The risk of developing skin cancer is higher for those living in sun-drenched areas, or who use tanning beds and lamps. Skin cells respond to exposure to UV radiation by developing tans, a symptom of skin cancer. People with weakened immune systems are also at risk, especially those who are HIV/AIDS patients or taking immunosuppressant drugs following organ transplants. People who are exposed to radiation during surgery or radiation therapy may also be at greater risk of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma.
Most cases of skin cancers occur on skin that is overexposed to sunlight. While squamous cell carcinoma usually occurs on skin that is dark-colored, it can also develop on areas of light-colored skin. While melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, it is most common in men’s necks, lower legs, and face. Although it is the most common form of skin cancer, it can develop on areas that are not exposed to the sun.
The three most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Typically, these cancers are not dangerous and will not spread to other parts of the body. Most people with skin cancer are cured if caught in the early stages. Although treatment options for these types of cancer are the same, they can have different effects on different people. For example, basal cell cancer tends to grow in areas where the skin has been exposed to the sun for a long time.
Another type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer usually affects people of Caucasian descent and is more likely to develop in areas exposed to UVR or chronic skin infections. The symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma range from red and scaly patches to white/yellow scars. It is difficult to predict whether a patient has this disease, but early detection can help avoid a potentially fatal situation.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in humans, and is expected to increase dramatically over the next several years. About 100,000 people will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022, and 7650 will die. These diseases develop from abnormal skin cells called melanocytes. These cells produce the color in our skin. Generally, the cancerous tumors invade neighboring tissues and travel to distant organs. This process is known as metastasis. When caught early, these tumors are curable.
The molecular features of NBCC reveal relevant information on gene profiles. Specifically, PTC-H, Smoothened, and GLI oncogenes suppress the signals driven along the Hedgehog pathway. Loss-of-function mutations in these genes are observed in almost 90 percent of BCC. MCPyV-related oncogenesis is a multi-step process requiring several distinct events. There are four different genotypes of MCPyV that can cause different types of cancer.
Advanced forms of skin cancer require multidisciplinary care. A dermatologist, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist work together to determine the most effective treatment path. Surgical oncologists may recommend surgery in the operating room. Radiation therapy may be combined with chemotherapy. Both treatments aim to kill cancer cells and may improve the overall cure rate. Patients who have a family history of skin cancer should be careful about their sun exposure. In rare cases, radiation therapy may be the best treatment option.
