Skin cancer

Skin cancer is a disease that affects people more and more every year. To date, the mortality from skin cancer is about 5% of all cancers. The most affected people are elderly, over 50 years old.

There are two types of skin cancer: basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma of the skin develops under the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma penetrates into the stratum corneum - on the surface.

In order to identify this disease at an early stage, you need to know the main causes and symptoms of skin cancer.

Causes of skin cancer:

Indirect causes and precancerous condition include albinism, lupus, excessive pigmentation, long-healing ulcers. Skin cancer is most susceptible to light-skinned and light-eyed people and it develops more often on the face, hands, trunk, shins.

Symptoms of skin cancer

In the first stage, skin cancer symptoms may be absent. This disease behaves unpredictably - may not manifest itself for years or reach the last stage in a few months. The first signs of skin cancer are the appearance of dense knots of pale pink color. Nodules can appear simultaneously or sequentially. These neoplasms begin to expand rapidly and affect adjacent areas of the skin.

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin differs from squamous cell development by slow development. At the initial stage, this form of skin cancer can be asymptomatic, at later stages, skin cancer can take the form of an ulcer or bumpy crust.

Diagnosis of skin cancer

Diagnosis of skin cancer is done in a clinical setting. The tumor is examined under a microscope. In case of any doubts, additional diagnostics are carried out - radioisotope research. Many doctors use the method of cytological examination of the affected skin and a biopsy. Ultrasound, computer diagnostics, radiography are auxiliary methods.

Treatment of skin cancer

Depending on the stage of skin cancer and how the disease proceeds, a method of treatment is chosen. The most common methods of treating this ailment are:

Prevention of Skin Cancer

Main methods:

Unfortunately, no doctor can give a 100% guarantee of the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Therefore, people who are predisposed to this disease should take measures to prevent the development of the disease. The likelihood of developing skin cancer increases the solarium. It is absolutely contraindicated to people with lots of moles and fair skin. Compliance with this rule will allow many girls and women to avoid the development of skin cancer in old age.