Skin Cancer Types And Symptoms

Skin cancer types and symptoms - In most cases, too much UV radiation is the cause of skin cancer. The sun, the solarium or sunrises are sources of UV radiation and are often associated with cancer. Sunbathing, whether or not under the sunbed, is not without danger. The risk of skin cancer is increased by prolonged sunbathing and/or not (timely) smearing.

Risk of skin cancer

Another risk factor for skin cancer is the regular burning in childhood. In later life, there is an increased risk of skin cancer. Hereditary predisposition can also play a role. In addition, the use of drugs that suppress the immune system can increase the risk of skin cancer. People with a fair skin color are more likely to develop skin cancer than people with dark skin color.

Types of skin cancer

There are different types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common form of skin cancer. 75% of people with skin cancer suffer from this form of skin cancer. It is the least dangerous form. There is hardly any metastasis and cancer grows slowly. If you are on time, a lot of damage can be limited. A basal cell carcinoma can grow deeper and affect tissue and bones. That is why timely intervention is important. This shape is most common in the face and neck
• Squamous cell carcinoma: In 15% of cases of skin cancer, there is squamous cell carcinoma. This form is more malicious than the basal cell carcinoma. It grows faster and can also sow. This shape is most common on the face, but can also occur on hands and back. When the tumor sows, it happens first in the lymph nodes, which means that cancer can also enter other organs.
• Melanoma. A melanoma occurs in 10% of cases. This is the most malignant form of skin cancer. Melanomas grow inward. They penetrate deep into the skin and can cause metastases to organs via the lymph nodes. In women, melanomas are usually on the trunk and legs and in men on the neck, head, and trunk.

Skin cancer symptoms

The three forms of skin cancer can be identified by the following symptoms.

Basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) symptoms

• It looks like a smooth, glassy lump
• The nodule grows slowly
• Sores and scabs can develop on and around the lump
• If it is in the trunk, it may look like an exhale spot

Squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) symptoms

• Pale pink in color, with a white, flaky spot in the middle
• It feels rough
• Appears on face, hands, and back

Melanoma (skin cancer) symptoms

• A birthmark becomes thicker, changes color or gets a whimsical shape
• Itching of the birthmark
• There may be a scab or sore on the birthmark or it may bleed

Skin cancer treatment

How is skin cancer treated? The most common skin cancer treatments are:

• Surgery (operation)
• Irradiation
• Freezing
• Treatment with light
• Curettage (scraping away) in combination with electrocoagulation (searing)
• Local chemotherapy
• Treatment with medicines

The treatment depends on the type of skin cancer and the stage.

*Image source : Health.mil

References :

1. National Cancer Institute
2. Mens en Gezondheid: Ziekten
3. American Cancer Society