The accelerated/abnormal growth of skin cells, leading to the growth and development of cancerous skin cells is skin cancer. It is recommended that you do regular checks on your skin for any abnormalities. Discovering the symptoms earlier increases the chances of successful skin cancer treatment. However, for that, you need to know the types of skin cancer, the symptoms, the causes, and risk factors as well as the possible treatment.
Common types of skin cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cells are found on the first and outermost layer of the epidermis, and the squamous cell carcinoma is the type of skin cancer that affects these cells.
- Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cells are found in the middle layer of the epidermis, and basal cell carcinoma is the type of skin cancer that affects these cells.
- Melanoma
Melanoma affects the melanocytes, which are cells found in the third layer of the epidermis and are responsible for skin pigmentation.
Signs and symptoms
Squamous cell carcinoma
- Open sores that ooze or crust and either don’t heal or return after healing
- Flat lesions with scaly surfaces
- A lump/growth with a depression at its center
- Scaly red patches that crust or bleed
Basal cell carcinoma
- Waxy growths that are pink and pearly but have black, brown or blue areas
- Flat, pale or yellow-colored scar-like patches of skin
- Open sores that ooze or crust and either don’t heal or return after healing
- Growths with abnormal blood vessels around them like the spokes of a wheel
Melanoma
- Asymmetrical moles
- The moles uneven and irregular borders
- Painful or itchy moles
- Evolving moles, which means that they change in size, shape, color, or feel and may even start to bleed, crust, or itch.
- Open sores that ooze or crust and either don’t heal or return after healing
- Flat lesions with scaly surfaces
- A lump/growth with a depression at its center
- Scaly red patches that crust or bleed
Basal cell carcinoma
- Waxy growths that are pink and pearly but have black, brown or blue areas
- Flat, pale or yellow-colored scar-like patches of skin
- Open sores that ooze or crust and either don’t heal or return after healing
- Growths with abnormal blood vessels around them like the spokes of a wheel
Melanoma
- Asymmetrical moles
- The moles uneven and irregular borders
- Painful or itchy moles
- Evolving moles, which means that they change in size, shape, color, or feel and may even start to bleed, crust, or itch.
Risk factors and causes
Excessive exposure to UV radiation
You should take preventive measures, such as using sunscreen, to avoid prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun, especially for those with fair skin.
Weak immune system
People with weak/weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Family or personal history
A history of skin cancer in the family increases the chances of developing the same. Similarly, if you have been treated for skin cancer before, you are at risk of recurrence.
Moles
Increased moles on your skin increases the chances of developing skin cancer
Prevention, treatment, and management
Taking proper preventive measures such as avoiding excessive exposure to UV radiation, limiting the chemicals applied or in contact with your skin, and taking a proper diet are some of the best ways to avoid developing skin cancer.
Treatment of skin cancer depends on the location of cancer and its stage of developing and ranges from minor surgery to radiotherapy.
You should conduct more research on the subject and understand all the types of skin cancer, even those not mentioned here since it improves your chances of identifying the symptoms early.
Scanoma is a good way to check if a mole is concerning or not before checking with a dermatologist