Skin cancer is a condition in which malignant cell growth occurs in skin tissues. With more than 3 million new cases reported each year, skin cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancerous disease in humans. However, it is important to emphasize that, for the most part, skin cancer is preventable and, with early detection, entirely treatable.
The principal causes behind the appearance of skin cancer are family history and exposure to the sun’s UV radiation. As such, the vast majority of skin cancers occur in people of light skin pigmentation, people who are older than 30 years old, and mainly in those individuals with an extensive history of sunburn and recreational sun exposure.
Therefore, the progression and prognosis of the disease will depend extensively on prevention and early detection.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
1-Basal Cell Carcinoma
A type of non-melanoma skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma, as the name suggests, originates in the small basal cells that make up the innermost layer of the epidermis. Basal cell carcinoma makes up almost 80% of all diagnosed cases of skin cancer.
2-Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas, or cSCC, are tumorous growths that arise in the “scaly” cells that lie on the surface of the skin. This type of skin cancer is the second most common type behind Basal Cell Carcinomas. It is important to note that cSCC carries a high risk of metastasis.
3-Skin Melanoma
Skin Melanomas are the least common type of skin cancer, but they are also the most aggressive and deadly. Melanomas arise out of the pigment-containing cells of the body and, therefore, may also occur on the inside of the mouth and even the eyes.
There are more types of skin cancer, but these three make up the vast majority of new cases. Not all skin cancers look the same, and each type has a specific appearance. Learning to discern one from the other can significantly improve your chances of beating the disease.
4-Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a malignant type of tumor that has a defined progressive growth with the potential to metastasize if not detected early and left untreated. However, if the tumor is detected early and thoroughly excised, basal cell carcinoma presents the best prognosis out of all the types of skin cancer.
In order to facilitate early diagnosis, it is important to understand that there are various types of Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Nodular Basal Cell Carcinomas can be described as small lumps on the skin that possess a glossy surface. These types of tumors typically develop as small sores or open lesions with a center scab. Nodular Basal Cell Carcinomas are often confused with sebaceous hyperplasia, which is a condition in which sebaceous glands surround a single hair follicle. The yellowish coloration of the sebaceous hyperplasia is their most distinct difference.
Basal cell carcinomas can also adopt the appearance of irregular patches of brown or reddish coloration. Unfortunately, they can be easily confused with benign patches of dry skin, patches of actinic keratosis, or even psoriasis. However, these carcinomas will not respond favorably to any type of topical dermatological treatment. Patients will typically take notice and wonder if something is amiss only after weeks or months have passed without any apparent healing.
Basal cell carcinomas arise far more frequently in areas of skin that have received even moderate exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. For example, The Nodular type of basal cell carcinomas occur most frequently on the head or neck, while the other types usually occur in the arms and legs.
One of the most unfortunate and worrying facts about Basal cell carcinomas is that they typically develop without generating any pain or discomfort. And while Basal cell carcinoma is the least aggressive type of skin cancer, if left untreated, it has the potential to severely damage the surrounding tissues.
The recommended avenue of treatment consists of surgical excision, although there are other non-surgical treatments that are also effective in specific circumstances.
5-Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cells are those that make up the outermost layer of the skin, although they are also found in the lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts of the body. When squamous cells begin to grow uncontrollably they may form malignant tumors known as Squamous Cell Carcinomas.
After Basal Cell Carcinomas, Squamous Cell Carcinomas, also known as SCCs, are the second most common type of skin cancer with close to 1,000,000 million cases are diagnosed every year.
Carcinomas arising out of the Squamous Cells of the skin have a rough, scaly appearance. These types of carcinomas typically present as warty looking patches of skin that bleed easily if scratched. They may also appear as open sores with irregular and ragged edges. SCCs can appear anywhere on the body, although they have a significantly higher chance to appear in areas of the body that have withstood continued radiation from the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. As such, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation becomes one of the leading risk factors involved in the formation of Squamous Cell Carcinomas.
It is important to note that a significant portion of Squamous Cell Carcinomas begin as a type of pre-cancerous skin growth known as Actinic keratosis. Also known as Solar Keratosis, these types of skin tumors are not malignant; however, up to 20% will develop into some sort of Squamous Cell Carcinoma if left untreated.
A typical Actinic Keratosis will have a scaly, whitish plaque surrounded by rough, reddened skin. Many people describe the texture of these patches as similar to that of rough sandpaper.
Most Actinic Keratoses grow to ¼ inch in size. And while some disappear entirely on their own, the majority will reappear later. Be on the lookout for rough patches of reddish or dark brown skin that produce a prickling or itching sensation.
There are various topical medications, such as fluorouracil cream, which are used in the treatment of Actinic Keratosis. Additionally, non-invasive techniques such as cryotherapy may be used to remove the damaged tissue. Surgical excision is also always an option.
6-Skin Melanoma
Melanoma is the most harmful and deadliest type of skin cancer; however, it may also be the most preventable. Furthermore, when it is detected in time, it has a really good prognosis. Therefore, prevention, protection, and adequate monitoring are extremely important to detect its appearance early and to treat it successfully.
Part of the danger of a cancerous Melanoma is that most of the time, they are not painful, whatsoever. In fact, the typical first sign of melanoma of the skin is a noticeable change to the size, shape, color, or texture of an existing mole.
However, this does not mean that melanomas only arise out of existing moles. In fact, they can also appear as a brand new mole. Men typically develop new melanomas on the head, neck, or torso. Women, on the other hand, typically present with new melanomas on the arms and legs.
Any time that a mole changes it is necessary to consult with a dermatologist. Here are the primary warning signs to be on the lookout for:
Changes to the symmetry of a pre-existing or new mole. Benign moles tend to be symmetrical for the most part. If you notice that one half of your mole looks significantly different than the other half, seek medical advice.
Be on the lookout for irregular edges. Healthy moles have, for the most part, smooth edges, so if you notice a mole developing uneven or jagged edges, it is time to consult with a dermatologist.
The most telling sign of melanoma is a black a or bluish lesion. However, any change in the coloration of a mole should be cause for alarm.
The size of healthy moles remains relatively consistent throughout. If you notice a change in size, especially if it exceeds 6 millimeters, please consult a doctor.
7-CONCLUSION
Given that genetic predisposition and excessive exposure to sunlight are the two most relevant factors to the appearance of skin cancer, and since we cannot do anything to change our genes, it is important to consider the following information to prevent as much as possible the formation of a malignant skin tumor.
Excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation is the number one reason for the appearance of skin tumors. People who live in tropical climates where they are exposed to intense sunlight all year-round are at greater risk of developing skin cancer.
People who live in high-altitudes tend to receive higher exposure to UV rays than others that live at lower altitudes.
Individuals with light skin and a propensity to freckle are also at greater risk.
Individuals who frequent tanning salons or use tanning lamps and other sources of ultraviolet radiation may increase their risk of developing skin cancer quite significantly.
Therefore, avoid tanning and excessive exposure to sunlight as much as possible. Furthermore, if exposure to the sun cannot be avoided, be sure to make use of the hundreds of sunscreen and sunblock products available on the market. These products are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and can go a long way in reducing the risk of developing skin cancer dramatically.