Skin cancer is among the most common cancers in our country, with around 9,500 people being diagnosed daily. The condition affects the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis), leading to the formation of tumors. It occurs when a person’s DNA gets damaged and triggers an uncontrolled mutation of skin cells. Skin cancer appears differently in each person, depending on their skin type and tone. Here are a few handy details about the condition.
Causes and risk factors
Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. People who spend too much time outdoors and use tanning beds are at risk. Other factors that can cause skin cancer include:
- Weak immune system
- History of skin cancer in the family
- Inherited skin diseases
- Psoriasis
- Exposure to toxic or hazardous chemicals and oils
- Viruses like HPV and herpes
- Radiation therapy for treating other cancers
Signs and symptoms
Skin cancer can occur in any part of the body but is likelier to affect the areas exposed to sunlight, such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, arms, hands, and legs. It can also affect the toes, fingernails, palms, or genital areas. The condition can be detected early, as one develops several skin abnormalities almost immediately. The common symptoms and warning signs include:
- Persistent or recurring rash
- Nodules or skin sores that do not respond to treatment
- Brownish scars
- Flesh-colored lesion on the chest
- Pale or patchy skin
- Translucent bumps
- Firm, red, and rough bumps with scales
- Red or flesh-colored moles
Those who notice these symptoms should visit a dermatologist. The expert may examine the affected area using a dermoscopy, excisional shave, or punch biopsy to confirm or rule out skin cancer. They may also use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to understand the stage and spread of the disease. On detecting cancer, doctors develop a treatment plan based on its underlying cause, stage, location, and the patient’s age and overall health.
Treatments and remedies
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are three prevalent skin cancers. Dermatologists treat the early stages of basal and squamous cell cancers, while oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists treat cancers in advanced stages that have spread to other organs.
Doctors use a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and topical creams and ointments to treat skin cancer. The expert may perform one of the following surgeries and combine it with therapies to destroy cancer cells:
- Freezing the cancer cells using liquid nitrogen
- Excisional surgery to remove the cancer tissues
- Mohs surgery to remove the skin in layers without removing too much issue
- Curettage and cryotherapy to scrape the cells
Though natural and herbal remedies are available for skin cancer, there is no conclusive evidence that they can cure or prevent it from reappearing. Patients should consult a doctor if they experience worsening symptoms or side effects after using the prescribed treatments. The healthcare professional might adjust the dosage or suggest another treatment in such cases. Patients may also be asked to make lifestyle and nutritional changes for a better prognosis.
