Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and also one of the easiest to treat. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), melanoma., and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Most cases of skin cancer occur on parts of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure, such as the face or back. Skin cancer can also develop in parts of the body that don't get much sun exposure, such as between the bones of the fingers or toes.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF SKIN CANCER?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 1 million cases diagnosed each year.1 The three types of skin cancer are: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), melanoma., and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma; however, BCC and SCC can also be fatal if left untreated. Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous condition that can later develop into SCC or BCC if not treated early.
The most common types of skin cancer are BCC and SCC, they can be treated successfully if diagnosed early, but both can also cause death if left untreated for a long time. Melanoma is less common, but it is more serious because it spreads quickly and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CANCER?
Skin cancer symptoms can be vague and easy to miss. They include:
- Changes to an existing mole (for example, it becomes irregular, crusty or bleeds);
- Bleeding, itching or oozing from a mole (this may be due to sun damage);
- Redness of the skin that lasts more than three weeks without healing;
RISK FACTORS FOR SKIN CANCER?
Risk factors for skin cancer include:
- UV radiation. UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds can damage your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. You should limit time in the sun, especially during peak hours (10am to 4pm), use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and avoid indoor tanning devices.
- Smoking cigarettes or cigars/pipes as it increases the risk of many types of cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. If you smoke tobacco products, quit as soon as possible – the sooner you stop smoking after your melanoma diagnosis, the better your chances of surviving!
an ulcer or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks, a wart that bleeds or oozes fluid, an unusual growth on the skin that is new or changes size, shape or color.
HOW IS SKIN CANCER DIAGNOSED?
Skin cancer is diagnosed by a dermatologist. The only way to confirm the diagnosis is through a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the suspected skin lesion and examining it under a microscope. If you have any doubts about whether or not you have skin cancer, seek medical attention immediately.
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which can be treated in its early stages with a simple procedure. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is more serious, but can also be treated successfully if diagnosed and treated early.
The second letter of the TNM system indicates whether or not the lymph nodes have been invaded by melanoma cells. If so, it is called “N+” disease. This is important because if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it means there is a greater chance that it will spread to other parts of the body as well.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF SKIN CANCER?
Skin cancer is diagnosed and staged using the TNM system, which stands for tumor (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M).
The first letter of this system indicates whether a tumor is located in an organ or tissue that can be completely removed by surgery. If it cannot be completely removed, it is called “in situ” cancer. This means that the growth has not yet spread beyond its original location and can only be treated with surgery if necessary. In stage 1 of the disease, only part of the epidermis was affected by melanoma cells - not all layers were invaded by these cells, as they would need to be in stage 4 or 5, where there are several affected areas in various parts of the body. .
If you have a mole that looks unusual in any way (like pinkish-red), see a doctor right away so he or she can examine it under a microscope and tell you whether it's something serious like melanoma or just a common mole that will never cause any problems for you. you over time (like freckles).
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, but it is also the least common. It can spread quickly, so it's important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible if you have any suspicious skin spots or lesions.
WHAT TESTS WILL BE DONE TO DIAGNOSE SKIN CANCER?
If you have a suspicious lesion, your doctor will perform a biopsy. This involves removing some tissue from deep within the suspicious area and examining it under a microscope.
The most common blood test for skin cancer is called the PSA (prostate specific antigen) test. It measures the levels of this protein in the blood, which can increase if there is abnormal growth in the prostate or other organs in that area. In some cases, doctors use ultrasounds or mammograms to look for changes in breast tissue; These tests do not diagnose cancer, but they can help rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms, as well as detect other types of cancer, such as ovarian or lung cancer.
The best way to avoid skin cancer is to prevent sunburn. The most important thing you can do is use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours while outdoors. It is also important to wear protective clothing and sunglasses when exposed to the sun for long periods of time, especially between 10am and 4pm when UV radiation levels are highest (even on cloudy days). Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps because they can damage your skin just as much as direct sunlight!
. If you have symptoms that could indicate skin cancer, see a doctor immediately. Early detection is critical to successful treatment and can help prevent the spread of the disease.
HOW IS SKIN CANCER TREATED?
Skin cancer treatment depends on the type of skin cancer; Skin cancer treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
The best time to treat skin cancer is when it is small and has not yet spread to other parts of the body. This can help prevent future problems with this type of cancer spreading to other parts of the body or coming back after treatment ends.
If you have a new spot on your skin that looks unusual in any way (like pinkish-red), see a doctor right away so they can examine it under a microscope and tell you whether it's something serious like melanoma or just a common mole. This will never cause problems for you over time (like freckles).
CAN SKIN CANCER BE PREVENTED?
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid exposure to UV radiation. Sunburn, especially in childhood, increases the risk of developing melanoma later in life.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours while outdoors.
- Wear protective clothing and sunglasses when exposed to the sun for long periods of time, especially between 10am and 4pm when UV radiation levels are highest (even on cloudy days).
- Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps because they can damage your skin as much as direct sunlight!
KNOW THE SIGNS OF SKIN CANCER.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting more than 3 million people each year. It's also one of the deadliest: more than a million Americans will die from skin cancer by 2020.
- Look for changes in your skin that don't go away or improve after a few weeks, such as:
- A new growth on your skin (a wart) that looks different from others you have had before; may be rough or uneven in color; itching or pain; bleeding (if you scratch); exudes fluid from its surface (like a pimple).
- An existing mole that increases over time and/or changes color or texture (for example, becomes darker).
A brown spot on the skin with jagged edges, an uneven surface, and larger than a pencil eraser.
CONCLUSION
If you notice any changes to your skin, consult a doctor. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, so it's important to know the signs and symptoms. Early detection can help save your life!
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