Skin Cancer - Overview, Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Skin cancer, characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells, typically develops on sun-exposed skin. However, it can also manifest in areas not regularly exposed to sunlight. The three primary types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. 

Minimizing or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is crucial in reducing the risk of skin cancer. Regularly examining your skin for any unusual changes aids in the early detection of skin cancer. Detecting it at its initial stages maximizes the likelihood of successful treatment for skin cancer.



Skin Cancer care at Skin Soul

Symptoms and Development of Skin Cancer:

Skin cancer predominantly arises on sun-exposed areas, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs in women. However, it can also manifest in less exposed regions such as palms, beneath fingernails or toenails, and the genital area.

Skin cancer affects individuals of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. In darker skin tones, melanoma is more likely to occur in non-sun-exposed areas, like the palms of hands and soles of feet.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Signs and Symptoms:
  • Pearly or waxy bump
  • Flat, flesh-colored, or brown scar-like lesion
  • Bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Signs and Symptoms:

  • Firm, red nodule
  • A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface

Melanoma Signs and Symptoms:

  • Large brownish spot with darker speckles
  • Changing mole in color, size, or feel, or one that bleeds
  • Small lesion with an irregular border, appearing red, pink, white, blue, or blue-black
  • Painful lesion that itches or burns
  • Dark lesions on palms, soles, fingertips, toes, or on mucous membranes

Less Common Skin Cancers:

  • Kaposi Sarcoma: Rare skin cancer developing in blood vessels, causing red or purple patches. Mainly occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems or specific ethnic backgrounds.


  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Causes firm, shiny nodules on or beneath the skin, commonly found on the head, neck, and trunk.


  • Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma: Uncommon and aggressive cancer originating in oil glands. Appears as hard, painless nodules, often found on the eyelid, where it may be mistaken for other eyelid issues.

Causes

Skin cancer develops when mutations occur in the DNA of skin cells, leading to uncontrolled growth and the formation of cancerous masses.

Cells Involved in Skin Cancer: Skin cancer originates in the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, which continuously sheds skin cells. The epidermis comprises three main cell types:

  • Squamous Cells: Positioned just below the outer surface, these cells serve as the inner lining of the skin.
  • Basal Cells: Located beneath squamous cells, basal cells are responsible for generating new skin cells.
  • Melanocytes: Found in the lower part of the epidermis, melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment giving skin its normal color. When exposed to sunlight, melanocytes produce more melanin to safeguard deeper skin layers.

The type of skin cancer and available treatment options depend on the location where it originates.

Ultraviolet Light and Other Potential Causes: Most DNA damage in skin cells results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation present in sunlight and tanning bed lights. However, skin cancers can also develop in areas not typically exposed to sunlight. This suggests additional contributing factors, such as exposure to toxic substances or underlying conditions weakening the immune system, may elevate the risk of skin cancer.

Skin Cancer care at Skin Soul

Thank you and Regards.

DR SNEH THADANI.

(MBBS, DNB, Consultant Dermatologist Trichologist, and Cosmetologist)

 

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VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://www.skinsoul.in/

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