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Skin cancer is a serious issue

Writer : Dr. Naskan

Skin cancer is a serious issue, There are many types of skin cancer, but the most common is melanoma. Skin changes such as lumps, patches, or abnormally shaped and sized moles are common in this condition.

The sun's ultraviolet rays are thought to be the root cause of most cases of skin cancer. Skin cancer can be caused by UV ray damage to skin cells.

In terms of the most common types of skin cancer, there are three:

  • Cancer that originates in the deepest layer of the outermost layer of skin is called basal cell carcinoma (epidermis).
  • As a skin cancer that originates from cells in the middle and outer layers of epidermis, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
  • Dermal pigment-producing cell-derived melanoma is a form of skin cancer (melanocytes).

If you're looking for the most dangerous form of cancer, melanoma is your best bet.

Causes of the Skin

Cancer Changes or genetic mutations in skin cells are the primary cause of skin cancer. Although the exact cause of the change is unknown, it is generally accepted that too much exposure to the sun is to blame.

The sun's ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage and abnormal cell growth. It's possible that this condition could turn fatal.

Skin cancer risk can be increased by a number of additional factors, including:

Internal factors

  • Skin cancer history
    People who have had skin cancer are at an increased risk of developing it again. There's also an increased risk if you have a family history of skin cancer.
  • White
    Cancer can strike anyone, no matter what their skin tone is. There is less melanin in fair-skinned people and therefore less protection from ultraviolet radiation.
  • Mole
    Skin cancer is more common in people who have a lot of moles or large moles.
  • Low immune system
    People with HIV/AIDS and those on immunosuppressive medications, both of whom have weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to skin cancer.
  • Solar keratosis
    The skin on the face and hands can become rough and scaly due to sun exposure. Solar keratosis is the medical term for this condition. It's possible for solar keratosis to turn into cancer, and it's a precancerous condition.

External factors

  • Sun exposure
    Skin cancer is more likely to develop in those who are frequently exposed to the sun, especially if they don't wear sunscreen. People who live in tropical or highland climates are more likely to suffer from this condition.
  • Radiation exposure
    Skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma, is more common in patients with atopic eczema or acne who receive radiation therapy (radiotherapy).
  • Exposure to chemicals
    Arsenic is one of many chemicals that are thought to be carcinogenic and thus harmful to humans.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

The scalp, face, ears, neck, arms, and legs are the most common areas of the body where skin cancer symptoms and signs are most likely to be found. The genital area can also be at risk for skin cancer, as can the palms of the hands or feet.

The following are signs and symptoms of various types of skin cancer:

Basal cell

carcinoma With basal cell carcinoma, you'll notice bumps on the surface of your skin that are shiny and appear to be made of flesh.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma has hard red bumps on the skin, or lesions that are flat and scaly like crusts. An itchy, bleeding, or crusty lesion is one of the symptoms of a lesion's progression.

Melanoma skin

cancer It is easy to identify melanoma skin cancer by the brown patches or lumps that appear on the body. Normal moles may resemble melanoma, but the latter is more erratic in its appearance. Using the ABCDE method, it is possible to distinguish between normal moles and malignant ones. Among these are:

  • Most melanomas are asymmetrical in appearance.
  • Melanoma borders (periphery) tend to be erratic.
  • More than one melanoma color can be found in the color(s).
  • The melanoma's diameter is greater than 6 mm.
  • Changes in the mole's shape, color, or size are all examples of evolution.

Melanoma progression is the most telling sign of the disease.

Consult a physician when:

Contact a doctor as soon as you notice changes in your skin's appearance, such as lumps or boils, changes in your skin tone, moles that suddenly enlarge or change shape, and sores on your skin that are difficult to treat. The doctor will examine your skin and try to figure out what's causing the changes.

Make sure to keep in mind that not all changes in the skin are caused by skin cancer. As a result, early detection of skin cancer is essential in order to prevent it from progressing to a more advanced stage.

Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

A doctor will perform a skin exam to look for any abnormalities that could indicate the presence of skin cancer. The shape, size, color, and texture of the skin were examined. The doctor will be able to tell if cancer or another disease is to blame for the changes after performing this test.

A dermatologist will conduct a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. After a sample of skin tissue is removed, it is examined in a laboratory to determine whether or not it is a biopsy.

When cancer is found to be to blame for a patient's skin condition, a diagnosis of the extent of the cancer will be made by the physician. To determine if the cancer has spread, a CT scan, MRI, or a lymph node biopsy may be ordered by your doctor.

The stages of skin cancer are as follows:

  • Stage 0
    In the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, the cancer cells are still in the same location and have not spread.
  • Stage 1
    The cancer has spread to the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis, but it is only 2 centimeters in diameter.
  • Stage 2 The
    The tumor has not spread to other tissues, but it has grown to more than 2 cm in diameter.
  • Stage 3 The
    The tumor has grown to a diameter of at least three centimeters and has spread to other tissues such as bone.
  • Stage 4
    More than three centimeters in diameter, cancer has spread to other tissues, such as lymph nodes, far from the site of the cancer's origin.

Skin Cancer

Treatment The treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, location, and stage of the tumor. Treatment options include, but are not limited to:

1. Creams for skin cancer

It's used to treat early-stage skin cancer, which attacks only the outer layer of skin.

2. Cryotherapy

Cold temperatures are produced by using liquid nitrogen in cryotherapy, killing cancer cells before they have a chance to spread.

3. Surgery The

The cancerous tissue and surrounding healthy skin are removed during the procedure. surgical removal of each layer of skin and microscopic examination until there are no more cancer cells can also be done (Mohs surgery).

4. Curettage

A special tool known as a curette is used to remove cancerous tissue during this procedure. An electric needle will be used to destroy any remaining cancer cells (cauterization).

5. Radiotherapy

Radiation is used to kill cancer cells in this procedure. When surgery is not an option, radiotherapy is used.

6. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves killing cancer cells with drugs administered orally or intravenously.

7. Biological

therapy By administering drugs or substances that stimulate the body's immune system, biological therapy is used to treat cancer.

Complications of Skin Cancer

Almost everyone who has had skin cancer has a chance of getting it again in the future. Skin cancers that recur can occur in the same location or in tissues near the original site of the original cancer. Other parts of the body can develop skin cancer as well. Those with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body are at risk for this condition.

Skin cancer can have a significant impact on one's appearance, especially if it occurs on an exposed part of the body. Sufferers of this condition may experience anxiety and depression.

Prevention of Skin Cancer

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid sun exposure and other sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds and sunbathing chairs. The following are possible first steps:

  • Avoid direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's ultraviolet rays are at their strongest.
  • Use sunscreen on a regular basis to protect your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays and premature aging.
  • Protect your skin from the sun by wearing clothing that covers the entire body, such as long sleeves and pants.
  • When going outside, be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses to shield your eyes and head from the sun's harmful rays.
  • It is best to avoid using tanning beds, which are devices that darken the skin by emitted ultraviolet radiation.
  • Antibiotics, for example, can have unpleasant side effects on the skin, so be careful when taking them. To be on the safe side, see a doctor.
  • Keep an eye out for any changes or abnormalities in your skin, and see a doctor right away if you notice them.

 


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