Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Each year, millions of cases are reported, and it is considered one of the most preventable forms of cancer. However, it is still imperative to know the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, understand the different types of skin cancer, and know the treatment options available.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a disease where cells in the skin start to grow abnormally and uncontrollably. This is caused by damage to the DNA of skin cells, often caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or tanning beds. The most common signs of skin cancer include changes to the colour, size, and shape of existing moles or the development of new growths on the skin. Skin cancer is highly treatable, but early detection is key to effective management.
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer typically falls into three major categories: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. However, it's important to note that there are a few other less common but noteworthy forms as well.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common form of skin cancer. BCCs are slow-growing and seldom spread to other parts of the body. They tend to occur in sun-exposed areas like the head and neck, with lesions appearing as a pearly or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels, or sometimes as a flat, scaly, flesh-coloured or brown patch.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer. Like BCC, it usually develops in sun-exposed areas, but it is more likely to grow deep and spread to other parts of the body, making it potentially more dangerous. SCCs typically present as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
Melanoma: Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, though it is less common than BCC and SCC. Melanomas can develop anywhere on the body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Warning signs of melanoma include changes in an existing mole or the development of a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on your skin.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Though much less common, Merkel cell carcinoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer that typically appears as a fast-growing, painless nodule on sun-exposed skin.
Rare Skin Cancers: These include dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, a rare type of cancer that begins as a hard nodule and grows slowly, and sebaceous gland carcinoma, an aggressive cancer of the oil glands in the skin.
How to Check For A Skin Cancer
When monitoring your skin for changes, it is essential to look out for the ABCDEs of skin cancer. A: Asymmetry: Where one half of a mole or growth does not match the other half.
B - Border: Where the outline of a growth is uneven or blurry.
C - Colour: Where the pigmentation of the mole or growth is not consistent.
D - Diameter: Where the growth is larger than 6mm in diameter.
E - Evolution: Where the mole or growth is changing in size, shape, or colour.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
The treatment for skin cancer depends on various factors, including the type of cancer, the location of the growth, and its size and depth. Treatment options for skin cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, topical medications, and chemotherapy.
Topical Treatments: For very early stage skin cancers, creams or gels containing anti-cancer agents may be applied directly to the skin. Examples include imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil.
Surgery: Surgical options range from simple excision (where the cancer and a margin of healthy skin is cut out) to Mohs surgery (a procedure where layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains). Lymph node surgery may be necessary for melanoma if it has spread.
Radiation Therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It's typically used when surgical methods can't be employed or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: In cases where cancer has spread beyond the skin, drugs may be used to kill cancer cells. These can be administered orally, intravenously, or sometimes directly into the tumour.
It is essential to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your skin cancer. Skin cancer is a complex and serious issue, and the best way to approach it is through awareness and prevention.
Summary
In conclusion, skin cancer is a prevalent and potentially deadly disease that can be prevented and treated effectively when detected early. It is important to follow the ABCDEs of skin cancer when monitoring for changes in moles and growths, and to seek treatment promptly if you notice any suspicious growths. Remember, prevention is the best defence against skin cancer, so be sure to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoid excessive exposure to UV radiation to keep your skin healthy and cancer-free.