Sunburn, tanning and solariums are some of the causes for skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and merkel cell carcinomas are the symptoms of skin cancer.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is outlined because the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It happens once unrepaired deoxyribonucleic acid harm to skin cells (most usually caused by ultraviolet from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply speedily and type malignant tumors.

A Guide for Skin Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Types

Skin cancer symptoms

The first indication of a non-melanoma skin cancer may be an unusual skin growth or sore that doesn’t go away. Skin cancer may initially appear as a nodule, rash or irregular patch on the surface of the skin. These spots may be raised and may ooze or bleed easily. The size or shape of the visible skin mass may change and the cancer may grow into deeper layers of the skin as the cancer grows. It may be difficult to differentiate one form of skin cancer from another, so consult a dermatologist if you notice suspicious or evolving marks on the skin.

• Basal cell carcinomas on the head or neck may first appear as a pale patch of skin or a waxy translucent bump. You may see blood vessels in the center of the bump. In case the carcinoma develops on the chest, it may look more like a brownish scar or flesh-colored lesion. As the cancer develops, it may bleed if injured.
• Squamous cell carcinomas may also develop as a lump on the skin. Unlike the smooth and pearly appearance of a basal cell carcinoma, these firm lumps are typically rough on the surface. If a nodule doesn’t form, the cancer develops more like a reddish, scaly patch. These rough, lesion-like patches continue to develop slowly unlike a skin rash that goes away with time. This type of cancer is usually found on the head, neck, hands or arms, but they can also develop in other areas, such as the genital region or in scars or skin sores.
• Merkel cell carcinomas may appear as red or flesh-colored moles that are raised and grow quickly. These tumors appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck or scalp.

What causes skin cancer?

Sunburn

Sunburn has been associated with melanoma. Many people get sunburnt when they are taking part in water sports and activities at the beach or a pool, as well gardening at home or having a barbeque. People are also sunburnt on cooler days when they believe that uv radiation is not strong. You can still be sunburnt when the temperature is cool. Sun exposure not resulting in burning can still cause damage to skin cells and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

Tanning

A tan is a sign of skin cells in trauma. A tan will offer limited protection from sunburn, but usually no more than spf3. It does not protect from dna damage. People who use fake tans wrongly believe it will provide them with protection against uv radiation. As a result, they may not take sun protection measures, putting them at a far greater risk of skin cancer.

Solariums

Solariums emit uva and uvb radiation, both known causes of cancer. It is not recommended to use solarium for cosmetic tanning under any circumstances.

Types of skin cancer

Actinic keratoses (ak)

These dry, scaly patches or spots are precancerous growths.

People who get aks usually have fair skin. Most people see their first aks after 40 years of age because aks tend to develop after years of sun exposure. Aks will usually form on the skin that usually gets lots of sun exposure, such as the head, neck, hands, and forearms. Because an ak can progress to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (scc), treatment is important.

Basal cell carcinoma (bcc)

This is the most common type of skin cancer.

Bccs often develop in people who have fair skin, but they can occur in people with darker skin. Bccs look like a flesh-colored patch of skin. Bccs usually develop after years of frequent sun exposure or tanning. Bcc are also common on the head, neck, and arms, yet can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs. An early diagnosis and treatment for bcc is important. Bcc can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.

Squamous cell carcinoma (scc)

Scc is the second most common type of skin cancer.

People with light skin are most likely to develop scc, but they can also develop in darker-skinned people. Scc often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and opens again. Scc tend to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back. It can grow deep in the skin and cause intense damage and extreme disfigurement. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this and stop scc from spreading to other areas of the body.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It often develops in a mole or appears as a new dark spot on the skin. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Knowing the abcde warning signs of melanoma can help you find an early melanoma.

Does skin cancer itch?

Yes, skin cancer can be itchy. For example, basal cell skin cancer can appear as a crusty sore that itches. The deadliest form of skin cancer — melanoma — can take the form of itchy moles. Please kindly consult your healthcare provider for any itchy, crusty, scabbed, or bleeding sore that does not heal.

Can you die from skin cancer?

Melanoma is the deadliest of all types of skin cancer. You can die from the disease until and unless it is detected early and treated successfully. Death from squamous cell cancer is also possible, but much less likely than from melanoma, and death due to basal cell carcinoma is not really likely, but early treatment is needed nevertheless.

Therefore, to conclude, skin cancer can be deadly if not treated on time. Make sure you protect yourself from harmful UV rays in irder to prevent skin cancer. Also, make sure to keep getting checkups from time to time. That is the best way to combat any kind of cancer.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5489348/

https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/learning/learning-article/skin-cancer-types-diagnosis-and-prevention/11129534.article