 10% of solasodine glycosides, or in very low concentrations of the same substance (0.005%), in a topical cream named Curaderm.



SOLANOSIDE GLYCLOSIDES (BEC) AND BASAL CELL CARCINOMA 

Another clinical study, this time by the Department of Dermatology, Royal London Hospital, aimed to asses the safety and efficacy of another 0.005% mixture of Solasodine Glycosides creme named Zycure, for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.
The study, with a participation of ninety four patients, showed an efficacy at 8 weeks of 66% (41/62) in the Zycure group, compared to 25% (8/32) in the vehicle group.
The study demonstrated that the use of solasodine glycosides (Zycure) in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, with a final cure rate of 66% at 8 weeks and 78% at 1 year follow-up, can be considered a safe therapy.


CORAMSINE, A NOVEL CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENT FROM SOLANUM LINNAEANUM

Coramsine is a novel chemotherapeutic agent isolated from Solanum linnaeanum (devil's apple), was able to slow down tumor growth, prolonging survial time in a murine model affected by malignant mesothelioma.
It seems that the tumor cells were killed directly without being induced to natural cell death or apoptosis.
Other herbs as Solanum unguiculatum were also found to contain Solasodine glycosides as part of their active constituents.

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Click Here To Buy Curaderm
http://curaderm.olmifon.net/

Curaderm BEC5

BEC5 Curaderm: What Is BEC5?

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BEC5 Curaderm

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What Is BEC5?
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I came across a web site that claimed, “Cure cancer with eggplant?!
That’s C-U-R-E, not just improve — one of today’s most common and scariest cancers?
Usually in under 3 months!
Hear about the 80,000 success stories and not one case of cancer coming back.
How did this one get covered up?

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Royal London Hospital

Eggplant and the latest research isn’t from some fly-by-night outfit that you’d be afraid to take your dog to – but the Royal London Hospital.

Virtually the entire medical press ignored this natural discovery.

But one courageous M.D., Dr. Bill E. Cham, broke the news – and has spent his career proving that nobody does it better than Mother Nature.

Some even say he’s changing modern medicine.

The eggplant extract is called “BEC5.”

In the December 2005 issue of Nutrition & Healing (see article provided below), you read about Dr. Bill Cham’s 25-year journey of discovery and development of a cure (yes, that’s a cure, and it works nearly every time) for the two most common skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
And it cures them without harming normal skin in any way!

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation website (www.skincancer.org),
“Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of cancer, with more than 800,000 new cases estimated in the US each year.”
The website also states:
“Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, with over 250,000 new cases per year estimated in the United States.”

What’s more, Dr. Cham’s cure (termed “BEC-5″) is also effective in eliminating actinic keratosis (AK), termed a “precancer” by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

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Skin Cancer Foundation

Here’s what the Skin Cancer Foundation says:
“Actinic Keratosis is a small crusty, scaly or crumbly bump or horn that arises on the skin surface. The base may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, or a combination of these…or the same color as your skin. The scale or crust is horny, dry, and rough, and is often recognized by touch rather than sight. Occasionally it itches or produces a pricking or tender sensation. It can also become inflamed and surrounded by redness. In rare instances, actinic keratoses can bleed.”

In March, I was privileged to attend a presentation given by Dr. Cham to the International College of Integrative Medicine just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati in Northern Kentucky.
(At the same meeting, ICIM presented Dr. Henry Heimlich with a Lifetime Achievement award, in large part for development of the life-saving Heimlich maneuver.)

In his presentation, Dr. Cham explained the exact mechanism of action of BEC-5.
It’s so simple even the present “medical mainstream” and the Skin Cancer Foundation should be able to understand it, the very first time!
But according to the Skin Cancer Foundation website:
“There is no one best method to treat all skin cancers and precancers.”
This website doesn’t even mention Dr. Cham or any of the versions of BEC-5 at all!



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http://curaderm.olmifon.net   Curaderm BEC5
http://curaderm.olmifon.net
Curaderm BEC5 Eggplant Skin Cancer Cream, an affordable cream, appears to cure and eliminate non-melanoma skin cancers in weeks.
Click Here To Buy Curaderm
http://curaderm.olmifon.net/