Skin Cancer : What Patients Needs To Know

Cancer is one of the deadliest illnesses that put an end to most people’s lives. Of course, no one would want to experience any form of cancer, as it is hazardous to one’s health. There are four main types of cancer, namely: Carcinoma, Sarcomas, Leukemias, and Lymphomas. Generally, Carcinomas starts with the tissue or skin that covers the surface of internal glands and organs. Sarcomas begin in the tissues that connect and support the body, while Leukemia is a blood cancer. Then lastly is Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. 

But today, we’re explicitly discussing a type of cancer under carcinomas, also known as skin cancer. If you think you have been experiencing some symptoms and signs of this type, it would be best to understand further what this illness can bring. Read more information below this post. 

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin is the human body’s largest organ, with several layers in it. But within its two layers: the dermis and epidermis, are where skin cancer might begin. In truth, skin cancer starts in the epidermis, which comprises three various cells. 

• Squamous cells – flat and thin cells that form in the top layers of the epidermis
• Basal cells – these are round cells that are usually under the squamous cells
• Melanocytes – these are cells that you can find in the lower part of your epidermis. Within the melanocytes is a pigment that provides color to the skin, which is Melanin. Note that when your skin gets exposed to the sun, the melanocytes give more tint, making your skin darker. 

For the most part, squamous and basal cell carcinomas are the two usual types of skin cancer. It starts individually with the squamous and basal layers of the skin. You can still treat both of these kinds, but they can be expensive and defacing to treat. 

On the other hand, the usual third type of skin cancer is Melanoma, which begins in the melanocytes. Believe it or not, Melanoma drives most deaths because it can spread to other types of your body, which involves vital organs. 

Additionally, the majority of the cases of skin cancer are through overexposure to sun lamps, tanning beds, and ultraviolet rays from the sun. At greater length, damages like this can induce sunburn. After a while, UV damage adds up, leading to changes in the skin’s texture, or worse, skin cancer. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of skin cancer may not be apparent until you notice or feel that the signs are coming out. One huge factor is that your skin changes when this happens. There could be a sore that doesn’t heal, new development, or even a difference in a mole. Take note that not all skin cancers look similar to one another. 

Elaborately, here’s a simple tip to remember that the signs of skin cancer are coming right into your system. First, if the spot or mole has an indefinite shape with two parts that look differently? Is the color uneven? Has the area changed during the past few months?

Is the spot more significant than the size of a pea? If such cases happen, then better talk to your doctor and discuss these things with them to further assess your case. It’s always best to have a trusted and worthy healthcare provider that could stand by your side before, during, and after treatment care if possible. 

Risk Factors

Like any other illness and type of cancer, skin cancer brings in some risk factors. Thus, in some exceptional cases, there is a greater risk that it can bring. People with conditions like these are more prone to having a greater risk of skin cancer.

• Blue or green eyes
• Red or blond hair
• A large number of moles
• Family history of skin cancer
• Skin that burns or reddens easily
• Skin that is painful in the sun
• Personal history of skin cancer

Skin Cancer & Exposure to UV Rays

Despite the risk factors above, decreasing your exposure to ultraviolet rays can help your skin get the nourishment it deserves. This matter will help you lower the chances of getting skin cancer in the future. Some people get UV exposure from the sun when they go out and do some outdoor activities. 

If you like your skin to be healthy, make it a habit to enjoy the outdoors safely without getting sunburn. In that manner, you’re hitting two birds in one stone! 

Reducing the Chances of Skin Cancer

While it might seem dreadful to have skin cancer, there are ways to reduce the odds of getting one. Then again, skin cancer happens because of too much UV rays exposure, and excessive exposure can cause damage to skin cells.

One way to lower your risk from skin cancer is to protect yourself from these factors. It is not just around summer, but you must be aware of the sun rays, but all year round! In all honesty, UV rays can reach you even on cool and cloudy days, and they mirror surfaces like sand or cement. 

The strongest UV rays are most common from ten in the morning up until four in the afternoon. So be careful during these times. If you didn’t resist going outside because of some duties, it would be best to have a bottle of water beside you to keep hydrated. 

In addition, avoiding indoor tanning would be beneficial if you want to avoid having skin cancer. Too much exposure to UV rays can also cause cancers of the eyes and cataracts throughout the years. Take note as well that tan does not mean you are in good health. 

When UV rays reach your skin’s core layer, the skin generates more Melanin, giving it color. From there, it moves towards the outermost layers of the skin and becomes a tan. Any change in skin color after a UV exposure is an indication of damage and not good health. 

Final Thoughts

With skin cancer being one of the risky types of cancer, there will always be a way to avoid having one safely. It would always be best to consult doctors and experts if you are experiencing one of those symptoms. Given that, there are practices on how you can manage everything before it’s too late. 

Make it also a habit to be well-informed before jumping to conclusions to avoid any additional circumstances. Any cancer will never be a joke and must be taken into account seriously. Protect yourselves from excessive UV rays to stay away from skin cancer as early as now!