Cancers that arise from the skin are known as skin cancers, caused by the growth of abnormal cells that spread to other parts of the body. Most likely to develop on skin exposed to the sun, skin cancer is of the following three types:
- basal-cell skin cancer (BCC)
- squamous-cell skin cancer (SCC)
- melanoma.
For more information about the different types of skin cancer and a proper diagnosis of the same, type “best dermatologist in Guwahati” in the Google search box.
Basal-cell cancer develops slowly, has the potential to harm nearby tissue, but is not likely to spread to other places or be fatal. The spread of squamous-cell skin cancer is more likely. The most aggressive tumours are melanomas. Moles that have altered in size, form, or colour, have uneven edges, have several colours, itches, or bleeds are all warning signs. For more detailed information about warning signs of melanoma, type “best dermatologist in Guwahati” in the Google search box.
Sun Exposure & Skin Cancer
What you may not have known is that sun exposure is responsible for most of the signs and processes that we deem as normal signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and age spots on our faces, therefore prolonged exposure to the sun can hasten the ageing process and raise ones’ chance of contracting skin cancer. The skin’s elastin fibres are harmed over time by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light. The skin’s elastin fibres are harmed over time by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light. The skin starts to droop, stretch, and lose its ability to return to its original position after stretching as these fibres start to disintegrate. Due to the thinning of the ozone layer, the risk of skin cancer has increased in recent years. Exposure during childhood is especially harmful for melanomas and basal cell tumours.
In addition to slower healing, the skin also tears and bruises more easily. For techniques to repair skin faster, look for “best dermatologist in Guwahati” in the Google search box.
Skin changes brought on by sun exposure:
- Fine and coarse wrinkles
- Loss of the skin’s immunological function which results in precancerous (actinic keratosis) and cancerous (basal cell carcinoma and melanoma) skin lesions.
- benign tumours.
- Freckles, uneven pigmentation, or regions of discoloured skin; and sallowness, a yellow discolorationof the skin.
- Telangiectasias, which are are small swollen blood vessels under the skin.
- Elastosis, the disintegration of elastic tissue, which results in lines and wrinkles.
Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are mostly caused by cumulative sun exposure, whereas bouts of extremely painful sunburns, often before the age of 18, can cause melanoma later on in life.
skin cancer
WHO IS AT RISK OF SKIN CANCER?
While anyone can get skin cancer, following are the factors responsible for increasing the risk of skin cancer.
- People with fair or freckled skin that burns easily, light eyes and blond or red hair are most at risk. However, that is not to say that darker skinned people are not susceptible to it.
- Working outdoors
- Cigarette smokers
- Residing in a sunny environment.
SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CANCER
- A change on the skin, usually the appearance of a new mole, a skin lesion, or a modification to an existing mole
- Basal cell carcinoma may manifest as a tiny, smooth, pearly, or waxy lump on the face, neck, or trunk.
- A hard, red nodule or a rough, scaly, flat lesion that may itch, bleed, or develop a crusty surface are also possible symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma. Although they can develop anywhere, basal cell and squamous cell malignancies primarily affect skin that is often exposed to sunlight.
- Melanoma may resemble a typical mole, although it typically looks more atypical.
Which lists the symptoms to look out for when searching for melanoma:
- Asymmetry: One half’s form does not correspond to the other’s.
- Border: Rough or blurry edges.
- Color: Uneven hues of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue
- Diameter: A significant reduction in size (greater than 6 mm).
- Evolution: Modifications to the appearance or sensation of a mole or lesion (itchy, bleeding, etc). For more concise reading of suspected symptoms of skin cancer, do not hesitate to type “best dermatologist in Guwahati” in Google search box.
DIAGNOSIS
To identify the kind and extent of the malignancy, a biopsy is required. If basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma is suspected, a straightforward shave or punch biopsy is performed, but an excisional biopsy is typically the preferred route if melanoma is suspected. To ascertain the stage of the illness in melanomas cell malignancies that have spread, further tests including CT, MRI, PET, and/or a sentinel node biopsy may be required. You can visit your primary care physician or a dermatologist, who focuses on skin illnesses, if you acquire an atypical skin lesion. For more, look up “best dermatologist in Guwahati” in Google search box.
PREVENTION
As per the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should do the following :
- Seek out shaded areas, and try to be out of the sun as much as possible.
- Avoid sunburns.
- Avoid tanning beds.
- Wear protective apparel, such as a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses that filter UV rays.
- Make sure to use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen every day with an SPF of 15 or higher.
- 30 minutes before going outside, cover your entire body with 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen. Apply repeatedly if you sweat a lot.
- Newborns should be kept away from sunlight. Apply sunscreen to infants who are older than six months.
- Check your skin from head to toe frequently.
- A yearly visit to the dermatologist is a must. For scheduling of the same, look up “best dermatologist in Guwahati” in Google search box.