Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide.
There are three main types of skin cancer. melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer, usually appearing in areas of the skin that are exposed to ultraviolet UV radiation from the sun. Signs and symptoms of skin cancer vary depending on the type of cancer.
If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, such as new growths, bumps, sores, or moles that bleed, itch, or do not heal, it is crucial to see a doctor for a skin biopsy. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can significantly increase the chances of a cure.
Treatment options for skin cancer include excision, cryosurgery, curettage, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, Mohs surgery, and immunotherapy.
It is essential to practice sun safety and regularly check your skin for any abnormal changes to prevent and detect skin cancer early.
Checking for signs of skin cancers is an important part of maintaining good skin health. Regular self-examinations can help you identify any changes on your skin and detect potential skin cancer early, when it is most treatable. Here are what are the most common skin cancer symptoms and some steps you can take to check for signs of skin cancer:
1. Examine your skin regularly:
Use a mirror to inspect all areas of your skin, including hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, and behind your ears.
2. Look for changes in moles or other skin growths:
Watch for changes in size, shape, colour, and texture of moles or other skin lesions or growths.
3. Check for new growths:
Be alert for any new, unusual, or irregularly shaped growths on your skin.
4. Pay attention to any sore that does not heal:
A sore that does not heal can be a sign of skin cancer.
5. Know your risk factors:
If you have a family history of skin cancer or have had excessive sun exposure or tanning bed use, you may be at higher risk for skin cancer.
If you notice any changes on your skin or have concerns about your risk for skin cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist. They can perform a skin examination and help you develop a plan to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Skin cancers usually arise from excess exposure of skin to sunlight. UV rays damage DNA in the skin and can cause the formation of unwanted abnormal cells there. The abnormal cell dividing quickly disorganised into masses and form cancer. Other causes for cancer include frequent skin contact with tar or coal. Several factors can cause a person to develop cancer.
Skin cancer typically develops in the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. The epidermis is made up of different types of cells, including basal cells, squamous cells, and melanocytes.
Different types of skin cancer can develop from these cell types, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are common cancer diagnosed in sun exposed areas. They usually develop in the basal and squamous cells, respectively, while melanoma develops from the melanocytes. Skin cancer can also sometimes develop in other layers of the skin, such as the dermis or subcutaneous tissue.
Skin cancer can present in various ways, but here are some symptoms to look out for:
1. Changes in the appearance of moles or other abnormal growth:
Watch for changes in size, shape, colour, and texture of moles or other skin growth.
2. New or unusual growths on your skin:
Be alert for any new, unusual, or irregularly shaped growths on your skin.
3. A sore that does not heal:
A sore that does not heal can be a sign of skin cancer.
4. Redness or inflammation of the skin:
Skin that is red or inflamed, and does not improve with time, can be a sign of skin cancer.
5. Itching, tenderness, or pain in a skin lesion:
These symptoms may indicate a more aggressive profile of skin cancer.
6. Bleeding or oozing from a skin lesion:
Any lesion that bleeds or oozes should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Remember, early detection of skin cancer is crucial for successful treatment. If you notice any changes on your skin or have concerns about your risk for skin cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of non melanoma skin cancer. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for basal cell skin cancer:
1. A pearly or waxy bump on your skin: This bump may be flesh-coloured, pink, or brown.
2. A flat, brown or flesh-coloured lesion: This lesion may look like a scar or may have a slightly raised border.
3. A pink or red, slightly raised, translucent, shiny bump: This bump may have small blood vessels nearby lymph nodes running through it.
4. A white or yellow area that looks like a scar: This area may be flat cells shiny, taut, or slightly raised.
5. A sore that won’t heal: This sore may bleed or ooze and may crust over.
6. A recurring, flesh-colored, dome-shaped bump with a central depression: This bump may be surrounded by a raised border and may have visible blood vessels on the surface.
Remember, not all basal cell carcinomas look the same, and some may not cause any symptoms. It’s important to have any suspicious areas on your skin evaluated by a doctor. Early detection and treatment developing melanoma can lead to a better prognosis.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of non melanoma skin cancer that usually develops on a thin layer of skin that has been exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma is typically found on areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, ears, lips, scalp, neck, hands, and arms. Regular skin checks and early detection are important for preventing the spread of squamous cell carcinoma and reducing the risk of serious complications. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:
1. A firm, red nodule: This nodule may be rough or scaly and can sometimes bleed.
2. A flat, scaly patch: This patch may be pink or red and can sometimes look like a wart. They can be numerous in one area and represent precancerous skin growths.
3. A sore that won’t heal: This sore may crust over and may bleed.
4. A raised growth with a central depression: This growth may have a hard, scaly surface and can sometimes bleed.
5. A wart-like growth: This growth may be rough or scaly and can sometimes bleed.
6. A rough, scaly patch: This patch may be raised or flat and can sometimes itch.
What are Precancerous Lesions?
Precancerous lesions are abnormal growths that have the potential to develop into cancer over time. In the case of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), precancerous lesions typically take the form of actinic keratosis (AK), which are scaly or crusty growths on the skin that develop as a result of long-term sun exposure. AK is considered a precancerous lesion because it has the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinomas if left untreated.
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer, which develops in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can develop in any part of the body, but it most commonly occurs on skin that has been exposed to the sun. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:
1. A new mole or new skin growths: This mole may appear suddenly on the skin and can sometimes look different from other normal moles on the body.
2. A change in existing moles: This mole may change in colour, size, shape, or texture.
3. Irregular borders and irregular shape: The borders of the mole may be blurred or jagged.
4. Uneven dark brown colour: The mole may have different shades of dark brown, black, or tan, red or fair hair, may have areas of white, gray, blond or red hair, pink, or blue.
5. Large size: The mole may be larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 millimetres in diameter).
6. Itchiness or tenderness: The mole may be itchy, tender, or painful to the touch.
Remember, not all melanomas look the same, and some may not cause any symptoms, especially in early melanoma. It’s important to have any suspicious areas on your skin evaluated by a doctor. Early detection and treatment can lead to a better prognosis.
Less common non melanoma skin conditions and cancers can have different signs and symptoms depending on the skin cancer diagnosed. Some examples of less common skin cancers include:
1. Merkel cell carcinoma:
Merkel cell cancer is a skin cancer often appears as a flesh-coloured or bluish-red bump on the skin, usually on areas that have been exposed to the sun.
2. Kaposi sarcoma:
This skin cancer is more common in people with already weakened immune system systems. It often appears as red or purple patches on the skin or mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth.
3. Sebaceous gland carcinoma:
This skin cancer often appears as a painless, slow-growing lump or lesion on the eyelid, which can cause the eyelid to turn inward or outward.
4. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma:
This type of skin cancer often appears as a red, scaly rash on the skin that can be itchy and may spread over time.
If you notice any unusual changes on your skin, it’s important to have them checked by a doctor. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
The treatment of skin cancer depends on several factors, including the type, location, and stage of the cancer. The most common treatments for various types of skin cancer, include:
1. Surgery:
The cancerous tissue is surgically removed, along with a margin of healthy skin tissue around it. In some cases, a skin graft or reconstruction may be needed.
2. Radiation therapy:
High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells. This is usually used for smaller cancers, cancers in areas that are difficult to operate on, or as a follow-up treatment after surgery.
3. Topical medications:
Creams or gels containing drugs that destroy cancer cells may be used for superficial skin cancers.
4. Photodynamic therapy:
A special light is used to activate a chemical that is applied to the skin, which destroys cancer and has new skin cells within.
5. Immunotherapy:
This treatment stimulates the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.
6. Chemotherapy:
This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It’s rarely used for skin cancer, except in very advanced cases.
Your doctor or dermatologist will recommend the best treatment for your individual case, based on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health and preferences. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can increase the chances of successful treatment and cure.
FAQ
Yes, skin cancer can affect people with dark skin because of color. While it is true that lighter-skinned individuals have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, people with darker skin tones of color can also develop skin cancer. The incidence of skin cancer may be lower in people with darker skin, but they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and have a worse prognosis due to delayed diagnosis and a lack of awareness. It is important for people with skin of colour to also protect their skin from the sun and have regular skin checks with a skin cancer doctor or a dermatologist.
Here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider during a skin check:
1. Can you show me how to perform a self-exam for skin cancer?
2. Are there any specific areas of my skin that are more at risk for skin cancer?
3. What are the signs of skin cancer that I should be aware of?
4. Are there any changes in my skin that concern you?
5. What should I do if I notice a new or changing mole or spot on my skin?
6. Should I have a biopsy or other testing done on any moles or spots that you are concerned about?
7. What are my treatment options if I am diagnosed with skin cancer?
8. How often should I come in for regular skin checks?
9. Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to reduce my risk of developing skin cancer?
10. Are there any over-the-counter or prescription products that can help prevent skin cancer?
Remember to always ask any questions you may have and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.