Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Although some people are at higher risk of developing it, we should all check our skin and monitor any changes in it.
Cancer occurs when some cells in the body multiply uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and usually develops on skin exposed to the sun. For this reason, experts always recommend using sunscreen and taking other actions to prevent this disease.
The skin has several layers, but there are two main ones: the epidermis, which is the top layer; and the dermis, which is the bottom layer. It is in the epidermis that cancer occurs.
“The epidermis is made up of several cells: squamous cells, which are thin and flat; basal cells, which are round and are located under the squamous cells; melanocytes, which are located at the bottom of this layer of skin and are responsible for producing melanin, which gives color to the skin,” says Angela Salazar, dermatologist.
Depending on which cells begin to multiply uncontrollably, the type of skin cancer will develop. Although some people are at higher risk of suffering from this disease, it can affect anyone. The important thing is to identify the symptoms in time.
Symptoms of skin cancer
Skin cancer manifests itself mainly in areas that are exposed to the sun. It is important to know your skin well since a change in it will be the main symptom. For example, a new lesion, a sore that does not heal, or a change in a mole that we already had.
It is important to mention, according to Gabriela Castillo, a dermatologist, that not all types of skin cancer look the same. Therefore, it is vital that when you notice a change in any area of the body you consult a doctor to rule out this disease.
Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can be identified by remembering the first letters of the alphabet, according to the CDC.
- Asymmetry: Is the mole or spot irregularly shaped with two parts that look very different?
- Edges: Are the edges jagged or irregular?
- Color: Is the color uneven?
- Diameter: Is the mole or spot larger than a pea?
- Evolution: Has the mole or spot changed or evolved in the last few weeks or months?
Common causes of skin cancer
Medical specialists agree that genetic predisposition, i.e. having someone in the family who has suffered from skin cancer, is the main cause of this disease. However, other factors influence the appearance of skin cancer.
- Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, of which the sun is the main source
- Constant use of tanning lamps and tanning beds
- Exposure to chemicals such as arsenic, and paraffin, among others
- Severe skin lesions or inflammations
Types of skin cancer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two of the most common types of skin cancer. They begin, respectively, in the basal and squamous layers of the skin. Both can usually be cured, but they can be disfiguring and very expensive to treat.
Skin cancers are divided into non-melanoma skin cancers, which refer to all types of cancer that occur on the skin and are not melanomas. In this group, the most common are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma
This type of skin cancer occurs when basal cells begin to reproduce uncontrollably. It appears as a slightly transparent lump on the skin, especially in areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck.
On white skin, basal cell carcinoma appears as a pink or skin-colored bump, while on dark skin it is brown or shiny black. In both cases, it can also appear on the face, since this is an area that is exposed to the sun.
Dermatologist Salazar says that most cases of this type of cancer arise from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun’s rays. Age, fair skin, a family history of this type of cancer, and having undergone radiotherapy are also considered risk factors.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
It occurs when scaly skin cells begin to reproduce uncontrollably. It is not considered fatal, although in some cases it can be. In addition, if not treated in time it can spread to other areas of the body and cause serious complications.
It is mostly caused by excess ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds or lamps.
It can appear anywhere on the skin, although in some people it appears in areas that have been very exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, hands, ears, or lips. In people with dark skin tones, it usually appears in areas that are not exposed to the sun, such as the genitals, the soles of the feet, and the mouth.
The main symptom is the appearance of a firm bump that may be the same color as the skin or a different color. It may also appear as a flat sore with a scaly crust.
What is melanoma?
It is considered the most serious type of skin cancer and occurs when melanocyte cells reproduce excessively. Although its cause is not determined, experts indicate that excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and the use of artificial tanning beds increase the risk of developing melanoma.
Melanomas can form anywhere on the body but are most common in sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, back, arms, and legs. They can also appear on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the nails.
The most common symptoms are a change in an existing mole and/or the formation of a new pigmented or unusual-looking bump on the skin, Mayo Clinic specialists say.
How to prevent malignant melanoma
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 324,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year worldwide. It is even estimated that by 2040, the number of cases of this disease will increase by more than 50 percent worldwide.
Although anyone can suffer from this type of skin cancer, women are more prone to it if they are under 40 years old and have light skin tones.
“Recognizing skin changes is the best way to suspect melanoma; specifically, they can arise in an existing mole or rather, appear as a new pigmented and unusual-looking lump,” says Rebeca Mora, medical leader of Oncology at Pfizer Central America and the Caribbean (CAC).
To prevent the most serious type of skin cancer, it is recommended to protect yourself from UV rays, specifically avoiding sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and taking caution when in places near water, snow, or sand, as these intensify UV rays.
It is also recommended to use sunscreen all year round, even on cloudy days. Ideally, the product should have a protection factor of 30 or more. In addition, the use of tanning lamps and tanning beds should be avoided.
“Each person must be aware of their skin and examine it frequently to support them in the event of a possible melanoma diagnosis,” Mora adds.