It can be benign or malignant, and can affect any part of the body. There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinomas generally start in the lower segment of the epidermis, and grow slowly, rarely spreading to other parts of the body.
Treatment for skin cancer varies from person to person, and depends on the location, size, and stage of the cancer. It may be to cure the disease, control its spread, or ease its symptoms. Depending on the stage of the cancer, the treatment may involve different types of procedures, including radiation therapy and surgery. Surgical procedures may include Mohs surgery, curettage, and cautery. The surgeon will usually perform these procedures after examining the patient’s overall health.
To detect any new skin growths, self-examination is essential. Make regular, thorough checks of the affected area with a handheld mirror and full-length mirror. Learn to recognize changes and sores that do not heal after a while. Examine your arms and legs, front and back, as well as your neck, face, and even your genital area. If you notice any unusual growths, you should see a dermatologist to discuss the results.
If you’re prone to developing skin cancer, it’s important to know the different types. Solar keratosis, or actinic keratosis, is a benign skin condition that develops into a more serious disease, known as squamous cell carcinoma. It manifests itself as rough patches on the skin, often harder to see than a symptom. Although this type of cancer typically affects sun-exposed areas of the body, it can appear on other areas as well.
Sunlight is a significant risk factor for developing skin cancer. To reduce your risk, avoid the sun when possible. You can also take precautions to protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Avoid the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Doing so will reduce the risk of developing cancer. But, if you do develop skin cancer, it’s vital to see a dermatologist to get a diagnosis.
Healthy moles and freckles generally look the same on both sides. Cancerous ones, on the other hand, are asymmetrical. The edges of healthy moles and freckles should be smooth and uniform. An irregular border indicates that the mole has a possibility of developing into a melanoma. If your mole has grown larger than six millimeters in diameter, you should get it checked by a dermatologist to rule out the possibility of skin cancer.
Treatment for skin cancer depends on several factors. The type of skin cancer, location, spread, and general health will determine the type of treatment required. For nonmelanoma cancers, surgical removal is an option. Other treatments include freezing, medicated creams, and laser therapy. The latter uses high-energy rays to shrink the tumor and kill any cancerous cells present. Cancer cells that have spread to other areas of the body can be treated with systemic chemotherapy.
