Skin Cancer - Symptoms, Risk factors and Treatment

Cancer is a condition in which cells of your body replicate haphazardly. Skin cancer is the abnormal, haphazard, and rapid division of skin cells. Mostly it occurs in the area exposed to the sun. However, it can also develop in a place where sun rays do not reach. To reduce the risk of skin cancer you should avoid direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. Closely inspecting your skin can help in its early detection, which eventually makes it easier to treat. Based on cells involved it can be divided into two categories namely keratinocyte carcinoma and melanoma. 

Keratinocyte carcinoma 

Squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancers are the most common ones. They mostly develop on the sites of your body that are exposed to sunlight like the face, hands, and neck. Seldom do they turn into a life-threatening one and spread much. However, if left untreated, they can spread from one part of the body to another. 

Melanoma 

It is the second type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes- skin cells that impart color to your skin. Melanocytes may form benign moles on your body that turn into cancerous ones. In males, they can appear on the chest and back, whereas in females they mostly develop on legs. Melanomas are often treatable. But they can spread from one part to another. If left untreated, they can also turn into life-threatening cancer and becomes difficult to treat. Also, they are more likely to spread instead of squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma. 

Symptoms 

The signs and symptoms of skin cancer vary from person to person. They are not the same in different types of cancer. However, any unusual sign on your skin can be an indicator of skin cancer. Therefore, if you ever notice changes in your skin, you should visit the healthcare provider soon. The signs and symptoms of skin cancer are;

• Growth of a new mole

• Unusual growth

• Bump on the skin 

• Sore and scaly patches

• Dark spots that develop and do not away on their own

• Development of spots on the skin that have an unusual color like pink, black, blue, or red

• The occurrence of moles that are uneven in symmetry

• Spot on the skin that is larger than one-quarter of an inch

• Mole on the skin that keeps changing in size, color, and shape

Causes 

Cancer occurs when a mutation occurs in your genes, which eventually leads to the haphazard growth of cells. When it occurs in the skin cells, it causes skin cancer. It can occur due to long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays like that of the sun.  Also, it can occur due to the use of carcinogenic products. Therefore, whenever you choose any skin product, be cautious about it. 

Treatment 

The treatment options for skin cancer are;

• Cryotherapy

• Surgery 

• Mohs surgery 

• Curettage and electrodessication

• Chemotherapy

• Photodynamic therapy 

• Radiation therapy

• Biological therapy

• Immunotherapy

Conclusion 

Cancer is a condition in which cells of your body replicate haphazardly. Skin cancer is the abnormal, haphazard, and rapid division of skin cells. Mostly it occurs in the area exposed to the sun. However, it can also develop in a place where sun rays do not reach. To reduce the risk of skin cancer you should avoid direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. Closely inspecting your skin can help in its early detection, which eventually makes it easier to treat. Based on cells involved it can be divided into two categories namely keratinocyte carcinoma and melanoma. Squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancers are the most common ones. They mostly develop on the sites of your body that are exposed to sunlight like the face, hands, and neck. Melanoma is the second type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes- skin cells that impart color to your skin.