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Skin cancer is defined as the growth of uncontrolled skin cells. There are three main types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Some skin cancers can spread to other parts of the body and cause death. Human skin is divided into three parts: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
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Key Terms: Skin cancer, basal skin carcinoma, skin cell carcinoma, melanoma, carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, chemotherapy
What Is Skin Cancer?
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Cancer caused by the uncontrolled growth of skin cells is called skin cancer. These abnormal cells have the ability to spread to other parts of the body. This type of cancer is usually found in the skin area or in the area that is most exposed to sunlight. There are a few cases where this cancer also affects the skin area that is not exposed to sunlight.
Figure: Skin cancer cells
Types of skin cancer
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The most common types of skin cancer are (1) Basal cell cancer (ii) Skin cell carcinoma and (iii) Melanoma carcinoma.
Of these three types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common skin cancers, commonly referred to as non-melanoma. Melanoma is more dangerous than rare skin cancers and other types of cancer.
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Basal cell cancer
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Basal cell or basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer with low-risk factors. They are abnormal cells that originate in the basal cells of the skin, which are located in the deeper layer of the epidermis. Basal cell carcinoma appears as red spots with open sores, scars, and pink growth. They are usually caused by intense and constant exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays. It is non-communicable cancer.
Causes of basal cell carcinoma
This skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation which is the main cause of basal skin carcinoma. DNA in skin cells is damaged when ultraviolet rays touch the skin. These DNAs contain specific signals that regulate cell growth. If DNA is damaged, it can lead to basal cell cancer.
Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma
This type of skin cancer usually develops on parts of the body that are frequently exposed to sunlight. Tumours develop on the face, ears, shoulders, neck, scalp and hands.
Basal cell carcinoma is usually painless. The only symptom is an increase or change in the appearance of the skin.
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Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma
Risk Factors for basal cell carcinoma include
- Family history of skin cancer.
- Exposure to ultraviolet rays and other radiation.
- The use of drugs that suppress the immune system.
- Men are more prone to this disease than women.
- The disorder affects people aged 50-60 years or older.
- People with light skin are more affected than those with darker skin.
Treatment of basal cell carcinoma
There are several treatments available for basal cell skin cancer, depending mainly on the location, type and severity of the disease. The following is a list of common treatments for basal cell carcinoma:
- Affected cells or tissues can be surgically removed.
- Cancer cells die when clotted in liquid nitrogen.
- Applying ointment or cream on the spots.
Skin cell carcinoma
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Squamous cell carcinoma is also known as squamous cell carcinoma. This disorder is caused by the abnormal growth of unwanted cells into scaly cells. Scaly cells are the top layer of the epidermis. Although it is not a fatal disease, it can be treated appropriately as it can lead to other serious symptoms.
Causes of squamous cell carcinoma
This skin cancer is caused by DNA damage. New cells are produced and the old cells are pushed out, causing a rough patch on the skin. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of this disorder.
Figure: squamous cell carcinoma
Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma
Symptoms include
- Open wounds on the skin.
- Red spots on the skin.
- Red sores on the inside of the mouth or on the ears.
Risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma
Risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma are
- Prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
- Living in sunny areas or high places.
- Exposure to chemicals such as arsenic.
- Having fair skin with light hair and blue, green or grey eyes.
- History of many severe sunburns, especially if they occur early in life.
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Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma can be completely removed by surgery. Treatments depend on the location, size and severity of the disease.
Some treatments for squamous cell carcinoma
- Freezing techniques
- Drugs.
- Laser therapy.
- Cryotherapy and treatment
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Melanoma carcinoma
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Melanoma is the rarest and most dangerous type of skin cancer. It develops in cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin that causes skin discolouration. The exact cause of melanoma is not yet known. Young women (35- 40 years old) are more likely to get the disease.
Causes of Melanoma Carcinoma
The particular cause of melanoma carcinoma is not clear so far. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation that comes from sunlight increases the risk of developing melanoma. less exposure to UV radiation can reduce the risk of melanoma.
Symptoms of Melanoma Carcinoma
This skin cancer can develop anywhere on the human body such as the thighs, legs, arms, hands and face. Some visible features:
- Changes in an existing mole or development of new moles.
- Changes in sensitivity of the skin.
- Abnormal growth of skin areas.
- The appearance of new spots on different parts of the skin.
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Risk factors for melanoma cancer
There are several reasons why you may develop melanoma, including
- The use of tanning or similar beds.
- Having a personal or family history of melanoma occurrence.
- Having high levels of moles on the body.
- Living in high sunlight exposure regions of the world such as Florida, Hawaii or Australia.
- Frequent sun exposure, especially if the sun is severe enough to cause blisters on your skin.
Figure: Skin melanoma
Melanoma carcinoma treatment
Melanoma treatment mostly depends on the severity of the disease. The available treatments for melanoma are given as follows.
- Chemotherapeutic measures.
- Affected melanocytes or skin cancer cells are surgically deleted.
- Immunotherapy is used to treat melanoma. IMLYGIC, OPDIVO, KEYTRUDA and ZELBORAF are FDA approved immunotherapy procedures for melanoma skin cancer.
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Things to Remember
- Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow uncontrollably, negatively, and multiply.
- When the process of skin cell division does not work properly, the cells grow very quickly (some of them may be cancerous).
- The modified cells can be non-carcinogenic (benign), non-infectious, harmful, or carcinogenic, and can spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body if not caught and treated promptly.
- Skin cancer is usually caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
- There are three types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma.
- Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer and are referred to as "non-melanoma skin cancer".
- Melanoma is not as common as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, but it is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Sample Questions
Ques. What is skin cancer? (2 Marks)
Ans: It is an abnormal division of skin cells. Skin cancer looks like dry skin or brown / mole. Without treatment, it is dangerous. It's important to know about skin cancer if there are any skin lesions or new scars.
Ques. How is skin cancer diagnosed? (2 Marks)
Ans: A skin biopsy is usually done by a dermatologist to diagnose tumour or skin cancer. It is also can be diagnosed by experienced doctors with symptoms like moles, changes in skin sensations, etc.
Ques. How can skin cancer spread? (2 Marks)
Ans: Any type of skin cancer, especially melanoma can spread. Melanoma is a type of lymphoma that spreads to other tissues. It is spread through blood. The process is called metastasis. Early diagnosis is important - a 98% cure rate for early detection of melanoma.
Ques. Can sunlight cause skin melanoma? (2 Marks)
Ans: Yes, sunlight may cause skin melanoma. Tanning means UV radiation is directly impinging on the skin. Several studies have shown that there is a link between intradermal tanning and skin cancer. This is especially true for young people (between 19 and 30 years). Melanoma is now the leading cause of skin cancer, a very dangerous condition for young people.
Ques. How do tattoos cause skin cancer? (2 Marks)
Ans: Tattoos do not cause cancer. Sometimes mole tattoos hide the mole on the tattoo and it is hard to find. That is how tattoos may lead to increasing severity of skin cancer without an early diagnosis.
Ques. Which is the most common skin cancer? (2 Marks)
Ans: A type of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer in humans. The good news is that basal cell carcinoma can be treated and cured.
Ques. Can cancer be treated? (2 Marks)
Ans: Yes, there are many ways to treat cancer depending on the type of cancer. Surgical procedures provide the best treatment and Moss micrographic surgery is the gold standard for most head and neck cancers. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are very common procedures to treat different types of cancer. The most important thing is early detection and treatment.
Ques: What is cancer. What are the types of cancers? (2 Marks)
Ans: Cancer is the abnormal division or enlargement of cells that causes malfunctioning of body metabolisms. There are different types of cancer as follows:
Carcinoma: Carcinoma begins in the skin or tissue that makes up parts of the body and glands.
Sarcoma: Sarcoma begins in the tissues that support and connect the body. ,
Leukaemia: Leukemia is blood cancer, affecting leucocytes or white blood cells.
Lymphoma: Lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymphatic cells or system.
Ques: What are the symptoms of melanoma? (3 Marks)
Ans: It is important to know how to diagnose melanoma because it responds well to early melanoma treatment. Melanoma can occur in the area of moles, scales, open sores or inflammation.
Use ABCDE memory from the American Academy of Dermatology to detect warning signs that skin cancer may be melanoma:
Asymmetry: One half does not match the other half.
Border: The edges are not generally smooth.
Colour: Shades of brown, black, beige, red or white are visible and contrasting.
Diameter: Larger than 6.0 mm
Evolution: If the place is new or has changed a lot, with or without colour.
Ques: What causes melanoma? (4 Marks)
Ans:
- Excessive sunlight is a major risk factor for melanoma, especially at a young age.
- 86% of melanoma is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Exposure to ultraviolet light can damage cell DNA and alter certain genes that affect cell growth and division. The problem occurs when the DNA of your skin is damaged and these cells begin to reproduce.
- Ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds increases the risk of melanoma which is recognized as cancer by the World Health Organization.
- Melanoma is more common in whites, but can also occur in people with certain types of dermatitis. People with darker skin are more likely to get melanoma on the hands, feet and nails.
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