Skin Cancer

There are three primary types of skin cancer, each with distinct characteristics:

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It typically develops in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ear, scalp, neck, and trunk. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can cause significant damage to surrounding tissues if left untreated. It often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored lesion, or a sore that heals and then reopens.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It can occur on any part of the body but is most frequently found on sun-exposed areas including the face, lips, ears, scalp and upper and lower extremities. SCC may appear as a firm, red nodule or a rough, scaly patch. Although it is generally slow-growing, SCC has a higher risk of spreading (metastasizing) compared to BCC, particularly if not treated promptly and located on the ears, scalp, eyelid and lip.  Occasionally, SCC can grow rapidly and require prompt evaluation and treatment.
3. Melanoma: Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because of its potential to spread rapidly to other parts of the body. It develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives skin its color. Melanomas can form anywhere on the skin, including areas not exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet or under the nails. They often appear as a new mole that changes or a change in an existing mole, characterized by asymmetry in shape, irregular borders, varied colors, or a diameter larger than a pencil eraser.

The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to abnormal growth and cancer formation. While UV exposure is the most significant risk factor, other factors may also contribute to the development of skin cancer:

1. Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma, are at an increased risk of developing the disease. Certain genetic conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, can also heighten susceptibility to UV damage.
2. Skin Type: People with fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes are more susceptible to skin cancer because they have less melanin, which provides some protection against UV radiation. However, skin cancer can affect individuals of all skin tones.
3. Excessive Sun Exposure: Spending prolonged periods outdoors without adequate sun protection, particularly during peak UV hours, significantly raises the risk of developing skin cancer. Frequent sunburns, especially in childhood, can further increase this risk.
4. Use of Tanning Beds Tanning beds emit UV radiation that is just as harmful, if not more so, than natural sunlight. Regular use of tanning beds has been linked to a higher incidence of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers.
5. Compromised Immune System Individuals with weakened immune systems, whether due to certain medical conditions or immunosuppressive treatments, may have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. This is because the body’s ability to repair damaged skin cells and fight off abnormal growths is reduced.