Any cancer is the out-of-control growth of cells. Skin cancer develops from the abnormal and rapid growth of skin cells. The cancer cells, which start behaving abnormally, are also referred to as malignant cells. Usually, skin cancer develops on the part of the skin exposed to sunlight. However, sometimes, it also affects the unexposed parts of patients’ skin, such as palms, beneath the toenails or fingernails, genital area etc, that rarely see sunlight.
Skin cancer is more prevalent in fair complexioned people. However, people with darker complexion also develop the disease. When people with dark skin tones get melanoma (a type of skin cancer), it usually develops in the areas usually not exposed to the sunlight.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Melanoma
Less common types of skin cancer are:
- Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Karposi Sarcoma
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Symptoms of skin cancer that you may have depend on the type you get. In the next segment, we will discuss the symptoms of each major type of skin cancer.
Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma include:
- A waxy or pearly bump
- A scabbing or bleeding sore that keeps coming back
- A flat, brown or fresh-coloured lesion that resembles a scar
Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
Most often, this type of skin cancer affects the sun-exposed areas of our body (for example, ears, face and hands). People with dark complexion are more prone to developing squamous cell carcinoma on the areas usually not exposed to the sun.
- A firm nodule in red colour
- A flat lesion featuring a scaly, coated surface
Symptoms of Melanoma
Melanoma can affect any part of your skin. It can develop on normal skin or a benign mole can turn malignant over the course of time. It usually appears on the trunk or face of the patient. In women, melanoma usually affects the lower part of the legs. In both genders, melanoma can develop on both exposed and non-exposed areas of skin.
- A large brownish spot featuring darker speckles
- A mole changing its size, colours or if it bleeds
- A painful, itching/burning lesion
- A small lesion featuring an irregular border that looks pink, red, blue, blue-black or white
- Dark lesions on fingertips, palms, toes, soles or mucous membranes lining nose, mouth, anus or vagina
Are Certain People at Higher Risk of Developing Skin Cancer?
Though skin cancer can affect anyone, some people are more prone to getting the disease. Here are some risk factors for developing skin cancer:
- Fair Complexion
- Excessive Sun Exposure
- High-Altitude or Sunny Climates
- History of Sunburns
- Family History of Skin Cancer
- Precancerous skin lesions
- Weak Immune System
- Exposure to Radiation
- Exposure to Certain Substances
- Moles
It’s possible to cut down the risk of skin cancer by avoiding or limiting exposure to sunlight. Make sure to drop a visit at the best hospitals for cancer care if you see anything suspicious on your skin. Early-stage detection of skin cancer increases the chances of successful treatment and quick recovery.