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:
- carcinogenic effects (X-rays, chemicals);
- Insolation (exposure to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight).
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:
- radiation therapy. This method is used in cases where the tumor is small in size. Radiation therapy is not recommended for more than one month. This method also has side effects - it may damage healthy skin areas;
- surgery. This method is used in 90% of cases. It is most effective for the treatment of skin cancer on the trunk, arms, neck. The method consists in removing the tumor and a small area of the skin around it with liquid nitrogen. Surgical intervention is unavoidable for the removal of metastases and with the increase of lymph nodes;
- drug treatment. As a rule, this method uses together with the surgical method and radiotherapy.
Prevention of Skin Cancer
Main methods:
- protection of the skin from sunlight, especially in the summer;
- avoid excessive dryness of the skin;
- do not run the treatment of ulcers and fistulas;
- as far as possible, reduce contact with lubricants and substances that contain a carcinogen;
- promptly consult a doctor with the slightest suspicion of a precancerous disease.
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.