Skin Cancer: Understanding the Different Types and Warning Signs

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. While skin cancer usually occurs due to overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, it can also happen in non-exposed areas. There are three major types of skin cancer based on the skin cells affected.

Signs and symptoms of skin cancer are often difficult to determine until it’s too late. Early detection and skin cancer treatment offer the best prognosis. This article discusses skin cancer, its types, symptoms, warning signs, and more.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a disease involving abnormal growth of skin cells. Under normal conditions, skin cells die after an expiration period, and new cells are formed to replace them. In skin cancer, some cells do not die but keep multiplying rapidly. This abnormal growth can spread to other body areas if not caught early.

There are three major skin cancer types:

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma: In this type of skin cancer, the abnormal growth occurs in the lower part of the outside skin layer.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: In this type of skin cancer, the abnormal growth occurs in the outside skin layer.
3. Melanoma: This type of skin cancer occurs in the skin cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin. It is a pigment that gives the skin its colour and partially protects against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Overexposure to the sun is one of the most common causes of skin cancer. This overexposure alters the DNA of some skin cells due to the harmful UV rays, which start dividing rapidly and form cancer cell masses. Sunburn and blistering can accelerate this phenomenon.

Skin cancer can also form in areas not exposed to the sun and can affect people of all skin tones.

What are the Early Warning Signs of Skin Cancer? 

The most common skin cancer warning sign is a change in the skin, like a new mole or an old mole that changes shape. Some other common skin cancer symptoms include:

● A new mole or an old mole that changes shape, size, color, or bleeds.
● A bump on the face, ears, or neck that looks and feels pearly or waxy.
● A flat red/pink-brown colored patch or bump.
● Areas on skin that look like scars.
● Crusty sores with depression in the middle, which can also bleed often.
● A source or wound that doesn’t heal or comes back again.
● A skin lesion that is rough or scaly and can bleed and become crusty.

What are the Common Risk Factors of Skin Cancer? 

The risk factors of skin cancer include:

1. Fair Skin: People having fair skin have less melatonin to protect from the sun’s UV rays and, hence, are at a higher risk of skin cancer.
2. Sunburns: A history of blistering sunburns in childhood, teenage, or adulthood raises the risk of skin cancer.
3. Excessive Sun Exposure: Spending long hours in the sun without adequate protection, such as sunscreen or clothing, increases the risk of skin cancer. This also applies to prolonged exposure to tanning lamps and beds.
4. Sunny or High-altitude Climate: Living in warm, sunny climates increases skin cancer risk due to more sun exposure. This also applies to people living in high-altitude climates where the sun exposure is strong.
5. Family or Personal History: One with a family or personal history of skin cancer is at a higher risk.
6. Weakened Immune System: People with weak immune systems, for example, due to HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressants, are at a higher risk of skin cancer.

How is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

The first step in skin cancer diagnosis is a physical exam. During this exam, the doctor looks for any new or abnormal changes in the skin. Further testing is required to confirm a skin cancer diagnosis if such changes are found.

Upon suspecting skin cancer, the doctor can recommend a skin biopsy, in which a small skin piece from the suspicious area is sent to a lab for further testing. If the biopsy results confirm skin cancer, the doctor next determines the type and extent of the cancer. For these, imaging tests and lymph node biopsy can be performed.

Skin cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth caused by overexposure to the sun. It is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. Hence, it is essential to recognize the early warning signs of skin cancer, such as any new abnormal changes to the skin. Upon noticing such changes, it is a good idea to consult a doctor and book a test at Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs

1. How many stages of skin cancer are there?

Skin cancer has four stages.

2. How to prevent skin cancer?

● Avoid sun exposure during midday.
● Wear sunscreen around the year.
● Wear protective clothing when stepping outside in the sun.
● Check skin regularly for any changes.