Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma

Talking about skin cancer, there are basically two main forms of this deadly disease - melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. In this article we will talk about basal cell carcinoma.

This type of skin cancer is one of the most widespread forms of cancer. To be precise, over half a million new instances of this form of cancer are reported every year. However, it is fortunate that in comparison to other types of cancer, basal cell carcinoma is a non-threatening disease whose cure rate is extremely high.

This form of cancer develops on the surface of the skin that comes in contact with ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun for a considerable period of time. Besides, this form of cancer may also develop following the skin coming in contact with arsenic. It may be noted that the occurrence of this form of cancer is common on the face, neck, scalp, forearms and hands. Moreover, basal cell carcinoma is most widespread in people having fair skin complexion.

The notable aspect of basal cell carcinoma is that it occurs in the form of little white patches on the skin where it is relatively firm - the diameter of these patches is generally smaller compared to a pencil eraser. More or less, these cancerous growths do not burst out of the protein capsules enclosing them. Nevertheless, they may haemorrhage and cause scars. If they are not treated or neglected for a number of years, these white patches may overrun the neighbouring soft tissues sooner or later or even extend to other parts of the body.

Apart from the basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is the other most widespread form of skin cancer. Both these types of skin cancers have a high cure rate provided they are treated in the initial stage. Nevertheless, reappearance or return of these types of skin cancers is extremely regular and, in case they are not treated as it should be, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are not treated appropriately these skin cancer types may possibly even extend to the deeper strata of the skin and cause extensive harm. What is worse, if left unattended or not treated properly, both these skin cancer forms may even cause damage to the bones.

Provided basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma has not spread deeper into the skin or other parts of the body, they can be cured using the usual treatments, which include surgery. In such cases, surgery is usually undertaken in the clinic of a dermatologist. On the other hand, in case these forms of skin cancer have spread, they can be treated using radiation therapy - a very common remedy for acute cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Compared to basal cell carcinoma, the occurrence of melanoma is less common, but this form of skin cancer is more destructive. Therefore, it is advisable that all types of wary growths or tumours ought to be brought to the notice of a qualified medical practitioner as soon as you notice them.

Supplements and herbs

Specific herbs and supplements are effective in curing basal cell carcinoma, provided the disease is detected and treated in its early stage. While aloe vera and vitamin E are effective for treating this form of skin cancer, you may apply vitamin E and aloe vera gels topically on the affected areas as per the instructions on the label of the product. Even aloe vera and vitamin E creams are effective when applied externally according to the directions of the labels of the products.

Using these products helps to put off the making of chemicals required for the growth of the cancerous cells. It may be noted that using vitamin E and aloe vera gel or cream externally on the skin areas affected by basal cell carcinoma has proved to be effective in lessening the condition in a number of patients.

Alternately, taking astragalus capsules according to the instructions on the product label may prove to be effective in curing basal cell carcinoma. When you take astragalus capsules, they produce anti-cancer cells within the body and, at the same time, perk up the immune system.

Applying an ointment prepared from bloodroot on the skin areas affected by basal cell carcinoma as per the instructions on the product label is also effective in curing this condition. When you use this salve initially, it is likely to cause skin irritations and result in scary tissues that will encircle the patches caused by basal cell carcinoma.

Additional things you may do

In addition to using herbs and supplements to treat basal cell carcinoma, you may also do a few other things to cure this disease. For instance, employing external herbal remedies just during the period you are waiting for the planned surgical or medical elimination of this form of skin cancer may prove to be useful. In effect, the natural curative methods started by use of herbs may possible help to get rid of this skin cancer. However, you should never depend on this as the only mode of treating basal cell carcinoma.

Alternately, you may take about 150 micrograms to 200 micrograms of the trace mineral selenium every day. Ingestion of selenium considerably reduces the chances of the existing basal cell carcinoma from spreading to the other body areas, such as the lungs, colon or prostate. In addition, eating just a couple of Brazil nuts daily may also help greatly. Each of these nuts encloses about 120 micrograms of selenium.

In order to prevent the existing basal cell carcinoma from spreading, you may use sunscreen, but while using sunscreen, it is essential to take vitamin D in dosage of about 200 IU to 400 IU with a view to balance the use of sunscreens. It may be noted that vitamin D facilitates the body in restraining the basal cell carcinoma. However, using sunscreens for shielding the skin from the ultraviolet (UV) rays also leaves the skin without receiving the ultraviolet rays which are essential to produce vitamin D.

In addition, you also ought to keep away from tanning salons. In fact, the tanning salons make use of the ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays, which are even more harmful than the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Never be deceived by any claims made by people advocating the use of tanning salons.

At the same time, make sure that you scrutinize your skin on a regular basis. According to the suggestions of the Skin Care Foundation, you need to undertake a self examination of the entire body once in every three months. In order to perform this, you require a full-length mirror, a handheld mirror as well as adequate lighting. Making use of the mirrors, try to observe if there are any changes in the marks or moles on your body. In cases, you notice any anomalies, visit a dermatologist and get them examined thoroughly.

It may be noted that the herb schisandra encloses compounds that put off development of skin cancer following any injury caused by chemicals. This herb is particularly suggested for individuals who come in contact with arsenic compounds. The standard dosage of this herb is taking about 100 mg thrice every day. It is important to take the herb that has been dried in a freezer. People who are enduring gallstones or blockages in their bile duct should never take this herb.

Turmeric is also effective in curing basal cell carcinoma. This herb encloses a substance called curcumin that helps in putting off skin cancer development due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. In addition, curcumin also averts skin cancers brought about by chemicals. Topical application of a poultice prepared with turmeric on the affected areas of the skin thrice every day is effective in curing this type of skin cancer. The turmeric poultice may also be employed in the form of a natural sunscreen to avoid damages by ultraviolet light.

People enduring a condition that precedes carcinogenic growths called actinic keratosis, which is attributable to coming in contact with sunlight, can also benefit as well as treat their disease using a skin salve containing 5-fluorouracil (Fluoroplex). Applying as well as removing a coptis compress prior to applying Fluoroplex on the affected areas enhances the capability of the skin to soak up this medicine.

It is worth mentioning here that skin cancer of the non-melanoma type enhances the possibilities of developing bladder cancer. In case you have already endured basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma and you come in contact with cigarette smoke and additional risk factors related to bladder cancer, you ought to consult your physician regarding undergoing a test to determine if you have already developed bladder cancer.

In order to put off cancer development, you need to keep away from exposure to the sun, particularly during the period between 10.00 A. M. and 3.00 P.M. every day, at what time the rays of the sun are generally severe. In addition, it is advisable that you wear long sleeves and trousers, a hat as well as sunglasses that protect you from ultraviolet rays.

You may also apply sunscreen on the body parts that are exposed to the sun and for this you need to select a sunscreen that contains the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a minimum of 15. For best results, you should apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to going outdoors. Also ensure that children are protected by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothes as well as being in shade when outside.

When basal cell carcinoma is detected as well as treated in its early stage, it helps in curing this skin cancer in most of the patients. Although a patient may have been completely cured from basal cell carcinoma, it is mandatory for him or her to undergo checkups on a regular basis for a period of five years after recovery.

Other beneficial herbs

Comments

From Sue-Claire Morris - Apr-30-2015
I have been prescribed Aldara cream for basal cell carcinoma and it has resulted in ulcerated itchy skin and spread far beyond the original tiny area, I feel that the GP did not properly explain these side effects and I wish I had opted for the surgery now. It is uncomfortable and sore and looks potentially infected. Certainly feel wary of sitting in the sun for too long after this experience!
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