Skin cancer is abnormal growth that occurs in the cells of the skin. On many occasions, it usually develops in areas exposed to the sun. Skin cancer is abnormal growth that occurs in the cells of the skin. On many occasions, it usually develops in areas exposed to the sun; however, it can also occur in regions generally covered by the sun’s rays.
The type of skin cancer is often non-melanoma, which is benign. Multiple factors such as damage to the ozone layer and lack of daily care can increase the chances of suffering from this disease.
How does skin cancer occur?
There are different reasons why skin cancer can occur. Among the main ones are:
ultraviolet radiation
You have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation (also known as UV rays) for a long time. The intensity of light produced by the sun can cause skin cancer if you have high exposure, especially in those hours when the sun is more intense, and the skin is not protected.
artificial UV rays
Tanning lamps or beds are another types of UV source that increases the chances of non-melanoma skin cancer. According to research carried out by specialists, both indoor and outdoor tanning can be risky for skin health.
chemicals
Prolonged exposure to chemicals such as tobacco, soot, arsenic, paraffin, hexavalent chromium, industrial tar and mineral oils can affect the skin. Similarly, many other factors can influence the cause of cancer.
Xeroderma Pathology
This is a type of pathology that is usually rare. Xeroderma pigmentosum decreases the DNA repair capacity, which prevents skin regeneration. People with this disease develop many skin tumours, even early on.
Nevus syndrome
Nevus syndrome is a rare disease that affects the basal cells. It causes multiple malignant cell tumours known as basalomas. Most cases of this disease occur because it is hereditary.
types of skin cancer
There are many types of skin cancer. Here are the most common:
Basal cell carcinoma
It is also known as basal cell cancer. It is a slow-growing tumour and does not usually spread to other body areas if treated early. The main reason why this type of cancer can be generated is due to high exposure to the sun for many years. People more susceptible to malignant skin tumours have eyes and light skin, such as blondes or redheads.
Squamous cell carcinoma
They are also known as squamous cell carcinoma. It develops in the upper layers of the epidermis and can appear in areas exposed to the sun, such as the hand, neck and face; It can also occur in skin ulcers or scars.
Light-skinned people chronically exposed to the sun may be at higher risk of developing this type of carcinoma. This cancer is benign, but early diagnosis and treatment are required to prevent tissue damage and spread to the lymph nodes.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops from melanocyte cells, which are those cells responsible for giving the skin pigment. Of all types of cancer, this is the cause of most deaths because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body, including vital organs. There is an increased risk of skin cancer in people under 40, mainly women. Melanomas can develop anywhere on the body; it frequently occurs in those areas that are most exposed to the sun, but also in those places that are usually covered by clothing. Melanoma can start as a mole, an unusual-looking pigmented lump, and on normal-looking skin. Evaluation of moles and spots to prevent skin cancer
Less common types of skin cancer
Although these are very rare and can be treated in different ways, here we share another type of cancer that can appear:
- Kaposi’s sarcoma.
- Tumours in the hair follicles.
- Tumours in the glands of the skin.
- Merkel cell carcinoma.
- Lymphoma in the skin.
Similarly, several skin tumours are not cancerous but should be examined, such as:
- Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus.
- Lipomas knew as soft tumours.
- Seborrheic keratosis or raised brown or black spots.
- Most moles.
- Hemangiomas or strawberry spots.
How is skin cancer prevented?
Dermatologist evaluation to prevent skin cancer
The primary measure to prevent skin cancer should be to avoid frequent exposure to UV rays, either those emitted by the sun or by tanning beds. People who want to be outdoors should avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm.
protective clothing
Similarly, wearing protective clothing will help reduce direct exposure to sunlight. Wearing a dark, tightly knit dress can protect arms and legs. Likewise, it is recommended to use sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats to take care of the face.
In the cases of those who may be at higher risk of skin cancer, You can ask your GP for recommendations on brands that make photoprotective clothing.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be used on both adults and children every time they need to go out into the sun. The use of protectors with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher is recommended. Be careful with photosensitising drugs.
Similarly, it is necessary to be careful with photosensitising medications; that is, they make the skin much more sensitive to sunlight. Check with your doctor if there are side effects in the medicines you take so you can take more extraordinary precautions against UV exposure.
Avoid the use of harmful chemicals.
Please beware of the chemicals contained in beauty products as they can cause cancer. Some products for regular use, such as shampoo, soaps, perfumes and others, may contain chemicals that are harmful to health. Avoid using products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, formaldehyde, triclosan, parabens, diethanolamine, and petrolatum, among others.
Visit the doctor frequently.
People who notice unusual skin changes such as lumps, changes in moles, bumps, and birthmarks; should make a visit to the doctor to be evaluated and treated promptly. Remember to examine your body daily with the help of a mirror for hard-to-see areas.