When asked about one’s health, it isn’t a piece of good news to hear the word “cancer” leave their mouth.
Cancer is one of the most common diseases affecting people and their life spans. From thyroid cancer to breast cancer, these are the few which are looked out to generally. From the late actress Shannen Doherty to Julia Louis-Dreyfus has had cancer, either fought or lost the battle. According to the National Cancer Institute, almost 38% of both men and women will suffer from cancer. Surprisingly, skin cancer ranks among the most common types of cancer.
Credits: Healthcare Associates
According to studies and research, it is scientifically proven that skin cancer isn’t just a common type of cancer, but also exceeds every other cancer. The American Cancer Society states that around 3 million people are especially affected by skin cancer every year.
Studies observe that skin cancer is mainly caused by unprotected exposure to UV rays or indoor tanning. The cells get seriously compromised, when the UV light penetrates and damages the DNA cells.
3 Types of Skin Cancer.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that skin cancer can occur at any age. Plus, certain people are at peak risk of skin cancer due to certain factors like light-coloured skin, having many moles, genetics, and someone with a history of skin cancer.
According to the examination conducted and performed by the ACS, it is concluded that skin cancer mainly happens in the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, which usually contains three main types of cells where the cancer may project from.
Basal Cell carcinoma
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First and foremost, this type of skin cancer may not be familiar to everyone but it is among those that can lead to cancerous tumors.
This small tumor might look like a little bump on dark skin or resemble a mole on fair skin giving a pimple illusion, thus ignoring it. These bumps gradually grow and have a patch of irritated skin and open sores that bleed and won’t completely heal.
These moles are usually in areas of skin that are exposed to direct sunlight like the face, neck or arm. These moles are always curable, either through removing the tumor, numbing the skin, or cryotherapy. Even though the early “mole” isn’t obvious to the naked eye, those could be treated.
Squamous Cell carcinoma
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The second type of skin-causing cancer is Squamous Cell carcinoma according to ACS accounts for almost 20% of skin cancer and also happens when exposed to sunlight. These usually look like an open sore or look like an “age spot”.
These growths come with difficulties like pain, itching or numbness in places like nails, genitals or even the mouth. According to excerpts, these are also curable and gradually grow slowly, similar to basal cell cancer.
If these get ignored, these growths will eventually affect nerves and blood vessels, spreading to other parts.
Melanoma
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The rarest but the most known type of skin cancer is Melanoma.The scariest part of Melanoma is that it can spread to various organs if not treated early.It is observed that melanoma can only be treated and cured by surgery alone.
The symptoms to look out for melanoma growth could be through an “ABCDE” warning.
A- suggesting the asymmetry which means one-half of the growth will be different from the rest.
B- Border as there will be irregular or undefined borders.
C- Color will be a mix of various shades of browns or black.
D- Diameter- determining the size, as Melanomas could be small but bigger than 6 millimeters.
E- Evolving as the growth changes in shape, size and color.
In conclusion, it can be stated that skin cancer can be prevented either through avoiding indoor tanning, staying inside, applying sunscreen and such.
Even though it is a common type of cancer, it is also curable with the right measures and care.
