About Skin Cancer
By Wefayo on
Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by
• Skin Cancer
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that occurs when these cells grow out of control. The primary cause of skin cancer is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Skin cancer is not contagious. Early detection and treatment are crucial for successful outcomes.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type, BCC typically appears as a flesh-colored bump, a pinkish patch, or a round growth. It often develops on sun-exposed areas like the head, neck, and arms. While BCC rarely spreads, it can cause significant damage if left untreated.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type, SCC often looks like a red, firm bump, a scaly patch, or a sore that heals and reopens. Like BCC, it primarily affects sun-exposed areas. SCC can grow deeper into the skin and has a higher risk of spreading compared to BCC.
• Melanoma: The most serious type, melanoma can develop from an existing mole or as a new dark spot on the skin. Its highly aggressive and can spread rapidly to other parts of the body. Melanoma is characterized by the ABCDE rule:
• Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other.
• Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
• Color variation: The color is uneven, with shades of black, brown, red, white, or blue.
• Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters).
• Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or color.
Skin cancer is typically diagnosed through:
• Visual Examination: A doctor examines the skin for suspicious spots, considering factors like size, shape, color, and texture.
• Skin Biopsy: A small sample of the suspicious area is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
• Imaging Tests: For advanced cases, imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to assess if the cancer has spread.
Treatment options vary based on the type, size, location, and stage of the skin cancer:
• Freezing (Cryosurgery): For small, early-stage cancers, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy abnormal cells.
• Excisional Surgery: The cancerous tissue and a margin of healthy skin are removed surgically. This is often the preferred treatment for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
• Mohs Surgery: This precise technique is used for complex or recurrent skin cancers, especially those on the face or other sensitive areas.
• Curettage and Electrodesiccation: A scraping tool removes the cancer, followed by the use of an electric needle to destroy the remaining cells.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams target and kill cancer cells, often used for skin cancers that cannot be surgically removed or have recurred.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment used primarily for advanced melanoma.
• Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy: Newer treatments that boost the immune system or target specific cancer cells, often used for melanoma.
Key prevention measures include:
• Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is essential for preventing skin cancer.
• Seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM)
• Wearing protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses
• Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps
• Regular self-skin exams and professional skin checks
Trend
• In the US, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives.
• Over the past five years, millions of people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with skin cancer. For example, more than 5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year.
• The number of skin cancer cases is expected to continue rising. With increasing awareness and better detection methods, more cases will likely be diagnosed in the coming years. However, preventive measures like using sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds can help reduce the risk.
History
Skin cancer has been recognized for centuries. Early descriptions date back to ancient Egypt and Greece, where physicians noted unusual skin growths. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that the link between UV exposure and skin cancer was clearly established.
With the rise of outdoor activities and tanning trends, the incidence of skin cancer increased significantly. Today, skin cancer is well-studied, and various treatments are available, making early detection and prevention crucial in managing the disease.
Skin Cancer - Source of Information
• American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/skin-cancer.html
• Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605
• Emory Winship Cancer Center https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/cancer-types-and-treatments/skin-cancer/
• University of Michigan Health https://www.uofmhealth.org/our-care/specialties-services/skin-cancers
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.