Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of the cells of the skin. It develops into an area that is exposed to the sun. It can also be developed in the area of the body that is not exposed to the sun. In both conditions, the severity of the skin cancer may vary. Moreover, there are two types of categories for skin cancer. With the support of various medical interventions, you can get diagnosed and treated with skin cancer.
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There are majorly two categories of skin cancer and these are:
Keratinocyte carcinoma
This is the most well-known common form of skin cancer. It can be developed in the areas of the body that get most of the sunlight, i.e, neck, and head. This type of cancer is less likely to form other kinds of skin cancer. This type of cancer provides less harmful effects and thus life-threatening issues. But if left untreated, they can grow in other parts of the body and can become larger.
Melanoma
This type of cancer is related to giving color to the skin. These cells are known as melanocytes. The benign moles of melanocytes can be further developed into cancerous ones. Such types of cancer can be developed anywhere in the body. In men, these types of cancers are likely to develop in the chest area and the back. While in women, it is likely to develop in the legs.
Most melanoma skin cancers can be treated if identified early at the stage. If left untreated, it can be transmitted to other body parts.
Symptoms of skin cancer
All types of skin cancers are not identical and sometimes, there can be cases that do not cause any symptoms. Still, certain unusual changes can be seen as the warning sign for skin cancer. Being alerted to the type of development of cancer can help in the early diagnosis of skin cancer.
- skin lesions: This is concerned with the unusual growth of the cells, creating dark spots, bumps, sore skin, patchy skin, or dark spots that may not go themselves.
- asymmetry: there can be chances that two halves of the lesion are not identical. The moles of the patches may also develop.
- border: The lesions may be ragged or may have uneven edges.
- color: The spots may develop unusual colors such as pink, blue, red, etc.
- diameter: the post can be as big as the pencil eraser or half an inch.
- evolving: You can easily detect the change in size, color, and shape of the moles.
Causes of skin cancer
- Skin cancer develops when there exists a mutation in the DNA of the skin cells. These types of mutation may go unnoticed, or uncontrollable, forming a mass of cancer cells.
- Basal skin cancer is caused by the UV rays of the sun. The UV rays damage the DNA inside the skin and cause the unusual growth of the cells.
- Squamous cell skin cancer is also caused by exposure to UV rays. It can also develop after getting exposed to cancer-causing chemicals.
- There can be the development of the burn scar, ulcer, and development of some types of human papillomavirus (HPV)
- The cause of melanoma is still unclear. Like basal and squamous cell skin cancer, melanoma can also be developed due to UV rays.
- But, Melanoma can also be developed into the parts of the body where the body is not exposed to sunlight.
Preventing skin cancer
To lower the causes or effects of skin cancer, you can limit your timing of exposure to direct sunlight. For example:
- You can avoid tanning beds and sun lumps
- Avoid going out in the sun when the sun is shining at its peak.
- Apply sunscreen or any kind of balm that can help you protect from the sunlight SPF 30.
- Do not get exposed to sunlight for more than 30 minutes.
- Wear a sunglass protecting you from 100 UVB and UVA protection.
- Wear a tightly woven fabric that can protect you from direct exposure to sunlight.
It is important to note that you may consult the doctor to regularly examine your skin. If you are developing the underlying symptoms of skin cancer, you can improve your outlook by considering talking to a doctor.
Conclusion:
There are many risk factors associated with the development of skin cancer. Many of them go unnoticed because of their usual appearance or a slight change in skin type. The fact is that if you have any medical history in your family concerning skin cancer, you are likely to develop the same in your adulthood. If you are working in a radiation-exposed factory or area, it can also be harmful to your health. Sunburn can also cause skin cancer. Try to cover yourself if you think you are getting much more exposed to sunlight. Make sure you protect yourself from the direct sunlight. Take proper measures and consult the doctor immediately for any underlying symptoms.
