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Skin cancer

Skin Cancer, or cancer of the outer surface of the body is a malignant neoplasm or growth on the skin.Skin cancer usually develops in the outermost layer of skin (epidermis), so a tumor is clearly visible. Comparing to other types of cancer, skin cancer is less fatal excluding melanoma. A few affected people die due to this disease.Skin cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed cancer, surpassing lung, breasts, colorectal, and prostate cancer.It is the most common cancer found in young population aged between 20-39 years.Long exposure to ultraviolet light from sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer and 85% of these cases are due to this.If some unexplained variations occur in the appearance of the skin which lasts longer than 14 days,then its time to consult a doctor /skin specialist.


Types of skin cancer:

Basically skin has two main layers and various other kinds of cells. The topmost layer of skin is called the epidermis containing three kinds of cells: flat, scaly cells on the surface called squamous cells; round cells called basal cells; and cells called melanocytes, which give your skin its color.


There are three main types of skin cancer, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises.


  • basal cell carcinoma


  • squamous cell carcinoma


  • malignant melanoma



Basal Cell Carcinoma

1. Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly developed skin cancer which accounts for about 75% of skin cancer.

2. Commonly found on the face, neck, and hands. It rarely spreads to other body parts and can be cured easily.

3. Its symptoms include - a sore that oozes or bleeds, a redness area that is irritated, a yellow or white area that resembles a scar, and a pink pearly bump.


Squamous Cell Carcinoma

1. Usually found on the parts of the body that have been exposed to the UV rays of the sun, like ears, the face and the mouth for a long time.

2. Symptoms include a bump that turns in to an open sore (ulceration, reddish, flat spot that is sometimes crusty), a bump that gets larger and a sore that won't heal.

3. It can spread quickly to other parts of the body if not treated on time, like the lymphatic system, bloodstream, and nerve routes.


Melanoma

1. Melanoma is the most fatal and deadly type of skin cancer.It can affect any part of the body,usually the arms, legs and trunk are the common areas. If detected or diagonised early, it can be easily treated.

2. Its symptoms include- a mole, freckle, or new/existing spot that changes color in size, shape, and color. It may have an irregular outline and possible be more than one color.

3. The best way of preventing skin cancer is to avoid long/excessive exposure to the sun. Stay in shadey areas and use sunscreens to protect yourself.


Signs and symptoms of skin cancer

There are a various signs and symptoms of skin cancer like-

  • Any sore that bleeds and do not heal.
  • skin ulcers
  • changes occuring in existing moles such as jagged edges to the mole and enlargement of the mole
  • A spot(mole,lump) which remains for a long time.
  • discoloring of skin.
  • some rough patches,marks or scales on the skin.
  • suspicous growth
  • Reoccurence of sores which are resistant to treatments.


Potentials causes of skin cancer:

The causes of cancer are listed below-

  • Exposure to uv rays(UVA,UVB) is the prime factor for the skin cancer.They damage DNA causing cancer.
  • HEREDITRY -risk of skin cancer is more if it runs in the family because they carry abnormal genes.
  • Smoking tobacco and related products doubles the chances its occurence.
  • A virus named Human papilloma virus (HPV) is found to be associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the genitals, anus, mouth, pharynx, and fingers.
  • Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation can also cause this.
  • Those person residing equatorial region where sun radiation are direct and strong have greater chances of its occurence.
  • Ultraviolet rays increases with height causing cancer.
  • Multiple moles(nevi) or atypical nevi.


Prevention of skin cancer:

Anything or action that lowers your chances of developing cancer is called a cancer preventive factor.Although it is not possible to completely eliminate the possibility of skin cancer, the risk of occurence can be minimised by following ways:

  • Avoiding tobacco and related products
  • Reducing overexposure to high intensity UV radiations can minimise skin cancer to a extent as it is the prime factor of this cancer.
  • Apply broad spectrum sunscreens that blocks UVA and UVB rays and also wear protective clothing when outside.
  • Allow vitamin D formation in skin by protective exposure to radiations daily.