Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells, which often occurs in the skin exposed to sunlight. But sometimes skin cancer also occurs in those parts of the skin, which are not normally exposed to sunlight or are less exposed.
There are mainly three types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
What is skin cancer?
You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by protecting yourself from ultraviolet radiation. Along with this, skin cancer can be detected at an early stage by detecting suspicious changes in the skin, which can give a better chance of successful treatment.
As mentioned above, skin cancer mainly occurs on the skin exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, etc. Apart from this, it can also develop on the legs in women.
In addition to the above areas of the body, skin cancer also occurs in those parts of the body that are rarely exposed to the sun, such as the palms, under the fingers of the hands and feet, genitals, etc.
Skin cancer can affect people of all skin types. Melanoma, when it usually occurs in dark-skinned people, is most likely to occur in places that are not exposed to the sun.
Types of Skin Cancer
How many types of skin cancer are there?
There are mainly three types of skin cancer, which are as follows:-
Basal cell carcinoma –
This is the most common type of skin cancer, which arises in the cells of the skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma –
It is considered the second most common skin cancer, it also arises from the cells of the skin.
Melanoma –
It begins in the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin. It has a very low incidence rate, but it is much more dangerous than the above two types of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma –
Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs on parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight, such as the face and neck.
Basal cell carcinoma can arise in the form of –
as a pearly or wax-colored bump on the skin,
In the form of flat, flesh-colored, or brown lesion-like marks.
squamous cell carcinoma –
Squamous cell carcinoma also mostly occurs on the parts of the body exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, ears, hands, etc. People with dark skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma on skin that is not exposed to sunlight.
Squamous cell carcinoma’ can arise in the following form –
1 – In the form of a hard and red lump
2 – in the form of a flat wound with a crusty layer.
Melanoma –
‘Melanoma’ can develop anywhere in the body, on normal skin or any part of the body, a mole or wart that turns into skin cancer. Melanoma in men often develops on their face or trunk (abdomen, groin, chest, etc.), and in women, it often develops on the lower part of the legs. In men and women, ‘melanoma’ can also develop on those parts of their body which are not exposed to sunlight.
Melanoma can affect people of all skin tones. Often in people with dark skin, ‘melanoma’ develops on the palms and soles of their feet or under the nails of the hands and feet.
Signs of melanoma:
Large brown spot, with a darker dot.
A mole or wart whose color and size has started changing or blood has started coming out of it.
A small lesion with temporary edges and parts, which may be red, white, blue, or blackish-blue in color.
Dark-colored sores can occur on the palms, soles of the feet, fingers, and toes, and mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and genitals.
When to see a doctor:
If you are noticing any kind of change in your skin, which seems to be a cause for concern, then definitely contact the doctor. The doctor will examine your skin to determine the cause of the skin change. It is not necessary that every change in the skin is the cause of skin cancer, but if there is any change in the skin, then definitely contact the doctor.
Skin Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Why does skin cancer happen?
Skin cancer occurs when there is a mutation (a type of error or abnormality) in the DNA of skin cells. Mutations cause skin cells to grow uncontrollably and form clusters of cancer cells in the skin.
Skin cancer starts on the top layer of the skin, this layer is also called the epidermis. The epidermis is a thin layer that provides a protective covering of skin cells, which keeps the body shed continuously.
Squamous cells –
It is located just below the topmost surface of the skin, which acts as the inner layer of the skin.
Basal cells –
These cells form new skin cells, which are located just below the squamous cells.
Melanocytes –
These cells produce melanin, a pigment that gives the skin its normal complexion. It is located in the lower part of the epidermis. When you’re out in the sun, ‘melanistic’ leads to the build-up of more melanin to protect the inner lining of your skin.
Be aware that depending on where skin cancer begins, its type and treatment options are determined.
Ultraviolet rays and other possible causes:
Cases of skin cells destroyed by DNA are mostly the result of ultraviolet radiation. These radiations are found in sunlight and the lights used for tanning beds. But exposure to the sun cannot be considered the cause of skin cancer, because skin cancer can also occur in those parts of the body, which are not exposed to the sun.
The case of skin cells destroyed by DNA also indicates other factors that contribute to the risk of skin cancer, such as exposure to toxins or conditions such as a weakened immune system.
Risk factors for getting skin cancer:
fair skin –
By the way, skin cancer can happen to people of any skin tone. But fair skin has less pigment (melanin), which provides less protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Have you ever had a sunburn before?
If you have had one or more blisters or blisters due to sunburn during childhood or adolescence, then your risk of skin cancer increases in adulthood. Being an adult is itself a risk for skin cancer. (Read more: Sunburn Remedies)
Staying in the sun for a long time
If a person spends too much time in the sun, then his risk of skin cancer can increase. Especially when he has not used clothes or sunscreen etc. to protect himself from the sun.
Living in a place with excessive sunlight or high altitude
People who live in sunny and hot climates are more exposed to the sun than people who live in cold climates. Sunlight is more powerful in high-altitude areas, increasing the risk of exposure to ultraviolet radiation for people living there.
Moles (Mole or Wart) –
People who have more or abnormal moles on their bodies may also be at risk of skin cancer. Abnormal moles are those, which are temporary, and are larger than the size of normal moles. They are more likely to become cancerous than normal moles. If such abnormal moles are seen on the body, then their changes should be monitored regularly. (Read more: Home remedies to remove warts)
Pre-cancerous lesion
Lesions on the skin, known as ‘actinic keratosis, can also increase the risk of developing skin cancer. These pre-cancerous lesions typically appear as rough and flaky spots, which can range in color from brown to dark pink. (Read more – Home remedies for wound healing)
First, someone in the family has skin cancer –
If one of your parents or siblings has had skin cancer before, then you are also at increased risk of skin cancer.
Have you ever had skin cancer before?
People who have had skin cancer in the past have an increased risk of developing it again.
Weak immune system
People who have a weakened immune system may have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. People who have HIV-AIDS or who are taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant often have a weakened immune system.
Exposure to radiations
People who undergo radiation treatment for eczema or acne, etc., have an increased risk of skin cancer. They are particularly at increased risk of ‘basal cell carcinoma’.
Exposure to harmful substances
Exposure to certain harmful substances, such as arsenic, increases the risk of skin cancer.
Prevention of Skin Cancer
How to prevent skin cancer?
Most the skin cancer is preventable, the following measures should be used to prevent skin cancer itself:
Avoid exposure to the sun in the middle of the day
You absorb ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, with clouds providing little protection from harmful rays. Avoiding it during periods of excess sunlight can prevent sunburn and suntans. Direct exposure to the sun in the middle of the day damages the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer. Along with this, being exposed to the sun most of the time also increases the risk of skin cancer.
Use sunscreen throughout the year
Sunscreen is unable to filter out some of the harmful radiations, especially those radiations that cause ‘melanoma’ to develop. But it plays an important role in overall protection from the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. Apply sunscreen lightly on the body and keep applying it every two hours. Apply sunscreen even if you are swimming or sweating. Apply an appropriate amount of sunscreen on sun-exposed areas like lips, ears, neck, and back of hands. (Read more – How to choose a good sunscreen)
Wear protective clothing
Sunscreen does not provide complete protection from ultraviolet rays. Therefore, before going out in the sun, cover your skin and hands, and feet with dark-colored and tightly woven clothes. Along with this, instead of the normal hat, wear a big and spread hat which can give you more protection from the sun.
Beware of sun-sensitive medicines
Some common prescription (a prescription medicine) and over-the-counter (over-the-counter) medicines, such as antibiotics, etc. These medicines make the skin more sensitive to the sun. (Read more: Keep these things in mind before taking antibiotics)
Keep checking the skin regularly and tell the doctor if you see changes –
Often new skin should be examined when it comes and apart from this, moles, warts, freckles, marks during birth, etc. should also be checked from time to time. With the help of a mirror, your face, ears, neck, scalp, etc. should be examined closely. Keep checking your chest, abdomen, and waist, etc. Examine the inner side of the upper arms (in and around the armpits). Keep checking the back and forth of your feet and legs, including the space between the toes. Keep checking your genitals and buttocks as well.
Skin Cancer Testing – Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
To diagnose skin cancer, a doctor may do the following:
Examine the skin
Your doctor may do a skin test to determine if your skin changes are likely to cause skin cancer. In addition, further tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Removal of a piece of suspicious skin for testing (skin biopsy) –
In this, the doctor removes a small piece from the suspicious skin as a sample and sends it for a laboratory test. With the help of a biopsy determine if you have skin cancer? And if so what type of skin cancer is it?
Finding out how far the skin cancer has progressed:
If the doctor determines that you have skin cancer, the doctor may do additional tests to determine the extent of it.
Superficial skin cancers like ‘basal cell carcinoma’ rarely spread, so a skin biopsy is used to remove an enlarged area of skin. Often this is the only test to determine the stage of cancer. But if your squamous, Merkel cell carcinoma, or melanoma is large, your doctor may do further tests to determine the extent of the skin cancer.
Doctors use Roman numerals (I) to (IV) to indicate the stage of cancer. In stage (I), the cancer is confined to the site where it develops. Stage IV is the most severe form of skin cancer, which has spread to other parts of the body.
The stages of skin cancer helps in selecting effective and appropriate medicines for the same.
Skin Cancer Treatment
How is skin cancer treated?
Treatment of skin cancer or precancerous lesion (actinic keratosis) depends on its size, depth, and location. Smaller skin cancers that are confined to the surface of the skin may not require further treatment after a skin biopsy. With the help of skin biopsy, parts of cancer cells are taken out.
If additional treatment is still needed after the above, it may include the following options:
Freezing –
In this procedure, doctors destroy actinic keratoses and some small, early cancerous parts by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. The destroyed skin tissue falls out after thawing.
Excisional surgery –
It is a suitable treatment for all types of skin cancer. In this, doctors cut out the cancerous parts from around the healthy skin and take them out. In severe cases, some healthy skin around the wound may also need to be removed.
Mohs surgery –
This procedure is used for very large and recurrent skin cancers that are difficult to treat, such as ‘basal’ and ‘squamous carcinoma’. It is often used for parts of the body that need to be protected as much as possible, such as the nose.
Curettage and electrodesiccation or cryotherapy
Most parts of skin cancer are removed with the help of surgery. The doctor then uses a bladed instrument to scrape off the layer of cancer cells and clean them. The remaining cancer cells are also destroyed with the help of an electric needle. Liquid nitrogen can also be used in a variation of the same process. With its help, the base and edges of the treated areas are frozen and stabilized.
Radiation therapy –
Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams such as X-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy remains an option even if the cancer cells are not completely destroyed during surgery.
Chemotherapy –
In this procedure, drugs are used to kill cancer cells and creams and lotions are used for cancer cells that are confined to the upper layer of the skin. These contain anti-cancer agents and can be applied directly to the affected skin. Along with this, ‘systemic chemotherapy’ is used for skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. (Read more – What is chemo)
Photodynamic therapy –
This therapy uses a combination of both laser light and medicines. In this, with the help of drugs, cancer cells are made sensitive to laser light and they are destroyed with the help of laser light.
Biological therapy –
This therapy stimulates the body’s immune system to destroy cancer cells.
Also, Read
The Complete Skin Care Guidance for Girls
