Skin Cancer- its causes, symptoms, types and prevention methods

Know the symptoms, causes, and preventions of skin cancer

A change in the skin, such as a growing lump, a new mole, or modifications to an existing mole, is usually the first indicator of skin cancer. Detecting any alterations early can help with a timely cancer diagnosis, which can improve a person's prognosis. There are other varieties of skin cancer, however, they are divided into two categories: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is less prevalent than non-melanoma skin cancer, but it is more hazardous.

When the skin is exposed to UV light, the rays can cause DNA damage in the cells. This is usually caused by direct sunlight on exposed skin. If some genes are damaged during this process, aberrant cells might divide and grow uncontrolled. These cells have the potential to develop into malignant tumors. Non-melanoma cancers typically develop in the basal and squamous cells of the skin's outermost layer.

Melanoma tumors only occur in a subset of cells known as melanocytes. By generating melanin, these cells regulate skin pigmentation. Melanoma is less frequent than other types of skin cancer, but it is more deadly because it can spread to other parts of the body. As a result, prompt detection and treatment are critical. The two most frequent kinds of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Read-> Atopic Dermatitis treatments with natural home remedies

Types of Skin Cancer

Different pictures of Skin cancer types

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cells are found near the base of the epidermis, the skin's outermost layer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent type of skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. It accounts for over 80% of all non-melanoma skin malignancies. Although it is more frequent in those over the age of 50, it can develop in younger people as well, especially those who have had a lot of sun exposure. The appearance of basal cell carcinoma varies from person to person. This cancer, on the other hand, can manifest as an open sore that remains open for weeks.

• a sore that oozes, weeps, crusts over,
• or bleeds or a shining lump.
• a swollen sore with a sunken core

Squamous cell carcinoma

This type of carcinoma develops in the cells near the epidermis's surface.

• an ongoing open wound
• a scaly, crusty spot that bleeds and does not heal
• a wart-like crusty growth

Merkel cell carcinoma

This rare and deadly type of cancer is becoming increasingly common. Merkel cell cancer can manifest itself as:

• a solid, shiny, and painless lump
• a raised, circular lesion
• a rapidly expanding lump

Melanoma Skin Cancer Types

Melanoma skin cancers are less prevalent than non-melanoma skin cancers, but they are more hazardous.

Superficial spreading melanoma

The most prevalent type of melanoma. It can appear within a pre-existing mole or as a new lesion on a person's skin. Females are more likely to have it on their legs, whilst males are more likely to have it on their torso.

Superficial spreading melanoma can take the following forms:

1. a discolored area of skin
2. a lesion with erratic shape
3. a change in size, shape, or color of a growth
4. a splotch with ill-defined borders

Nodular melanoma

This is the most dangerous type of melanoma. It grows vertically down into the skin, making it more hazardous. As it grows so quickly, it is frequently invasive at the time of diagnosis. It is responsible for more than 10% of all melanomas. Males are more likely than females to develop this kind of melanoma. It is frequently found on the head and neck.

Nodular melanoma can take the following forms:

1. a rounded, elevated lump
2. a painful and maybe bleeding lump
3. a fungus-like growth with a smooth or rough surface
4. a lump larger than 6 millimeters (mm) in diameter

Lentigo maligna melanoma

Sun exposure is strongly associated with this kind of melanoma. It is more common in the elderly and those who have had a lot of sun exposure, such as those who work outside. It most commonly appears on sun-damaged skin, such as the face, ears, arms, and chest.

Lentigo maligna melanoma can take the following forms:

1. flat skin spots that resemble a huge dark freckle
2. morphing and growing patches
3. a color patch that is erratic
4. a lesion that can cause discomfort and bleeding

Acral lentiginous melanoma

Melanoma of this type is the most common in those with darker skin tones. It is most commonly found on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands, and other difficult-to-detect places.

It could look like this:

1. a darker spot than the surrounding skin
2. a lesion having an uneven, bumpy, warty surface a bleeding lesion

Read-> Skin benefits of Vitamin C and its sources

Skin Cancer - Causes

1. The majority of skin malignancies are caused by repeated, unprotected exposure to UV radiation. Although this is typically caused by the sun, it can also be caused by other sources of UV radiation, such as tanning salons. In addition, researchers discovered that certain inherited genes can enhance a person's risk of developing skin cancer.
2. Defects in tumor-suppressing genes, such as TP53 and PTCH1/PTCH2, can increase a person's susceptibility to cancer.
3. Similarly, having a family history of skin cancer increases a person's chances of developing it themselves.
4. Squamous cell carcinoma is also linked to certain forms of human papillomavirus (HPV).
5. These viruses disrupt the proteins that control skin growth, causing it to grow uncontrolled and raising a person's cancer risk.

Certain kinds of skin cancer are more common in individuals who:

• male gender 
• are more elderly
• have a skin cancer history
• have light hair and pale skin
• have a compromised immune system
• having a large number of moles

Skin Cancer - Symptoms

A change in the skin is the most prevalent symptom of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, an open sore that isn't healing, or a change in an already existing mole. To identify a probable melanoma, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends utilizing the A-B-C-D-E rule:

A – Asymmetrical: Is it shaped irregularly?

B — Border: Is the border uneven or jagged?

C — Color: Is the color uniform?

D — Diameter: Is it bigger than a pea (about 6 mm)?

E — Changing: Has it changed in the recent several weeks or months?

Is it possible for skin cancer to spread to other parts of the body?

Yes, it is possible. However, it is dependent on the type and stage of skin cancer.

• Skin tumors that are not melanoma are less prone to spread.
• Squamous cell carcinoma has a modest risk of spreading to other parts of the body, but basal cell carcinoma does not.
• Melanoma skin cancer spreads faster than non-melanoma skin cancer, making it more hazardous. It has the potential to spread to the lymph nodes and then to other organs in the body.

Preventive Measures

• Although there is no way to completely remove the risk of cancer, frequent sun exposure has been associated with numerous skin malignancies.
• Following sun safety recommendations will almost certainly minimize a person's risk of developing skin cancer. People can help protect themselves by avoiding extended exposure when UV rays are at their greatest.
• Wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and clothes that cover the arms and legs, wearing wraparound sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15
• avoiding the use of tanning booths and sunlamps.

Doctors often define the various kinds of cancer as either non-melanoma or melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer is typically less harmful and less prone to spread, whereas melanoma skin cancer is more aggressive.

If a person is aware of the symptoms of skin cancer, they may be able to detect a potential lesion and seek treatment early. People who want to lower their risk of skin cancer should avoid indoor tanning and practice sun safety.

Read-> How to avoid skin dehydration especially in winter? (A complete DIY information)

Ghar Ka Baidya is dedicated to provide you with all important information on latest developments, skin, hair and other beauty related topics. So, like & follow us on social media platforms. Share this post as much as you can so that we can provide you with such information more rapidly.