Skin cancer, even today by many is considered as a low key disease as not much is known about it.
What exactly is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a result of indecisive or abnormal multiplication of certain cells that may or may not spread in the body. The layered human skin has got some bifurcation and in these layers there are certain cells that are present; keratinocytes are present throughout the epidermis and melanocytes are present in the basal layer between keratinocytes.
Causes of skin cancer:
Sunburn, tanning, solariums, sunbeds, smoking tobacco, exposure to pesticides and even X-rays.
These parameters may lead to skin cancer which are majorly classified as the following:
- Basal cells carcinoma
- Squamous cells carcinoma
- Melanoma ( the most dangerous one)
The Non-Melanoma cancerous cells of Basal cells carcinoma and squamous cells carcinoma are likely to spread and grow slowly and form on the upper layers of the skin or even in the hair follicles.
Symptoms:
- Basal cells carcinoma= painless, raised area of skin with weird edges, non-healing sores and even suspicious spots
- Squamous cells carcinoma= small hard lumps or freckles of black, red, pale or pearly in color
- Melanoma= moles lasting for more than 3 months, they may be itchy or may even bleed. They are usually irregular in shape and grow to be more than 6mm
Diagnosis:
If a person experiences any of the above symptoms then he or she should go for desperate measures as early detection is the best defense. The dermatologist would go for simple diagnosis and examine the skin to confirm the news if it is the case. Doctors even perform biopsy to get further with the cure.
Treatments:
General practitioner can be the first aid here. For advanced treatments, you have to get in words with the dermatologists or plastic surgeons. Today due advancement in science there are some fruitful methods available that can help mankind to fight against skin cancer and Radiation therapy and Topical medication are a few.
Preventions:
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid exposure to UV rays of sun. Good clothing, accessories and sunscreens can help.
Myths about skin cancer:
1. Less outdoor activities reduce the chances of skin cancer:
No denial about a fact that UV rays cause skin cancer but even yearly exposures to sunlight may pile up to lead to the fatal disease, so if you are exposed to UV rays even on occasional basis you can be a prey.
2. You don’t need to wear a sunscreen on non-sunny days:
Well even the minor of the exposure can create troubles so even if you can’t see the sun do not skip on the sunscreen.
3. Only adults are the victims:
Today people in the age-group of 15-29 are in radius of this cancer
4. Only fair skinned people get it:
It is true that due to low immune function, fair skinned people are more likely to get skin cancer but it does not mean that others are totally safe, it can happen to any skin color person.
5. You can get skin cancer only on the parts that are exposed:
Clearly that’s logical but you may get it on your genitals, palm, soles, underneath your nails, and even between the fingers and toes.
Statistics:
Each year, 6200 males develop skin cancer, of which 1300 die and 900 women develop skin cancer and around 6600 of them die. Men usually develop symptoms on back and chest and women on arms and legs. Melanoma is more common among females and Non-Melanoma among males.
Even if you have had skin cancer and have won the battle, you as a cancer survivor would have to take extra care; you should go for regular checkups and examinations and follow a specific diet as you can become a victim of other cancers easily.
Overall eating right and being away from UV rays along with your sunscreens can keep you guarded.
