Skin cancer is a malignant neoplasm that develops from the cells of the epidermis and affects all its layers. There are three types of this disease:
- squamous;
- basal cell;
- melanoma.
Basal cell skin cancer
It affects the basal cells, which are located at the bottom of the epidermis layer. This is the most common skin cancer. The symptom that can be observed with this type of ailment is perhaps the only one - small red spots or nodules form on the body, sometimes they bleed. Basal carcinoma accounts for 75% of all types of skin neoplasms. This skin cancer develops very slowly. Its initial stage practically does not manifest itself in any way and can go unnoticed for many months and even years. But in the end, ulcers form on the skin, which bleed and practically do not heal. If this skin cancer is detected in time, the symptom of which has not yet manifested itself, then it can be cured completely.
Squamous cell skin cancer
In this case, tumor cells originate in the upper layer of the epidermis. Like basal carcinoma, it develops very slowly and can spread to other parts of the body.only if left untreated for a very long time. According to statistics, 20% of all diseases of this type is occupied by squamous cell skin cancer. The symptom that appears first is itching, and redness is also observed. Usually the lesion occurs on exposed skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma is treated with rather gentle methods in the initial stages of the disease and is completely cured.
Malignant melanoma
It can come from any mole or freckle. It develops from melanocyte cells that produce the pigment melanin. Hence the name. This is skin cancer, a symptom of which can be seen in a new or changed mole or freckle. Its cells begin to divide uncontrollably, it increases in volume. It is important to start treatment at an early stage, before the melanoma has grown into all layers of the skin. If you turn to specialists in time, you can get rid of most malignant neoplasms completely. First of all, moles that have begun to actively grow should be alerted, their asymmetry has appeared, or some discharge from them is noticeable. In all these situations, it is necessary to contact an oncologist, undergo the necessary examinations (biopsy, CBC, X-ray, MRI) and, if necessary, remove the formations surgically.
What can provoke malignant neoplasms of the skin?
Here are some factors that can contribute to the development of such an unpleasant disease as cancerskin. The reasons for it may be different, but for prevention it should be:
- do not stay in the open sun for a long time (UV exposure);
- avoid long-term exposure to x-rays (for example, workers in x-ray rooms);
- limit contact with carcinogens (tar, arsenic, etc.);
- quit smoking (passive smoking is also dangerous);
- Keep in mind that excessive exposure to artificial tanning (solarium) can trigger the development of skin cancer.
