Why Should Facial Plastic Surgery Be Considered After Skin-Cancer Treatment?

Skin cancer can affect people of all ages, races, and skin tones. Most types of skin cancer affect areas which have been exposed frequently to sunlight that is not protected by proper sun block. The face is one area on the body where tumor is frequently found.

Even though most skin cancers are benign and easily contained, the consequences of treatment can lead to unsightly blemishes especially upon the face. So, many individuals consider facial plastic surgery after cancer treatments.

Treatments and Scars

Different tumor treatments leave different types of marks. For instance, cryosurgery (freezing of the lesion), kills the cancer and the surrounding skin which can slough off leaving a small, white scar. Curettage and electrodessication leaves a similar type of scar as cryosurgery. A more traditional method of excising the lesion and surround tissue can lead to even larger marks.

Plastic Surgery

Because of the process to remove the cancer, the surrounding and underlying health tissues are damaged by the surgeon. This is necessary to removing the cancerous growth. Rarely will the physician that is treating you for cancer also be specialized in plastic surgery for scar removal.

It is therefore advised that you seek out a qualified surgeon to perform the desired cosmetic surgery. Any time tissue is damaged (whether through treatment or injury) it damages the superficial and underlying tissues causing scars. The difficulty of removing the scars depends on location, size, and color of the blemish.

Different methods are used for different types of scars. First, dermabrasion can be used to soften and shrink the scar by removing several layers of the disfigurement. The blemishes can also be excised out through traditional cosmetic surgery such as a lift procedure where the wound is removed and the healthy skin is brought together.

If there is not enough skin to bring together, a graft can be used to supplement the necessary tissue. Another method called the Z-plasty attempts to move the disfigurement from a prominent position to a natural skin fold or crease. Although this does not remove the scar, it minimizes it.

Because of the precision, talent and skill of cosmetic surgeons, scarring after skin cancer treatment can be minimized. If you are or will be going through cancer treatments contact a plastic surgeon to see what options are available. The physician, who is treating you for malignant cells may even have some recommendation on whom to visit.

Facial plastic surgery, Boston plastic surgeon says can help to defy age and gravity that tends to reflect on the face. A mini-facelift removes some of this excess skin and fat deposits, tightens the underlying muscle. Learn more about this procedure at http://www.drmossthebeautyboss.com

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Malignant Melanoma - Are Your Symptoms a Sign That it Has Spread?

Of all the skin cancers, malignant melanoma is the most serious. It accounts for approximately 75% of all skin cancer deaths and is the sixth most common form of cancer. This can be directly attributed to the fact that melanoma, unless treated early, usually metastasises to other organs.

The first place melanoma traditionally metastasises to are the lymph nodes near the site of the skin cancer. The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and play an important role in immune system function. Special white blood cells called lymphocytes circulate in the body seeking out foreign cells. They return to the nodes where the foreign bodies are identified and the cells are specialised to fight that particular infection. From the node, they flow back into the blood stream, following it to the foreign cells, which they then attack.

When an infection is present, lymph nodes are commonly swollen. This is due to the large amounts of B cells, the specialised lymphocytes responsible for creating antibodies. When cancer is present, the nodes usually become enlarged and may appear as a hard knot. However, if there are only a few cancer cells, this is not always the case. If melanoma metastasises to the lymph nodes found in the chest or abdomen, patients may experience shortness of breath or backache.

Malignant melanoma may also spread to the liver, brain, lungs, or digestive tract. Cases of advanced ocular melanoma, or melanoma of the eye, metastasise to the liver in 95% of cases. In some cases, there are no symptoms of hepatic melanoma. Those that do experience symptoms may have nausea, weight loss, fever, jaundice, sweats or pain in the upper right area of the abdomen.

Approximately half of malignant melanoma tumors metastasise to the brain. Seizures are the most common symptom, appearing in 25 to 37% of patients. Symptoms can vary depending on where the tumors appear in the brain. However, in cases of metastatic brain cancer, some are more common. These include headaches, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, swelling, and impairment of motor or mental function. If sensory organs in the brain are involved, patients may have problems with hearing or vision as well.

Melanoma of the lung is rare. According to statistics, it is responsible for less than one percent of tumors in the lungs. There aren't always symptoms of this condition. Some people do experience a cough that does not respond to usual treatment, shortness of breath or fluid buildup that leads to pleural effusion (collection of fluid next to the lung). If pleural effusion is present, patients may have discomfort in the chest.

In the digestive tract, melanoma is often misdiagnosed due to its tendency to mimic the appearance of other more common disorders. Symptoms are not always present, but may include difficulty swallowing, a full sensation in the abdomen, blockage of the digestive tract or pain in the abdominal area.

With malignant melanoma, preventing metastases is critical. Once tumors metastasise, they can have devastating effects on the body. In some cases, death may result.

Everyone should know the ABCD's of melanoma; A for Asymmetry, B for Border, C for Colour and D for Diameter. If melanoma is suspected, it should be checked immediately. Early detection increases the chances of survival from what can otherwise a fatal disease.

For more information on the ABCDE Rule for detecting malignant melanoma, click here.

A Hurrell is passionate about researching how to prevent skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. Visit her Skin Cancer Blog for more new and exciting articles!

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Cancer Patients Twice As Likely To Fall Into Fuel Poverty As The General Population

Macmillan Calls On Government To Extend Winter Fuel Payment To Cancer Patients

Paying fuel bills can be hard at the best of times but you are twice as likely to fall into fuel poverty[1] if recently treated for cancer, according to new research from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Following diagnosis, three-quarters (73 per cent[2]) of cancer patients in active treatment need to use their heating more yet those under 60 do not qualify for any help to pay for it.

That is why Macmillan is calling on the Government to offer cancer patients most in need[2] the winter fuel payment, just like the elderly, and also to include them in the group entitled to the new mandatory social tariffs that energy companies will have to offer[3].

Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support says: "People undergoing cancer treatment spend more time at home as they're often too ill to work. The effects of treatment can make them feel the cold more, and then they need the heating on higher and for longer which leads to increased fuel bills; all at a time when their household income plummets."

Ciarán continues: "Struggling with fuel bills is a situation that can very quickly spiral out of control for cancer patients and it is simply not fair. They need help from the Government and they need it now."

Rachel, 40, from Lancashire, is married with two teenage children. Her husband Iain has a long history of cancer, first with testicular cancer and more recently thyroid cancer. Rachel says: 'With the soaring cost of gas and electricity, we've become terrified of the bills. My husband gets very cold but we're scared to put the heating on all day so instead, he wraps up in layers of clothing. Not only that but we worry about using the washing machine and dryer.

My husband's illness means he sweats and vomits; keeping his clothes and bedding clean is a constant job and adds to our fuel costs. The children and I skip bathing so that we can afford his daily shower and bath - if we don't keep his skin clean there's real danger of infection.' "We will be spending another winter terrified of fuel bills, on top of all the other worries about cancer," says husband Iain.

Of all the people helped financially by Macmillan over one year [4], nearly 12,000 people (43 per cent) asked for help with their fuel bills. But the charity cannot do it alone. Support Macmillan's campaign to freeze out fuel poverty for cancer patients by signing the pledge at www.macmillan.org.uk/fuelpoverty

Anyone struggling with their fuel bills can get hold of a free fuel poverty fact sheet by calling 0808 808 00 00 or visiting www.macmillan.org.uk/fuelpoverty

Notes to Editors:

[1] 9.6 % of the general (non vulnerable) population are in fuel poverty, Department of Energy and Climate Change fuel poverty statistics, 2009. 19 % of cancer patients undergoing treatment in the last year are in fuel poverty, Macmillan Cancer Support Online survey of 974 people with cancer, May 2009

[2] Macmillan defines cancer patients in need as those undergoing treatment in the past year, who are terminally ill, or in receipt of Council Tax Benefit or Housing Benefit

[3] In July 2009, the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan announced their intention to bring in legislation to introduce a mandatory social tariff from March 2011. Under this, the energy companies will be obliged to offer an energy bill rebate to a select group of vulnerable people.

[4] Between 1st September 08 and 31st August 09, 11,847 people were helped with their fuel bills - 43 per cent of the total number of people helped financially (27,458) by Macmillan. This compares to 10,019 people who were helped during the same period the previous year - an 18 per cent increase.

Fuel poverty is defined as when a family needs to spend at least 10 per cent of their income on heating and lighting their home.

This Social Media news release is available at: - http://blogit.realwire.com/?ReleaseID=14065




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Cancer Prevention Tips

Prevention plays a major role in cancer. Here is the recommendations of the European Code against Cancer :

•Do not smoke.

•Limit consumption of alcohol: Alcohol encourages cancers of the mouth, digestive tract, esophagus and stomach. Moreover, it enhances the carcinogenic effects of tobacco.

•Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables and fiber, reduce consumption of foods highin fat, avoid excess weight and practice regular physical activity: malnutrition and excess weight cause hormonal unbalance favoring the onset of cancer. Lack of fiber can cause colon cancer. Excess salt promotes cancer of the stomach. Excess weight can lead to cancer of the colon, kidney, breast or cervix. Lack of physical activity promotes colon cancer.

•Do not abuse the sun expose children outside the hours of maximum sunshine (12h - 16h), the systematic protection, even if time is covered by sunscreens with a high index Harbor clothing is the best protection for the body (T-shirt).

•Avoiding UV sessions: they did not prepare the skin to tan, accelerate aging and increase cancer risk.

•Avoid, if possible, exposure and contact with the chemical carcinogens known, do not hesitate to inquire about the risks of chemicals with which contact is common (for business or domestic).


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I also write about different topics including Cholangitis, french cooking books and Firex Smoke Alarms

Ten Steps to Healthier Skin

Healthy skin is really one of the most important ingredients for beauty-enhancement. This article on skin care tips is an effort to bring the 10 best skin care tips to you. The list of skin care tips has been restricted to 10 because anything more that that would not only be difficult to remember, but also shadow the more important skin care tips. So let's see what these top ten skin care tips are:

- Knowing your skin type is one of the most important skin care tip. This is important because not every skin care product suits everyone. In fact, all the skin care products specify the type of skin they cater too.

- 'Drink a lot of water'. This will not keep your skin moist but will help in overall upkeep of your health (and in turn your skin). It might seem a bit awkward to some, however, this is an important skin care tip.

- Cleanse your skin regularly (1-2 times everyday). A very effective skin care tip that helps in getting rid of the dirt and other harsh elements from your skin. Cleansing is especially important when you have been out of your house (and hence exposed to pollutants, dust etc). This skin care tip also advocates the use of Luke warm water for cleansing (hot and cold water, both, cause damage to your skin)

- Be gentle, after all it's your skin. Don't scrub/exfoliate too hard or too often. Similarly, don't apply too much or too many skin care products. A must-to-follow skin care tip.

- Keep your skin moist at all times. This is one of the most important skin care tip. Don't let your skin get dry. Dryness causes the outer layer of your skin to break, leading to a rough and unattractive appearance. Use moisturisers/ emollients. Moisturisers work best when applied while the skin is still damp.

- Avoid the use of soap on your face. Soap should only be used from below the neck. A small but important skin care tip.

- Use sunscreen to protect yourself from sun's harmful UV radiations. You can use day-time moisturisers that have sunscreen built into them. Use them even when it's cloudy. UV radiations are known to cause skin cancer, so follow this skin care tip without fail.

- A bit of exercise and good sleep are essential too, not just for skin care but for your health as a whole. Lack of sleep can lead to formation of wrinkles below your eyes and lack of exercise can cause your skin to slack. Moreover, exercise and sleep also help in beating stress. So besides being a skin care tip, this is also a health care tip.

- Treat skin dilemmas with care. This skin care tip is about not ignoring any skin dilemmas. Consult your dermatologist before you go on to use a skin care product (lest you do end up harming your skin even more).

- Beat the stress. The harmful effects of stress are known to everyone, however, sometimes stating the obvious is essential too (and hence this skin care tip found its place here). Yes, stress harms skin too. So, take a break or indulge in a warm bubble bath or just get good sleep.



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