Skin cancers often come up from the skin. They occur due to the formation of abnormal cells that can raid and affect the various parts of the body. The cells originate from the epidermis, which is the superficial layer of the skin.
There three categories of skin cancers that are widely known. They are:
1. Basal cell carcinoma
This is the most common type of skin cancer. Cancer commonly starts as a sore that seems to get better and then it suddenly reoccurs, and it may begin to bleed. This skin cancer often occurs on the face and neck, where the skin is exposed to sunlight.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
This cancer mostly affects the squamous cells. Squamous cells often appear like fish scales when viewed under a microscope. On the skin, the squamous cells are found in tissues that form the skin surface. This type of cancer may appear in any part of the body.
3. Melanoma
This type of cancer affects the melanocytes, which are cells that produce the pigment melanin. This cancer may be difficult to detect at times because it is hard for patients to recognize the cutaneous melanomas. This type of cancer, when detected early, can be cured.
Skin cancer brings about severe conditions that make one's health to deteriorate. Cancer, if not well treated in time, can cause even death. It is good that you have explicit knowledge of all the signs and symptom relating to this disease so that immediately they appear you can run and consult your doctor.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer
• Any hard, non-healing sores
• Tiny lumps on the skins that appear red or pearly in colour
• New spots or any moles that are changing their colour, depth, or outline in a short time.
Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
In the FAQs section at Sun Doctors, one of the clinics for skin cancer says that it is not deadly, but one has to watch out for any spots for early detection and treatment. Diagnosis of skin cancer is made by biopsy and the histopathological examination of the skin tissues. A biopsy involves the doctor removing a sample from your skin and then carrying out tests to determine if your skin has cancer.
Apart from biopsy, a physical examination is also done. When the doctor suspects you have cancer, confirmatory testing in the laboratory is also carried out. If the doctor realizes that you have cancer, additional tests are carried out to determine the extent of cancer.
Addition tests carried out include imaging tests that examine any nearby lymph nodes for signs of cancers. After determining the extent of cancer, the doctor uses Roman numbers to describe the stage of cancer. Once the cancer stage has been identified, treatment can be done to prevent it from spreading.
Treatment of Skin Cancer
1. Mohs Surgery
Mohs Surgical Operations are applied to excise the cancer cells that have the least amount of neighbouring tissue. The edges of these tissues are immediately checked to see if the tumour is available. The technique is widely applied in areas where the skin is inadequate.
2. Excisional Surgery
This method is widely used to treat cancer in its early stages. The doctor cuts out the cells that are affected by cancerous components. In some cases, the doctor cuts out even healthy tissues around the cancerous cells to ensure maximum removal of the cancer cells.
3. Radiation Therapy
This method employs the use of high powered energy radiations like X-rays, to kill cancerous cells. The technique is done on the cancer cells that cannot be completely removed after surgery. Radiation therapy is carried out in a room that ensures no leaks of the radiations occur to protect the people outside from the dangers of the emissions.
Conclusion
Skin cancer can occur to you regardless of your age and skin colour. It is essential to always check out on the signs and symptoms of skin cancer. Often get advice from cancer specialists to know the right steps to take.
