The most prevalent kind of cancer is skin cancer. It results from uncontrollably growing skin cells. Physicians are also able to determine the type of skin cancer by looking at the cells. Skin cancer primarily affects sun-exposed areas of skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, and hands; in women, it also commonly affects the legs. Even people with darker complexions are affected, regardless of their skin tone. People with dark skin tones are more prone to acquire melanoma on portions of their bodies like the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet that are not typically exposed to the sun.

Types Of Skin Cancer

There are various forms of skin cancer, each with unique traits and possible dangers. Melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma are the three main forms of skin cancer.

• BCC: Accounting for around 80% of cases, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent kind of skin cancer. On parts of the face, neck, or hands that receive a lot of sun exposure, it frequently appears as a small, glossy bump or a reddish, scaly patch. Surgical excision, cryotherapy (freezing cancer cells), laser therapy, and topical creams are among the available therapeutic options.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Representing 15% of cases, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most frequent kind of skin cancer. SCC frequently manifests as an uneven, scaly patch or a firm, red lump that may bleed or turn into an open sore. Radiation therapy, surgery, and occasionally chemotherapy are used as treatments.
• Melanoma: Melanoma accounts for a smaller fraction of occurrences but a disproportionate number of deaths due to skin cancer, making it the most hazardous and possibly fatal type of the disease. Melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, are the source of it. Surgical excision is the usual course of treatment; in more advanced cases, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or lymph node dissection may be used.

Causes Of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when the skin’s cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably, often due to damage from various factors. Here are the main causes of skin cancer:

• Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: UV radiation from tanning beds or the sun is the most common cause of skin cancer. UV rays induce DNA damage to skin cells, which can result in mutations that promote uncontrollable cell growth and the formation of cancer.
• Genetics: Skin cancer risk is influenced by family history. Your chances of getting skin cancer are increased if any close relatives have already had the disease. This is especially true for the severe type of skin cancer known as melanoma.
• Fair Skin: The pigment melanin, which helps shield skin from UV ray damage, is less prevalent in those with fair skin. They are therefore more vulnerable to UV-induced skin damage, which raises the risk of developing skin cancer.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with a weakened immune system, whether due to diseases like HIV/AIDS or medications that suppress the immune system, are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
• Exposure to Toxic Substances: Certain chemicals, such as arsenic, can increase the risk of skin cancer. Arsenic is sometimes found in contaminated water or certain industrial environments
• Chronic Skin Inflammation: Burn scars or other injuries that leave long-term skin inflammation can raise the risk of skin cancer in certain regions.
• Age: As UV radiation exposure builds up over time, skin cells may eventually undergo malignant alterations that raise the risk of skin cancer.
• Moles: The risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is higher in those with numerous moles or strange moles, often known as atypical moles.

Symptoms Of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer symptoms vary depending on the type, but here are some common signs to watch for:

Changes in Moles or Skin Growths:

• New Growths: Skin cancer often starts as a new growth or sore that doesn’t heal. It might be small and grow over time.
• Changes in Existing Moles: Moles or spots on the skin that change in size, shape, or color could be a sign of skin cancer. Look out for moles that become asymmetrical or have uneven edges.

Color Changes:

• Uneven Colors: Skin cancer can result in uneven color distribution or multicolored moles or patches. Shades of brown, black, red, white, and blue can be included in this.

Itching or Tenderness:

• Itching: A spot or mole that itches, burns, or feels tender could indicate skin cancer. It might also feel painful or sore.

Bleeding or Oozing:

• Unusual Bleeding: Skin cancer can cause sores to bleed or ooze. If a mole or spot bleeds easily or has a crusty surface, it’s important to get it checked.

Changes in Skin Texture:

• Texture Changes: Skin cancer might cause a mole or spot to become rough, scaly, or crusty. It might feel different from the surrounding skin.

The cancer’s phases show how far along it is in your body. Any time between stage 0 and stage IV, skin cancer can be diagnosed. The higher the count, the more pervasive the cancer has grown and the more difficult it is to cure. On the other hand, non-melanoma skin tumors that originate in your basal or squamous cells have a distinct staging system than melanoma. Treatment varies on the stage of cancer. If the cancer is tiny and only affects the skin’s surface, sometimes a biopsy is sufficient to remove all of the cancerous tissue.