Most non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun, either over a long period of time or over a brief period. The ultraviolet light from the sun damages DNA in skin cells. This damage happens years before cancer develops. The longer people are exposed to the sun, the higher their risk of developing skin cancer will be. But even if you’ve never developed skin cancer, there are ways to reduce your risk.
One of the most common types of skin cancer is melanoma. While melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer, the risk of developing it again is quite low. Skin cancer is a treatable condition, and it doesn’t have any hereditary components. People with melanoma tend to be more susceptible to the disease than those without it. However, non-melanoma skin cancers can be difficult to detect, and treatment can vary depending on the type of melanoma.
Another treatment option for skin cancer is radiation therapy. The benefits of radiation therapy are comparable to those of surgery, with relatively few side effects. In some cases, radiation therapy is the treatment of choice. The treatment also helps in preserving healthy tissue. Patients can undergo various types of radiation therapies to destroy cancer cells and regain their youthful appearance. External beam radiation therapy is given by a large machine called a linear accelerator. The machine normally delivers electrons to target the affected area. Treatment may take several weeks to complete, but it is worth it in the end.
Another type of skin cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer affects more than 200,000 Americans annually. It usually appears as a scaly red patch. Early detection is key to successful treatment. Squamous cell cancer grows much faster than basal cell carcinoma and can spread to the lymph nodes. It is important to seek medical attention for squamous cell cancer if you find a red bump on your skin.
A biopsy of the suspected area is necessary to determine whether or not the tumor is cancerous. The doctor will remove as much of the suspicious tissue as possible and send it to a pathologist. A pathologist will examine the sample under a microscope to determine whether or not the cancer cells are present. Because skin growths are not always cancerous, the sample may have to be tested by another pathologist. Once a diagnosis has been made, the next step is treatment.
Arsenic-induced skin cancers cause Bowen’s disease and squamous cell carcinoma. The cancers can develop in non-keratotic or hyperkeratotic areas. Those with arsenic-related basal cell cancers have scanty cytoplasm and are devoid of giant cells or nuclear atypy. The researchers concluded that chronic exposure to arsenic results in an increased YPLL of up to 3.4 billion years.
