Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer globally, affecting millions of people each year. While it is highly preventable, understanding its types, risk factors, and early detection methods is crucial for effective management and treatment.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, often appearing as a flesh-coloured or pink bump on the skin that may bleed or develop a crust.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCC typically appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly crust. It may develop from precursor skin lesions known as actinic keratoses.
Melanoma: Melanoma is less common but more aggressive than other types of skin cancer. It usually develops from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and can resemble moles, with irregular borders and varying colours.
Risk Factors
UV Radiation: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the leading cause of skin cancer.
Fair Skin: People with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are at higher risk.
History of Sunburns: A history of blistering sunburns, especially during childhood, increases the risk.
Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS and those taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant increases the risk.
Family History: A family history of skin cancer can increase susceptibility.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Sun Protection: Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation similar to the sun and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Regular Skin Checks: Perform self-examinations and seek professional skin checks annually, especially if you have risk factors.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Treatment options for skin cancer and actinic keratoses depend on factors like size, type, depth, and location.
For small surface skin cancers, an initial biopsy might suffice without further treatment.
Treatment options include:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery) for actinic keratoses and small early skin cancers.
- Excisional surgery, cutting out cancerous tissue with surrounding healthy skin.
- Mohs surgery for larger, recurring, or difficult-to-treat skin cancers, removing layers until no abnormal cells remain.
- Curettage and electrodesiccation or cryotherapy, scraping away cancer cells and destroying the remaining ones with an electric needle or liquid nitrogen.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams like X-rays to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy with drugs applied directly to the skin or systemic treatment for cancers spreading to other parts of the body.
- Photodynamic therapy combines laser light and drugs to destroy cancer cells.
- Biological therapy utilises the body’s immune system to kill cancer cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can skin cancer spread to other parts of the body?
Yes, if left untreated, certain types of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, can spread to other organs, leading to more serious complications.
Are all moles cancerous?
No, most moles are harmless. However, any changes in size, shape, colour, or texture should be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer.
Conclusion
Skin cancer is a significant public health concern, but with proper prevention strategies, early detection, and timely treatment, its impact can be minimised. By understanding the risk factors, practising sun safety habits, and staying vigilant with skin checks, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their skin health and reduce the incidence of skin cancer. Regular consultations with healthcare professionals are essential for maintaining skin health and detecting any abnormalities early on.