Skin cancer: types, causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment
Posted by Ivatherm
Skin cancer is one of the most serious dermatological conditions and occurs when skin cells develop in an uncontrolled manner.
Normally, skin renews every few days, and new skin cells form when "old" ones die or are damaged. When this process does not work optimally, it results in a rapid increase in the number of cells, some of which may undergo mutations. As these multiply, they form a mass called a tumor.
This collection of cells can be benign (non-cancerous) – it does not spread and causes no medical problems – or malignant (cancerous) – if not discovered in time and treated, it can spread to nearby tissues (especially lymph nodes) or other areas of the body through the bloodstream. The process of spreading and invading other organs in the body is called metastasis.
Most often, skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. Most types of skin cancers can be cured if diagnosed early and treated appropriately.
Contents
What is skin cancer?
Cancer is one of the most serious skin problems and involves uncontrolled cell growth. It frequently appears in sun-exposed areas of the skin but can develop anywhere on the body.
The best way to understand this skin condition is by identifying the most common types of skin cancer and how they affect the body. There are two main types of skin cancer:
melanoma;
non-melanoma tumors.
The most common non-melanoma tumors are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. At the same time, regular screening tests, especially when suspicious changes appear on the skin surface, contribute to early cancer detection.
Skin cancer is a life-threatening condition, but treatments can be effective if diagnosed early.
Types of skin cancer
There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The first two types fall into the category of non-melanoma skin cancers.
Basal cell carcinoma
This is the most common and least risky type of skin cancer. It develops on areas of the body exposed to the sun and is unlikely to spread from the skin to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can grow into nearby areas and invade other tissues beneath the skin.
As a rule, it has a slow evolution and can appear years after sun exposure. People with fair skin are at higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.
Tumors usually appear on the face, especially on the nose, but also on the trunk, legs, and arms. They appear as small bumps or pink spots. If not completely removed, tumors can reappear in the same spot on the skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma affects the superficial layer of the skin. It can also be found in other areas, such as the lungs and mucous membranes.
This type of cancer also most frequently develops in parts of the body exposed to ultraviolet light, such as the face, lips, neck, ears, chest, upper back, arms, and legs.
Squamous cell carcinoma appears as pink nodules with a rough texture or a crust. Often, the nodules are tender to the touch and bleed easily.
People with fair skin are more susceptible to developing this type of cancer. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can spread and affect healthy tissues and organs. In rare cases, it can be life-threatening.
Melanoma
According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, melanoma is the 17th most common cancer globally. It is the 13th most common cancer among men and the 15th most common cancer among women.
This type of cancer develops from the cells that give skin its color, called melanocytes. Considered the most serious skin cancer, melanoma can develop in an existing mole on the skin or can suddenly appear as a dark spot. A change in the shape and color of a mole can be one of the main warning signs.
Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body surface, but it is more common on the chest and back in men and on the legs in women.
If diagnosed early, melanoma can be treated. However, without treatment, this type of skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body, and the healing process becomes difficult.
When it spreads to other organs, it is called metastatic melanoma. Most often, melanoma can affect the tissue under the skin, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and brain.
In rare cases, melanoma can develop in the eyes. It usually affects the eyeball, the most common type being uveal melanoma, which appears in the back of the eye.
People with fair skin, hair, and eyes, many moles, or a family history of skin cancer are more prone to developing melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common among older people. Melanoma is one of the most common types of cancer in younger people, especially adults aged 25 to 29, according to healthline.com.
In addition to these described types of cancer, there are also other less common ones, including:
Merkel cell carcinoma;
Kaposi's sarcoma;
cutaneous lymphoma;
skin appendage tumors (tumors that start in hair follicles or skin glands);
various types of sarcomas.
Causes of skin cancer
Skin cancer occurs when mutations happen in the DNA of skin cells. These mutations cause skin cells to grow uncontrollably and form a mass of cancerous cells.
Skin cancer initially develops in the superficial layer of the skin: the epidermis. The epidermis is a thin layer that provides a barrier between the body and the external environment and contains three main types of cells:
squamous cells – located just below the outer surface and function as a "lining" of the skin;
basal cells – produce new cells and are located below the squamous cells;
melanocytes – produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, and are located in the lower part of the epidermis.
Many of the causes of skin cancer are unclear. For example, not all nevi turn into cancerous moles, and researchers are unsure why some change.
However, scientists have concluded that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most frequent cause of skin cancer. These are divided into three types: UVA – the most common, UVB – the most intense, and UVC – the most damaging (humans are not exposed to these rays because the Earth's ozone layer blocks them).
Artificial light sources, such as tanning lamps, also contribute to an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Also, repeated burns, whether from the sun or artificial light sources, increase the possibility of developing melanoma.
Risk factors for skin cancer
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but certain people are at higher risk. These include:
people with lighter skin color;
people with sensitive skin (which burns easily after sun exposure);
people with blue or green eyes;
people with blond or red hair;
people who have a large number of moles;
people with freckles;
people with a family history of skin cancer;
older people;
people suffering from autoimmune conditions that weaken their immune system;
people undergoing immunosuppressive medication;
people previously diagnosed with a form of skin cancer;
people who have been exposed to high levels of radiation (such as from X-rays);
people who have come into contact with certain chemicals (tar, coal, arsenic).
Skin cancer: symptoms
Skin cancers do not manifest the same way and may not show symptoms in early stages. However, any unusual change in the skin can be a warning sign for different types of cancer. The sooner the diagnosis is established, the greater the chances of recovery.
Among the signs that may indicate a form of skin cancer are:
skin lesions – a new mole appears, unusual bumps appear, scaly or dark spots develop;
asymmetrical shapes – the two halves of a lesion or mole are not identical;
unusual colors – a spot on the skin has an unusual color, such as white, pink, black, blue, or red, lesions have multiple shades;
large sizes – a mole has a diameter larger than a pea;
unusual evolution – a mole or spot has changed its shape or color, lesions do not heal within two weeks.
Regular skin examination for any new or unusual growths or for changes in the size, shape, or color of an existing spot is key to early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Although most forms of skin cancer develop in sun-exposed areas, they can also appear in parts of the body hidden from ultraviolet rays. In addition to examining the feet, torso, arms, face, and neck, it is important to check the palms, soles, genitals, eyes, areas between the fingers and toes, as well as the surface under the nails.
Diagnosis of skin cancer
To diagnose skin cancer, a doctor will first examine the shape, size, color, and texture of the suspicious area on the skin, but will also check for flaky patches, bleeding, or dry spots.
If skin cancer is suspected, the dermatologist may request a biopsy. This test involves taking a tissue sample and examining it by a pathologist.
A biopsy determines the type of skin cancer and whether there is a risk of the tumor spreading to other parts of the body.
The recommended treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of skin cancer, as well as other factors.
To determine the stage or severity of skin cancer, the doctor will consider:
how large the tumor is;
whether it has spread to lymph nodes;
whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Stages of non-melanoma skin cancers
Stage 0 – cancer cells have not spread beyond the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis;
Stage 1 – the tumor has extended to the next layer of skin, the dermis, but is not larger than two centimeters;
Stage 2 – the tumor is larger than two centimeters, but has not spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes;
Stage 3 – cancer has spread to nearby tissue or bone and the tumor is larger than 3 centimeters;
Stage 4 – cancer has spread to lymph nodes, nearby bone or tissue, and also to more distant locations.
Stages of melanoma
Stage 0 – cancer has not penetrated below the epidermis;
Stage 1 – cancer has extended to the second layer of skin, the dermis, but the tumor is small;
Stage 2 – cancer cells have not spread beyond the initial site, but the tumor is larger and symptoms such as scaling and bleeding may occur;
Stage 3 – cancer has spread to lymph nodes or nearby skin or tissue;
Stage 4 – this is the most advanced stage of melanoma and indicates that cancer cells have spread beyond the primary tumor and are present in lymph nodes, organs, or tissues distant from the initial site.
Skin cancer: treatment
The treatment plan is established based on the type of cancer, tumor size, location, and the stage of the condition.
Among the solutions for treating skin cancer are:
Surgery – this is the primary treatment for most skin cancers, where cancerous cells are removed along with a small amount of surrounding skin;
Mohs surgery – a precise surgical technique where the tumor is removed layer by layer under a microscope until only healthy tissue remains;
Curettage and electrodesiccation – skin growths are removed by scraping and burning;
Radiation therapy – radiotherapy uses high-power energy beams, such as X-rays, to destroy cancer cells, and is a treatment option when the tumor cannot be completely removed during surgery;
Chemotherapy – this treatment can be administered orally, applied topically, or injected to destroy cancer cells;
Photodynamic therapy – this treatment destroys cancer cells through a combination of laser light and drugs that make cancer cells sensitive to light;
Biological therapy – stimulates the body's immune system to fight and destroy cancer cells.
Skin cancer: prevention
To reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, the most effective prevention method is avoiding exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation.
Here are some protection methods:
avoid direct sun exposure during periods when ultraviolet rays are intense, specifically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM;
apply products with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher to sun-exposed skin areas, at least 30 minutes before going outside;
wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses that offer 100% protection against ultraviolet rays;
wear appropriate clothing if your skin is prone to burning (long-sleeved shirts, long pants);
avoid artificial tanning devices;
regularly examine your skin for any new or unusual growths, or for changes in the size, shape, or color of moles, warts, freckles, or other spots.
The products from Ivatherm's Sunlight range protect skin cells from the mutagenic effects of ultraviolet radiation:
The skin is the body's largest organ and plays a protective role, acting as a barrier against harmful external factors. However, the skin also constantly needs protection and attention to stay healthy and to reduce the risk of developing serious skin conditions, such as cancer. What may seem like a minor imperfection, with negative aesthetic effects only, can turn into a life threat, as it may involve the appearance of cancerous cells.
Therefore, avoiding exposure to ultraviolet rays, using appropriate cosmetic products and other protective means, such as hats and sunglasses, as well as regular screening, are among the recommended measures for preventing skin cancer.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Skin cancer: types, causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment
Skin cancer is one of the most serious dermatological conditions and occurs when skin cells develop in an uncontrolled manner.
Normally, skin renews every few days, and new skin cells form when "old" ones die or are damaged. When this process does not work optimally, it results in a rapid increase in the number of cells, some of which may undergo mutations. As these multiply, they form a mass called a tumor.
This collection of cells can be benign (non-cancerous) – it does not spread and causes no medical problems – or malignant (cancerous) – if not discovered in time and treated, it can spread to nearby tissues (especially lymph nodes) or other areas of the body through the bloodstream. The process of spreading and invading other organs in the body is called metastasis.
Most often, skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. Most types of skin cancers can be cured if diagnosed early and treated appropriately.
Contents
What is skin cancer?
Cancer is one of the most serious skin problems and involves uncontrolled cell growth. It frequently appears in sun-exposed areas of the skin but can develop anywhere on the body.
The best way to understand this skin condition is by identifying the most common types of skin cancer and how they affect the body. There are two main types of skin cancer:
The most common non-melanoma tumors are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. At the same time, regular screening tests, especially when suspicious changes appear on the skin surface, contribute to early cancer detection.
Skin cancer is a life-threatening condition, but treatments can be effective if diagnosed early.
Types of skin cancer
There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The first two types fall into the category of non-melanoma skin cancers.
Basal cell carcinoma
This is the most common and least risky type of skin cancer. It develops on areas of the body exposed to the sun and is unlikely to spread from the skin to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can grow into nearby areas and invade other tissues beneath the skin.
As a rule, it has a slow evolution and can appear years after sun exposure. People with fair skin are at higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.
Tumors usually appear on the face, especially on the nose, but also on the trunk, legs, and arms. They appear as small bumps or pink spots. If not completely removed, tumors can reappear in the same spot on the skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma affects the superficial layer of the skin. It can also be found in other areas, such as the lungs and mucous membranes.
This type of cancer also most frequently develops in parts of the body exposed to ultraviolet light, such as the face, lips, neck, ears, chest, upper back, arms, and legs.
Squamous cell carcinoma appears as pink nodules with a rough texture or a crust. Often, the nodules are tender to the touch and bleed easily.
People with fair skin are more susceptible to developing this type of cancer. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can spread and affect healthy tissues and organs. In rare cases, it can be life-threatening.
Melanoma
According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, melanoma is the 17th most common cancer globally. It is the 13th most common cancer among men and the 15th most common cancer among women.
This type of cancer develops from the cells that give skin its color, called melanocytes. Considered the most serious skin cancer, melanoma can develop in an existing mole on the skin or can suddenly appear as a dark spot. A change in the shape and color of a mole can be one of the main warning signs.
Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body surface, but it is more common on the chest and back in men and on the legs in women.
If diagnosed early, melanoma can be treated. However, without treatment, this type of skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body, and the healing process becomes difficult.
When it spreads to other organs, it is called metastatic melanoma. Most often, melanoma can affect the tissue under the skin, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and brain.
In rare cases, melanoma can develop in the eyes. It usually affects the eyeball, the most common type being uveal melanoma, which appears in the back of the eye.
People with fair skin, hair, and eyes, many moles, or a family history of skin cancer are more prone to developing melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common among older people. Melanoma is one of the most common types of cancer in younger people, especially adults aged 25 to 29, according to healthline.com.
In addition to these described types of cancer, there are also other less common ones, including:
Causes of skin cancer
Skin cancer occurs when mutations happen in the DNA of skin cells. These mutations cause skin cells to grow uncontrollably and form a mass of cancerous cells.
Skin cancer initially develops in the superficial layer of the skin: the epidermis. The epidermis is a thin layer that provides a barrier between the body and the external environment and contains three main types of cells:
Many of the causes of skin cancer are unclear. For example, not all nevi turn into cancerous moles, and researchers are unsure why some change.
However, scientists have concluded that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most frequent cause of skin cancer. These are divided into three types: UVA – the most common, UVB – the most intense, and UVC – the most damaging (humans are not exposed to these rays because the Earth's ozone layer blocks them).
Artificial light sources, such as tanning lamps, also contribute to an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Also, repeated burns, whether from the sun or artificial light sources, increase the possibility of developing melanoma.
Risk factors for skin cancer
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but certain people are at higher risk. These include:
Skin cancer: symptoms
Skin cancers do not manifest the same way and may not show symptoms in early stages. However, any unusual change in the skin can be a warning sign for different types of cancer. The sooner the diagnosis is established, the greater the chances of recovery.
Among the signs that may indicate a form of skin cancer are:
Regular skin examination for any new or unusual growths or for changes in the size, shape, or color of an existing spot is key to early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Although most forms of skin cancer develop in sun-exposed areas, they can also appear in parts of the body hidden from ultraviolet rays. In addition to examining the feet, torso, arms, face, and neck, it is important to check the palms, soles, genitals, eyes, areas between the fingers and toes, as well as the surface under the nails.
Diagnosis of skin cancer
To diagnose skin cancer, a doctor will first examine the shape, size, color, and texture of the suspicious area on the skin, but will also check for flaky patches, bleeding, or dry spots.
If skin cancer is suspected, the dermatologist may request a biopsy. This test involves taking a tissue sample and examining it by a pathologist.
A biopsy determines the type of skin cancer and whether there is a risk of the tumor spreading to other parts of the body.
The recommended treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of skin cancer, as well as other factors.
To determine the stage or severity of skin cancer, the doctor will consider:
Stages of non-melanoma skin cancers
Stages of melanoma
Skin cancer: treatment
The treatment plan is established based on the type of cancer, tumor size, location, and the stage of the condition.
Among the solutions for treating skin cancer are:
Skin cancer: prevention
To reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, the most effective prevention method is avoiding exposure to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation.
Here are some protection methods:
The skin is the body's largest organ and plays a protective role, acting as a barrier against harmful external factors. However, the skin also constantly needs protection and attention to stay healthy and to reduce the risk of developing serious skin conditions, such as cancer. What may seem like a minor imperfection, with negative aesthetic effects only, can turn into a life threat, as it may involve the appearance of cancerous cells.
Therefore, avoiding exposure to ultraviolet rays, using appropriate cosmetic products and other protective means, such as hats and sunglasses, as well as regular screening, are among the recommended measures for preventing skin cancer.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.