Skin canceris cancer that develops in skin cells.
It pops up if the DNA that controls cell growth is damaged.
The most common cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet rays from the sun ortanning beds.
urbazon / Getty Images
This article describes skin cancer types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
It also includes ways to help prevent the disease.
There are four main types of skin cancer.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
It ranks as the most common throw in of skin cancer and the most common form of all cancers.
If untreated, a basal cell carcinoma tumor can destroy surrounding tissues, causing a large defect.
Most basal cell carcinomas are slow-growing.
They can usually be cured without causing damage if they are caught and treated early.
This throw in of cancer rarelymetastasizes(spreads) from the original tumor site to other body parts.
It is seldom life-threatening.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
It ranks as the second most common form of skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinomas are often found in sun-exposed areas.
They can appear as awartlikegrowth or a sore that is rough and crusted.
Squamous cell carcinomas are fast-growing and sometimes metastasize.
This jot down of cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early.
Melanoma
Melanomais a cancer that forms frommelanocytes.
These cells are found in the lower part of your epidermis.
They are the skin cells that produce melanin, which gives your skin its color.
It is less common than other types of cancer.
Melanomas often appear on the trunk (chest and back) of men and the legs of women.
They can also develop on your neck and face.
Without care, melanoma can become difficult to treat and potentially deadly.
Melanoma on Darker Skin
Your natural skin tone can affect the appearance of melanoma.
They are connected to your nerves, sending messages about touch to your brain.
Merkel cell carcinoma can appear as firm, painless sores or bumps in sun-exposed areas of your body.
They can sometimes open up and form sores orulcers.
Skin Cancer Symptoms: What Are the Signs?
Skin cancer symptoms vary from person to person.
The first signs of skin cancer can be mistaken for a common mole, pimple, or wart.
you might reduce your risk of skin cancer progressing with treatment.
Consult adermatologistif you notice new, unusual, or changing spots that itch, change, or bleed.
Over 80% of skin cancers are because of excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
UV radiation comes from sources such as the sun, tanning beds, and tanning lamps.
UV light damages the DNA inside our skin whenever it comes in contact with it.
The longer time and severity of sun exposure increase your risk of skin cancer.
The more sunburns you get, the more damage occurs.
This damage accumulates over time, increasing your risk of having the genetic mutations that cause skin cancer.
This includes checking for signs of lumps and sores.
Medical and family histories are also taken to determine your risk of skin cancer and other diseases.
The tissue is viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends an annual full-body professional skin exam by a dermatologist.
You should have these exams more often if you have a high risk of skin cancer.
A typical skin exam lasts about 10 minutes.
It involves a head-to-toe visual exam of your skin.
Special attention is given to hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, and behind your ears.
Your dermatologist may use a dermoscope, a tool that helps them visualize your epidermis and its hidden layers.
A biopsy of any suspicious areas may be taken during this exam.
It may be given internally using seeds that are implanted in your body.
Chemotherapy:Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill abnormal cancer cells.
It can be administered topically, intravenously, or via injection.
Photodynamic therapy:Photodynamic therapy combines photosensitive drugs with light to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy:Immunotherapy helps your body’s immune system find and attack cancer cells.
It uses human-made or natural materials to target, boost, or restore the function of your immune system.
The most common side effect of skin cancer treatment is fatigue.
Pain can also occur during the healing process.
Personal characteristics like your age and other medical conditions can also impact the predicted outcomes of your disease.
Your healthcare provider forms a prognosis based on your chances of recovery or survival from skin cancer.
This outlook is calculated on the experiences of large groups of people over many years, not individual cases.
Your experience with skin cancer can differ from the prognosis you receive.
Four major types of skin cancer are based on the jot down of skin cells that cause the disease.
Exposure to UV rays in sunlight and tanning beds is the main cause of all cancer types.
Risk factors for skin cancer include being fair-skinned and exposure to cancer radiation.
Most cases of skin cancer are treatable when found early.
The challenge in finding skin cancer is that everyone’s symptoms can differ based on skin tone and texture.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Basal cell carcinoma.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: basal cell carcinoma.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Squamous cell carcinoma.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Skin cancer 101.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma overview.
American Cancer Society.What is Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)?
MD Anderson Cancer Center.Skin cancer symptoms.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Basal cell carcinoma.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma warning signs.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What to look for: ABCDES of melanoma.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer types: Merkel cell carcinoma signs & symptoms.
Worldwide Cancer Research.How does the sun cause cancer?
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Skin cancer.
City of Hope.Stages of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Annual exams.
American Association of Dermatology Association.Find skin cancer: how to perform a skin self-exam.
National Cancer Institute.Skin cancer treatment (PDQ)patient version.
National Cancer Institute.Skin and nail changes during cancer treatment.
Siteman Cancer Center.Effects of skin cancer treatment.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Sun protection.
2012;2012:1-4. doi:10.1155/2012/157187
Moffitt Cancer Center.Squamous cell carcinoma survival rate.
National Cancer Institute.Cancer stat facts: melanoma of the skin.
American Cancer Society.Survival rates for Merkel cell carcinoma.
