Skin Cancer

Overview

Skin cancer results from the abnormal, uncontrolled and rapid growth of skin cells in the human body. This condition can be triggered by extensive exposure to the sun. However, certain parts of the body that are not necessarily exposed to the sun may also be affected by this common type of cancer. Avoiding ultraviolet (UV) rays completely can reduce or eliminate the risk of developing skin cancer to a certain degree.

While it is impossible to avoid the sun entirely, applying sunscreen lotions might help. Healthcare professionals recommend that individuals who notice unusual skin changes must be checked for skin cancer. This way, the condition shall be detected earlier. Starting treatment at the earliest will increase the chances of quick recovery.

What is Skin Cancer?

When there is an alteration in the way one's skin cells grow or multiply, skin cancer develops. This change in the behaviour of the cells of skin tissues can be triggered by ultraviolet light, naturally radiated by the sun. Visual appearance of skin growths, including patches and bumps are signs of skin cancer. There may also be noticeable changes in the pre-existing growths' shape, size or colour.

Usually, skin cells are formed and upon growing old, they die to make space for newer cells to be birthed. However, when an individual is diagnosed with skin cancer, this natural process is obstructed. Instead, the skin cells start getting produced far more quickly. These cells may or may not be cancerous.

Skin cancer can be treated efficiently if it is identified at an earlier stage. However, if one ignores the signs of this cancer and avoids going to the doctor, the diagnosis will get delayed. This may end up causing it to spread to nearby tissues and other parts of the body.

Types of Skin Cancer

Different types of skin cancers are categorised and recognised clinically depending on where they form. The types of skin cancer are listed down below:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This type of cancer forms in the basal cells present at the lower part of the outer layer of one’s skin, also known as the epidermis. It causes bumps, lumps or lesions to form on the epidermis, due to excessive exposure to the sun.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type of cancer forms in the squamous cells of the epidermis. It is triggered by the overproduction of the squamous cells. Early detection and treatment can minimise and even eliminate any risks associated with it.

Melanoma

Melanoma is considered to be the most dangerous type of skin cancer as it can spread to other body parts. It forms in the melanocytes which otherwise produce melanin. Melanin is a brown pigment that lends colour to one’s skin and also serves as protection against the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.

Kaposi Sarcoma

This type of cancer starts at the cells which line blood vessels and the lymph. Lesions prop up on the skin or tissues stretched over internal organs, of the affected individuals. It usually affects people who have the HHV-8 or host a compromised immune system.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

This type of cancer affects one’s epidermis and can even spread to the organs and lymph nodes. Long periods of exposure to ultraviolet light exposure, old age, a weakened immune system, and a possible viral infection may lead to the development of Merkel cell carcinoma.

Sebaceous Carcinoma

This cancer starts at the sebaceous glands which otherwise produce the skin’s oil. Sebaceous carcinoma is an aggressive type of cancer which may come back after treatment.

Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)

This is a rare type of cancer that forms in the middle layer of one’s skin, also known as the dermis. It progresses rather slowly and very rarely spreads to other regions. Areas of skin that have been subjected to damage, like through tattooing or scarring, are prone to developing DFSP.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

A tell-tale sign of skin cancer is an alteration in the appearance of the skin. For example, one may notice a growth that was not present before or changes in growth (say, a mole) which did exist before. Specific symptoms include new or old moles that change in colour, shape or size, and even bleed; a waxy-looking bump on the face, neck region or ears or a flat, brown-colored or pinkish/reddish bump or patch.

Certain areas of the skin may even look like scars. Crusty-looking sores may be characterised by a depression in between; they may also bleed. The affected individual shall notice a sore or wound that doesn't seem to heal or keeps coming back even after being treated. Some people may notice the emergence of a rough lesion turned scaly. It might itch, feel crusty and bleed.

Causes of Skin Cancer

The primary cause of skin cancer is overexposure to the sun for extended periods, to the point of one developing blisters and sunburnt areas. Ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun cause damage to the DNA present in one’s skin and cause abnormal cell growth. These abnormally multiplying cells end up forming clusters of cancerous cells.

It is important to note that while everyone is prone to the risk of developing skin cancer, certain groups are more vulnerable than others. Women aged below 50 years or more are susceptible to developing skin cancer while men above the age of 50 years or more are vulnerable. People who work outside, under the sun for long hours, get sunburnt easily, live in high-altitude or sunny areas, visit tanning parlours, have several moles, or have a family history of skin cancer, are more at risk of developing the condition.

Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Tests

The skin cancer diagnosis process is fairly straightforward, where the healthcare professionals ask the affected individual about any new moles they may have noticed or changes in any existing moles/other skin areas, etc. They will then proceed to examine the skin of the concerned person, including their ears, scalp, soles of their feet, palms of their hands, in between the toes, the genital areas, etc.

If the healthcare professional suspects that one has skin cancer, they may recommend a biopsy next. Upon performing the biopsy, it can be determined whether or not one has the condition, and its type and thus, discuss the appropriate treatment options.

Skin Cancer Management and Treatment

Skin cancer treatment depends on the stage at which a person is, with their condition. Sometimes, a biopsy may be enough to remove the problem tissues but at other times, different treatment procedures will be necessary. Cryotherapy, excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or photodynamic therapy may be recommended. These skin cancer treatment procedures may be performed singly or in combination with one another, at the healthcare professionals' discretion.

Preventive Measures for Skin Cancer

The most effective preventive measure against skin cancer is limiting exposure to the sun. You can reduce your chances of sunburning by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing SPF 30 or above. Use the sunscreen every day and reapply it whenever necessary.

Other than that, you can wear hats with wider brims, long sleeves to protect the arms and trousers to cover the legs. You can also switch to a lip balm which offers protection from the sun. Finally, avoid tanning beds completely. Note that you can ask your healthcare person to provide you with medication if you are ultra-sensitive to the sun.

Myths and Facts Related to Skin Cancer

Here are certain myths associated with skin cancer and the facts of the matter:

Myth 1: Dark-skinned Individuals Don’t Get Skin Cancer
Fact: While it is true that light-skinned people get skin cancer more often, darker-skinned people are not immune to the condition either. Skin cancer is diagnosed much later in dark-skinned people, triggering several complications often leading to death.

Myth 2: Sun Bathing is Important For Me to Soak in the Vitamin D
Fact: Lengthy sessions of sunbathing can increase the chances of skin cancer and therefore, is not recommended. One can soak in vitamin D necessary for the body via daily, optimised (without going overboard) levels of sun exposure and from food.

Myth 3: There’s No Need to Wear Sunscreen During Winter or Monsoon Seasons
Fact: Under no circumstances should you ditch the sunscreen. It protects you from the harmful UV radiation that is present all year round. Even on cooler or overcast days, the risk of the skin being damaged by excess UV rays stays.