Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, caused by the abnormal growth of skin cells. To better understand skin cancer, it’s important to know about the different types of cancer and their effects on the body.
While skin cancer typically forms in areas exposed to the sun, it can also develop in areas not usually exposed to sunlight. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Signs and Symptoms
Skin cancers can vary in appearance, and may not always show symptoms at an early stage. However, recognizing unusual changes in your skin can help in early detection. Be mindful of the following signs:
- New or unusual skin lesions: Any new growth, mole, bump, sore, scaly patch, or dark spot that doesn’t heal.
- Asymmetry: One half of a mole or lesion looks different from the other.
- Border: The edges of the lesion may be irregular or uneven.
- Color: The lesion may have an unusual color, such as black, blue, red, or white, or feature multiple colors.
- Diameter: Moles larger than 1/4 inch (the size of a pencil eraser) should be monitored.
- Evolving: Watch for changes in size, shape, color, or new symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or itching.
Causes and Risk Factors
Skin cancer occurs when mutations in the DNA of skin cells cause them to grow uncontrollably, forming cancerous masses. While the exact causes are unclear and most moles don’t become melanoma, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer, such as:
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
- Having many moles
- Fair skin, light hair, and freckles
- Family history of skin cancer
- Previous skin cancer diagnosis
- A weakened immune system
- Advanced age
Treatment Options
Skin cancer treatment is based on factors like the cancer’s size, type, location, and stage. Based on these considerations, doctors may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Cryosurgery
- Excisional surgery
- Mohs surgery
- Curettage and electrodesiccation
- Chemotherapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Biological therapy
- Immunotherapy
