What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops when skin cells reproduce uncontrollably from damage, oftentimes from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from the sun or tanning beds. Although it can occur anywhere on the body, it appears most often in areas that receive sunlight, like the face, neck, hands, and arms.
Common Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most prevalent form of skin cancer. It grows relatively slowly and very infrequently spreads elsewhere in the body. BCC often appears as:
- A shiny bump or pink growth
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- A waxy or scar like lesion
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is more aggressive than BCC and can metastasize (spread) if not treated. It often looks like:
- A rough, scaly red patch
- A wart like growth
- A sore that bleeds, crusts up and does not heal
Melanoma
Melanoma, the most dangerous form, arises in pigment producing cells (melanocytes). If undetected early, it may spread quickly. Warning signs include:
- A mole that becomes larger, changes shape or color
- A border that is irregular or several colors in one mole
- A dark, rapidly spreading spot on the skin
Early Signs of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer does not always have clear signs, but be on the lookout for:
- A sore that does not heal within two weeks
- New moles or growths
- Changes to the color, shape or size of an existing mole
- An area that often itches, bleeds or scabs over
- A dry, scaly patch that feels sore to the touch
If you experience any of these, do not brush them off. Early detection is key.
When to See a Doctor
When a mole, bump or patch of skin starts acting strange, changing size, bleeding or becoming painful. It’s time to see the dermatologist. Skin cancer caught early is highly treatable and poses a lowered risk.
Causes & Risk Factors
What Causes Skin Cancer?
- UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to sun or tanning bed rays can destroy skin cells.
- Genetics: You may be at increased risk if a family member has had skin cancer.
- Pre-existing health conditions: Individuals with poor immunity are at higher risk.
Who’s at Higher Risk?
- Those who have light skin, light eyes and blonde or ginger hair
- People who work outdoors a lot or spend a lot of time in the sun for leisure
- People who have had severe sunburns, particularly during childhood
- Those with a personal or family history of skin cancer
How Skin Cancer is Diagnosed
If a doctor suspects you have skin cancer, they may do:
- Dermatoscopy: A close up examination of a suspicious spot using a special device.
- Biopsy: A small piece of skin is removed for lab testing.
- Imaging Tests: To determine whether the cancer has spread, if necessary.
Regular checkups are important because early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.
What Skin Cancer Treatments Are Available?
Treatment varies based on the type, size, and stage of cancer. Common options include:
- Surgery: This is the most effective for early cases.
- Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Targeting cancer cells with radiation when surgery is no longer possible.
- Topical Medications: Prescription creams work on some early stage cancers.
In advanced cases, topic palliative care can be oriented to symptomatic relief and quality of life.
The Importance of Regular Skin Checks
A visit to a dermatologist for a skin exam once a year can make any cancer we find preventable and therefore less lethal. If you are at increased risk, it may make sense to get screened more often. Self-exams are also fundamental to look for changes in moles, spots, and scars.
When Should You Get Screened?
- If you have been treated for skin cancer
- If you see alterations in skin lesions or changes in skin bumps
- If you get a lot of sun or have had lots of sunburns
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
Sun Safety Tips:
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily, even if it’s cloudy.
- Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outside.
- Stay in the shade between 10 AM – 4 PM.
- Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating profusely.
- Skip tanning beds and they dramatically increase melanoma risk.
Protecting the skin regularly is a lifelong commitment but pays off over time.
Survival Rates & Prognosis for Skin Cancer
What Affects Survival Rates?
- The type and stage of the cancer when diagnosed
- How early it’s detected
- That person’s individual health and immune response
- In the case of early stage skin cancers, this survival rate is extremely high.
- Melanoma diagnosed early is 95% five year survival.
- Basal Cell & Squamous Cell Carcinomas are extremely treatable if caught early.
Final Thoughts :
One of the most preventable cancers is skin cancer, which is very common due to sun exposure. The best way to reduce risk is awareness, protection, and early detection.
- Check your skin regularly
- Use sun protection daily
- Some things to take away: If anything looks out of the ordinary, get checked out by a doctor
If you are worried about a suspicious mole or spot, don’t wait to have it checked out. Early action can save lives.
