Skin cancer is one of the most popular types of cancer that affects both young and adults. In this informative article I will explain all the necessary information that you need to know about skin cancer, risk factor, causes, symptoms and other important information that you need to know about skin cancer.

 

Skin Cancer Symptoms

These are the major symptoms of skin cancer

Skin Lesions

There are several skin lesions like new mole, bump, sore dark spot that may grow on your skin and refuse to go away.

 

Color

There will be several unusual colors on your skin like white, pink, black, blue, or red.

 

Diameter

Dark or brown spots that will grow on your skin and it will be larger than one-quarter inch, or about the size of a pencil eraser.

 

Evolving

You may discover a mole that is changing size, color, or shape.

 

Skin Cancer Causes

Skin cancer usually occurs when there is an errors (mutations) in the DNA of skin cells. This mutations will cause your cells to grow out of control and form numerous cancer cells.

 

Types Of Skin Cancer

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis is the red or pink patches of skin, although it is not a cancerous cell, but it is considered as the precancer. If you don’t get quick medical attention, these skin masses will develop into squamous cell carcinoma.

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most popular type of skin cancer at the moment, with over 90 percent of all cases of skin cancer. Basal Cell Carcinoma grows slowly and it usually appears on the head or neck.

 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is one of the types of skin cancer that develops in the outer layers of your skin, and it’s more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma because it appears as red, scaly lesions on your skin.

 

Melanoma

Melanoma is one of the types of skin cancer that is not common at the moment, although it is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

It makes up just 1% of the skin cancer cases and  it causes the most skin cancer-related deaths. Melanoma grows in the melanocytes, the skin cells that create pigment.

 

Skin Cancer Risk Factor

Family History Of Skin Cancer

If any of your family members are currently living with skin cancer, then you are at high risk of developing skin cancer very soon.

 

Personal History Of Skin Cancer

If you have developed skin cancer before, then you are at high risk of developing skin cancer again.

 

Weakened Immune System

If you are currently struggling with a weak immune system, then you are at high risk of developing skin cancer very soon. Try as much as you can to boost your immune system so that you will lower the risk of developing skin cancer.

 

Exposure To Radiation

Anyone that received radiation treatment for skin conditions like eczema, and acne may have higher risk of developing skin cancer.

 

 

Exposure To Certain Substances

You are exposed to several substances like arsenic, then you are at high risk of developing skin cancer.

 

Excessive Sun Exposure

You may develop skin cancer if you spend a long time in the sun, especially if you don’t protect your skin with sunscreen or clothing.

 

Sunny Or High-altitude Climates

People that live in sunny, warm climates that are exposed to more sunlight than are people who live in colder climates may develop skin cancer because of the impact of the sunlight on the skin. Likewise, those who are exposed to more radiation.

 

Skin Cancer Prevention

• Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor
• Wear protective clothing in the sun
• Avoid the sun during the middle of the day
• Avoid tanning beds
• Wear sunscreen year-round
• Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications.

 

Skin Cancer Treatment

There are several methods of treating skin cancer, when it comes to treating skin cancer there are several treatment plans that should be followed based on the size, location, type, and stage of skin cancer.

The type of your skin cancer will determine the treatment plan, after proper tests and recommendations. Your doctor will be able to decide the right treatment plan to cure your skin cancer based on the type and size of your skin cancer, stage of the cancerous cell on your skin and the location.

 

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the method of freezing the growth of skin cancer by using liquid nitrogen and the tissue is destroyed as it thaws.

 

Excisional Surgery

This method involved cutting out the affected part of the skin so that cancerous cells won’t affect other parts of the skin.

 

Mohs Surgery 

Mohs Surgery involves the removal layer by layer, and each layer is examined until there is no visible cancerous cell.

 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the special drug that will be taken orally, applied topically, or injected that helps to kill the cancer cells.

 

Radiation

Radiation can be used to treat skin cancer, high-powered energy beams will be used to kill the cancerous cells.

 

IN CONCLUSION

Skin cancer is one of the most popular types of cancer at the moment, it is given to a lot of people every year. It is very important to know all the important information about skin cancer, especially how you can protect yourself from developing skin cancer.