Recent Skin Cancer Research

Thankfully the field of skin cancer research is growing as a large number of patients are still being diagnosed with it every day. This has led scientists to focus their attention on this type of cancer. Recent skin cancer research has yielded some surprising options for treatment.

There are three main types of skin cancer with each having sub-types. The most common type, basal cell carcinoma, grows slowly and appears similar to a flesh-toned mole. Over 90% of skin cancers in the United States are basal cell carcinomas. While there have been some reports of spreading (metastasis), it generally does not spread.

The second form of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. It can begin as tender, red, rough textured bumps on the scalp, face, ears or hands and slowly invades deeper into skin. Squamous cell carcinoma does spread, especially once it has invaded the skin.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It has many causes but primarily affects existing or new moles. Melanoma can metastasise rapidly, which is why early detection is essential.

Interesting Global Research

Skin cancer research has shown that a kitchen spice rack may hold the cure to skin cancer. When Indian researchers induced squamous cell carcinoma and hepatomas (liver tumors) in laboratory rats and tested nine commonly used spices and vegetables against the cancers, they found that cumin seeds, basil leaves and poppy seeds were all effective at fighting cancer. In the study, published in Food and Chemical Toxicology in November 1992, the researchers noted that the cumin seeds and basil leaves significantly decreased the incidence of both cancers while the poppy seeds significantly inhibited new growth of malignant cells.

In a more recent study by Indian researchers, a component of ginger called [6]-gingerol was tested on human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. It was found to inhibit growth of A431 cells by producing molecules that damaged the cells, leading to apoptosis (cell death). In the study, published in May 2009 in Chemico-Biological Interactions, researchers stated that their data strongly suggests that this component of ginger can be an effective treatment against skin cancer.

Circumin, a component of the Indian spice turmeric, has been researched extensively worldwide for its cancer fighting and preventative properties. Science is still studying exactly how this spice affects cancer cells. The University of Texas carried out a study and published that this strong yellow spice aparantly blocks the main biological pathway required for the development of malignant melanoma (and other cancers too). If you are interested in the science bit, circumin treatment stopped a major inflammatory response that is known to cause other problematic conditions such as arthritis and cancer, by turning off a protein called NF-kB.

Summary

With additional skin cancer research, an eventual cure may soon be on the horizon, or better yet, science may find a method to prevent skin cancer from occurring in the first place. Who knows? The cure may be as simple as the herb you grow in a garden or used to flavour foods!