Skin cancer is a condition characterized by the proliferation of abnormal cells in skin tissues. Normally, as skin cells age and die, new ones emerge to replace them. When this process fails to function properly, such as after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, cells proliferate faster. These cells may be benign (noncancerous), meaning they do not spread or cause harm. Or they could be malignant.
If skin cancer is not detected early on, it can spread to surrounding tissue or other sections of the body. Fortunately, the majority of skin cancers can be cured if detected and treated early.
Types of skin cancer
Skin cancer, or abnormal cell proliferation, most commonly occurs on sunexposed skin. However, it can also appear in places of your skin that are not often exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer is classified into various categories, each with unique characteristics:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent type of skin cancer. It occurs in basal cells, which are located at the bottom of the epidermis (the skin’s outermost layer). BCCs typically appear as a fleshcolored spherical growth, a pearllike lump, or a pinkish area of skin.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most frequent kind, affecting the squamous cells that make up many of the skin’s upper layers (the epidermis). It can present as a firm red nodule, a flat sore with a scaly crust, or a new sore or elevated region on an old scar or ulcer.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma starts in the melanocytes, which create melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body, not just in areas exposed to sunlight. They may arise from or resemble unusually colored or shaped moles.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma is an uncommon kind of skin cancer that usually affects older people. It develops in Merkel cells at the epidermis’ base. This malignancy presents as a painless, hard nodule that may be red, purple, or skincolored.
Kaposi Sarcoma is a rare skin cancer that develops in the skin’s blood vessels, resulting in red or purple areas on the skin or mucous membranes. Kaposi sarcoma is particularly common in patients with weaker immune systems, such as those infected with HIV/AIDS.
Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma is a rare and severe cancer that develops in the oil glands of the skin. It usually manifests as hard, painless nodules that can form anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the eyelid.
Is skin cancer common?
Yes, skin cancer is among the most common types of cancer worldwide. Skin cancer rates vary over the world, according to factors such as sun exposure, tanning bed use, and genetic predispositions.
Skin cancer symptoms
The signs of skin cancer differ depending on the type of malignancy. However, there are certain general signs and symptoms to look for:
The most common indicator of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth, an unhealed sore, or a change in an existing growth.
Look for unusual skin growths or sores that do not heal, particularly if they are shiny, pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black, red, white, or multicolored.
Existing moles may vary in size, shape, color, or feel. The ABCDE rule will help you remember the warning signs of melanoma.
Asymmetry: It occurs when one half of a mole differs from the other.
Border: The edges are uneven, ragged, notched, or blurry.
Color: The color is not consistent and can range from brown to black, with occasional areas of pink, red, white, or blue.
Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across, but melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
Evolving: The mole is altering size, shape, or color.
Rough or scaly patches: Especially in sunexposed areas including the hands, arms, neck, face, and head of those who are balding.
Sensitivity or pain: A place that becomes unpleasant, itchy, tender, or causes a sensation for no apparent reason.
Bleeding or oozing: A patch or mole that bleeds, oozes, or scabs and does not cure within a few weeks.
Skin cancer causes
Overexposure to sunlight is the leading cause of skin cancer, particularly when sunburned and blistered. UV rays from the sun damage the DNA in your skin, causing abnormal cells to grow. These aberrant cells divide fast in an unorganized manner, resulting in a mass of cancer cells.
Skin cancer treatment
First, a dermatologist may inquire whether a patient has seen any changes in existing moles, freckles, or other skin spots, as well as any new skin growths. Next, they will examine the entire skin, including your scalp, ears, palms of the hands, the soles of your feet, between your toes, around your genitals, and between your thighs.
Surgical excision involves the removal of malignant tissue along with a margin of good skin. This is a standard treatment for both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin malignancies.
Mohs Surgery is a precise surgical method for skin cancer that involves removing layers of skin and examining them until no cancer cells are discovered. It seeks to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible and is commonly used to treat malignancies in cosmetically sensitive locations.
Cryotherapy is the process of freezing and destroying aberrant cells with liquid nitrogen. It is commonly used to treat precancerous diseases and tiny, early skin malignancies.
Topical medications are creams or gels that are administered directly to the skin. They are used to treat precancerous diseases and some early stage skin malignancies.
Radiation therapy is the use of highenergy particles or waves, such as Xrays, to kill or harm cancer cells. It is occasionally utilized when surgery is not a possibility.
Chemotherapy is a drugbased approach to killing cancer cells. Chemotherapy for skin cancer can be used topically or systemically in advanced situations.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a method of killing cancer cells that combines a medicine (photosensitizing agent) and a specific type of light. It is used to treat certain forms of superficial skin malignancies and precancerous growths.
Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body’s immune system to combat cancer. Certain drugs assist the immune system find and eliminate cancer cells, which is especially beneficial for advanced melanoma.
Targeted Therapy is the usage of medications or other substances to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, while causing minimal damage to normal cells. This method is more commonly used to treat advanced melanoma.