Skin Cancer ( types, reasons, treatment)

Skin Cancer

 Skin cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the skin cells. Our skin is made up of 3 layers which are known as Epidermis (the top one), Dermis (the mid one) and Hypodermis (the bottom one). When we talk about the skin cancer, we are concerned about only one layer which is Epidermis layer.

Let us deeply learn about this layer to understand the purpose of this layer and its parts.  

Epidermis is made up of 5 layers which are stratum Basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, stratum corneum. These are the layers where nonmelanoma and melanoma type of cancer occur.  

 Types of skin cancer are: 

Non-melanoma: 

1. 
   

2. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC):  

This cancer occurs in the most bottom layer of the Epidermis, which is Stratum Basale layer, in this layer the processes start of making new skin cells but when these Basale cells mutate, they form the basal cell carcinoma. One more most important thing in this layer is melanocytes which work when we our skin is exposed to the sun by causing melanin to release the tan color on our skin to protect it from the damage of sun rays and when these melanocytes mutate, they turn in to the cancer known as melanoma. This is the most common type of skin cancer, and it typically occurs in sun-exposed areas like the face and neck. 

Appearance:  

Waxy, glossy  

2. 
   

3. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC):  

Stratum spinosum also known as squamous cell layer, which is made up of keratinocytes, and when these keratinocytes mutate, these develop the stage known as Squamous cell carcinoma. This type of skin cancer is less common than basal cell carcinoma (BCC) but can be more dangerous if left untreated. SCC also tends to occur in sun-exposed areas. 

Appearance: 

Crusty, scaly 

3. 
   

4. Melanoma:  

This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early and it has the risk of metastasis. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, not just in sun-exposed areas. It can spread to brain or lungs.  

Appearance: 

Uneven boarder, dark color's, shaping changing  

Some of the reasons:  

Exposure to UV radiation: This can come from the sun or from artificial sources like some people use tanning beds to sleep this can cause them damage.  

Fair skin: People with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are more susceptible to skin cancer because in this case the melanocytes do not release melanin which creates a protective layer for the skin.  

Family history: If you have a family member who has had skin cancer, you may be more likely to develop it as well. 

Toxic chemicals: exposure to the toxic chemical can be the reason behind skin cancers because skin is the sensitive part of the body.  

Symptoms of skin cancer can include:

1. Whenever there is a new or changing mole or spot on the skin this might be a symptom.  
2. If a sore does not heal even after applying medicines.  
3.  Scaly, red, or crusty patch on the skin  
4. Itching, pain, or bleeding on a spot or mole

 

Treatment for skin cancer can include: 

The treatment varies from the types of the cancer either it is non-melanoma or melanoma, and it varies on the stages of the cancer.  

Surgery:  

This is the most common treatment for skin cancer and involves removing the cancerous cells. 

Radiation therapy:  

In this therapy high-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells, mostly used for Basal cell

carcinoma (bcc) and Squamous cell carcinoma (scc ). 

Chemotherapy:  

This treatment involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. 

Cryosurgery:  

In this process the surgeons freeze the part of the cancer completely.  

Prevention:

 We know that prevention is better than cure, so why don’t we prevent ourselves?

 

•  Wear protective clothing 
•  Sunscreen for outside 
• Avoid tanning beds