About Skin Cancer

Types of Skin Cancer

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):
• Prevalence: Most common type.
• Characteristics: Appears as a translucent bump, often on sun-exposed areas like the face and neck. It grows slowly and rarely spreads (metastasizes).
• Risk Factors: Prolonged sun exposure, fair skin, radiation therapy.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):
• Prevalence: Second most common.
• Characteristics: Can appear as a firm red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. Also often found on sun-exposed areas.
• Risk Factors: Sun exposure, fair skin, older age, history of precancerous skin lesions.

3. Melanoma:
• Prevalence: Less common but more dangerous.
• Characteristics: Can develop in an existing mole or appear suddenly as a new dark spot. It often has irregular borders and multiple colors.
• Risk Factors: Intense, intermittent sun exposure, fair skin, family history of melanoma, numerous moles.

Risk Factors
• UV Radiation: The primary risk factor for all types of skin cancer. Sources include the sun and tanning beds.
• Fair Skin: People with lighter skin have less melanin, which offers some protection against UV radiation.
• Age: The risk increases with age.
• Family History: Genetics can play a role, especially in melanoma.
• Immune Suppression: People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

Symptoms
• New growths or sores that do not heal.
• Changes in existing moles, such as size, shape, color, or texture.
• Itchiness, tenderness, or pain in a mole or growth.

Diagnosis
• Visual Examination: Dermatologists examine the skin for suspicious lesions.
• Biopsy: A sample of the lesion is taken and examined under a microscope.

Treatment
• Surgical Removal: The most common treatment, especially for BCC and SCC.
• Mohs Surgery: A precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. Layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains.
• Radiation Therapy: Used for cancers that cannot be surgically removed.
• Chemotherapy: Typically for more advanced skin cancers.
• Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy: Often used for melanoma.

Prevention
• Sun Protection: Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.
• Regular Skin Checks: Both self-examinations and professional skin exams.
• Avoiding Tanning Beds: They increase the risk of all skin cancers.

Prognosis
• Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Generally have a high cure rate if detected early.
• Melanoma: The prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage melanomas can often be cured, but advanced melanoma can be more challenging to treat.

Skin cancer is largely preventable and highly treatable when detected early. Awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures is crucial for reducing the incidence and improving outcomes. Regular skin examinations and protection from UV radiation are key strategies in combating skin cancer.