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Skin cancer is the most common of all the cancers. For years, the majority of the black population and even many medical specialists have assumed that people of color cannot get skin cancer, but that assumption is very much false.

Believing themselves safe from the sun’s radiation, many people with darker complexions do not use sunscreen. Since these individuals feel invincible against the sun, they often are unaware of the symptoms of cancer of the skin when they are present. As a result, even though this cancer can be treated, is more likely to result in fatalities in cases involving people with darker skin tones than people with lighter skin tones. This is because usually when skin cancer is diagnosed in persons with brown or black skin, the cancer is typically in its later stages. At this point, the cancer may have spread and be impossible to treat.

Signs of skin cancer in darker individuals are typically seen in body areas which have less skin color such as fingers, soles, the palms of the hands, and toes. Symptoms sometimes even appear in the mouth and near the reproductive organs.

While a high percentage of Caucasians wear sunscreen when they’re exposed to the sun for long periods of time, the percentage of people of color who wear sunscreen is estimated to be less than thirty percent. To alleviate the risks of skin cancer, all individuals, regardless of race, should wear sunscreen.

Cancer of the skin does not discriminate; it affects people of all races. Therefore, everyone should take preventive measures to avoid the sun’s UV rays and see a physician at the first appearance of a mole or an abnormal growth. Just because skin cancer does occur less often in people of color, this does not mean that this group is invulnerable to cancer.

No one is.

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BRAF is a substance that is now being very seriously researched in the treatment of cancer. BRAF v600e is what is medically known as a mutated (changed) form of a cancer cell. BRAF v600e is said to be found in various types of cancers including that of skin cancer or melanoma. BRAF v600e kinas is a serine inhibitor such as chemo therapy that is used to target the cancer cells to die. It has been noted that the BRAF genes are seen as the most frequently altering genes in melanoma. These alterations have been reported in both primary and metastatic melanoma cells and tumors, at a rate ranging from 31% to 75%.

Furthermore, studies also have demonstrated that breaking down the mutant BRAF v600e in human skin cancer cells not only inhibits the growth of the cells but prevents invasion of healthy cells and promotes apoptosis; meaning death of living cells which is a normal cell function, without which both malignant and benign cells can develop. Accordingly it is believed that the BRAF gene can be considered as a new method of treatment for skin cancer. Although the benefits of the new BRAF v600e treatment is clearly seen as beneficial in the treatment of melanoma, most of the patients will not be able to benefit from this treatment due to lack of accessible samples of tissue. This unfortunately means that selecting patients based on the mutation frequency of their tumors will be very restrictive. In view of the fact that a very high percentage of normal tissues are very often found in melanoma tissue samples taken from patients, a less invasive but more sensitive method on determining a patient’s level of mutation is said to be required.

These findings have resulted in more research being carried out and certain ongoing trials with BRAF v600e are said to include typing of mutation in tumors in their analysis. Although the results are not yet known, it is hoped that when more potent and targeted BRAF inhibitors become available, it will be possible to find types of mutation that will have greater relevance in selecting the patients most suitable for this treatment.

Another study was carried out on women with malignant thyroid cancer which is said to be the 8th most common cancer in women. These studies Have shown that incidence of this malignancy has increased much quicker than any other cancer. Although tests were carried out in some women and a positive correlation was found between the cancer and BRAF v600e, it had not been possible to arrive at any conclusion due to the histological differences of the study types such as different countries, different environments and genetics which would have made an impact on the results obtained. The good news is that the clinical trials show convincing evidence of the fact that BRAF v600e is found to be a very positive in tumor invasiveness regardless of the size of the tumor.

Clarient is a leader in cancer diagnostics, dedicating ourselves to collaborative relationships with the healthcare community as we translate cancer discovery and information into better patient care. We run molecular tests for Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Leukemia and Lymphoma. This article is written by Roberta L. Smigel and provided in courtesy of BRAF v600e, offeringdiagnostics BRAF test.

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You have a higher risk of getting squamous cell skin cancer if you have at least one of the following: light colored hair, eyes, and skin, too much exposure to the sun, x-rays, and chemicals. Anyone who fits into any of the categories above are more commonly diagnosed with it. Squamous cell skin cancer can be described as bumps that are growing and contain scaly, reddish, or flat surfaces. Non healing wounds are another characteristic of this type of cancer.

The neck, face, arms, ears, and nose a some of the most common areas where tumors develop. If you catch it in the early stages, then it can be treated. Though, if you getting any type of indication that that you might have it, then get an appointment with a professional scheduled as soon as possible so you can begin receiving treatment.

Protect Yourself

If you fall into the category of any characteristics listed above or are older than 50, then it’s critical to protect yourself from getting squamous cell skin cancer. This means avoiding exposure to chemicals, protecting your skin from the sun with sunscreen or clothing, and periodically going in for a checkup.

Any sores or moles that you currently have can be examined by a dermatologist to see if there is anything to be concerned about. If he or she thinks that you possibly have it, then you can undergo testing and proceed with the necessary treatment.

Testing And Treatment

Generally speaking, a medical professional is capable of determining whether or not a skin bump, mole, or sore is squamous cell skin cancer just by looking at it. Next, a skin sample is taken and then delivered to a lab for further testing. At the lab, it will be confirmed whether or not the sample is indeed cancerous.

As mentioned, treatment can be effectively applied to squamous cell skin cancer when it’s detected early in the process. If it isn’t, then it can spread throughout the body and possible affect internal organs. Should this be the case, treatment may involve radiation.

Protecting yourself from the sun and from the things that can cause squamous cell skin cancer to develop will allow you to avoid it altogether. Should you acquire it however, get it checked out so you can start the treatment process as soon as possible. If you see a sign of anything out of the ordinary with your skin, be sure to visit a dermatologist immediately.

Read More

Why is invasive squamous cell skin cancer more difficult to treat?

Why a squamous cell skin cancer prognosis should come from a dermatologist.

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