What is skin cancer

Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs on the skin tissue. It mainly includes three types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Its incidence is related to excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, genetic factors, decreased immunity, etc. Early detection, diagnosis and targeted treatment can significantly improve the cure rate. Sun protection during outdoor activities is the key to prevention.

1 Causes of skin cancer

The causes of skin cancer involve a variety of internal and external factors:

Genetic factors: Some skin cancers have a genetic tendency. For example, similar cases may occur in the family of melanoma patients. This is related to the abnormal control of skin cell proliferation by genetic inheritance.

Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays is an important cause of skin cancer. The ultraviolet rays of sunlight, especially UVB, can directly damage the DNA of skin cells and induce cancer. Long-term exposure of exposed parts to chemicals such as arsenic and industrial radiation may also increase the risk.

One's own physiological state: Low immune function, such as aging or immunosuppression caused by diseases such as AIDS or the use of immunosuppressive drugs after organ transplantation, will increase the possibility of skin cancer.

Chronic inflammation or trauma: Long-standing skin injuries such as scars formed after burns and unhealed ulcers are also prone to malignant transformation.

Other disease factors: People with long-term untreated benign skin diseases such as actinic keratosis are more likely to develop skin cancer.

2Main symptoms of skin cancer

If you observe new, asymmetrical, irregularly bordered, unevenly colored moles or patches on your skin, skin lesions that break or bleed repeatedly, or mutations in existing moles, such as darkening or increasing in size, you should be alert to the possibility of skin cancer. Melanoma is usually a fast-growing dark nodule, while basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more likely to present as difficult-to-heal ulcers or hyperplastic nodules.

3 Treatments for skin cancer

Treatment options include the following, depending on the type and stage of cancer and your health:

Surgical excision: This is the first-line treatment, especially for small lesions that are confined to the skin. It includes traditional surgical excision and microscopic Mohs surgery, the latter of which can preserve normal skin tissue to the greatest extent.

Radiation therapy: It is used for patients who are inoperable or whose disease relapses after surgery, especially for patients with localized squamous cell carcinoma.

Immunotherapy: Such as programmed cell death protein PD-1 inhibitors for melanoma, which can use the patient's immune system to eliminate cancer cells.

Local treatments: Small areas of cancer can be treated with cryotherapy or topical anticancer drugs, such as imiquimod cream, to treat early skin cancer.

4 Everyday Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

Protecting your skin from UV rays is key:

When going out, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF30 or above and reapply every 2 hours.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun-protective clothing, and avoid strong sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Avoid using tanning devices with artificial light.

Check your skin condition regularly and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you find any abnormalities.

Skin cancer is mostly caused by the combined effects of external factors and individual constitution. Prevention is far more important than treatment. Regular skin health checks, especially for high-risk groups, such as those with skin cancer cases in the family or long-term outdoor workers, can significantly reduce the risk of serious consequences by early detection and early treatment. Small changes in life and increased awareness of protection can effectively protect skin health.