Skin cancer refers to the condition of abnormal growth of skin cells in the body. This type of cancer is known to be developed due to the excess exposure of skin to the sun. However, various common types of skin cancers occur on various other parts of the skin which are not exposed to sunlight.
It is referred to as a condition of skin cancer when normal skin cells transform and grow abnormally to form a tumor. The tumors of skin cancers also referred to as lesions which contain malignant cells. One must be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of skin cancer. This will help in the early diagnosis and treatment of the skin condition.
There are three major types of skin cancer which develops on human skin: a) basal cell carcinoma, b) squamous cell carcinoma and c) melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are referred to as non-melanoma skin cancers.
The majority of skin cancer symptoms falls into either basal cell carcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas. Although these are malignant, they are unlikely to spread to the other parts of the body. If not treated on time, they can be locally disfiguring.
A small percentage of skin cancers are malignant melanomas. Malignant melanomas are supremely aggressive and spread across other parts of the body. Malignant melanomas can be fatal if not treated on time.
1. Basal cell carcinoma
The prime skin cancer risk factor for basal cell carcinoma is high exposure to sunlight. Thus, it usually found across the sun-exposed areas of the body such as face, neck, chest, abdomen, and legs.
Typically, basal cell carcinoma likely to appear as:
A research has reported that basal cell carcinoma is more likely to develop among people with fairer skin. Early diagnosis and treatment are highly important for successful treatment. Else, it can lead to various major skin cancer risk factors. For example, basal cell carcinoma can invade the surrounding tissue and grow into the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
In this case, people who have fair skin tend to develop the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma more than people with darker skins.
Squamous cell carcinoma occurs on the sun-exposed areas of the body. This can include the face, neck, chest, abdomen, ear, and leg, etc. Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
If not diagnosed and treated on time, squamous cell carcinoma can grow deep in the skin and cause damage and disfigurement.
3. Melanoma
By its nature, melanoma can develop any part of the human body. Typically, it is found on face trunk. Among women, the symptoms of melanoma usually get developed on the lower leg. Melanoma can occur in various parts of the skin which is not exposed to sunlight. The symptoms of melanoma can affect the skin tone.
4. Risk factors of skin cancer
Can be prevented by avoiding or limiting exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. One should review periodically on any suspicious changes on the skin; this will help in the diagnosis of any cancerous progress of skin much earlier. Early and timely detection plays a critical role in the treatment procedure and the success of treatment.