Introduction
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. There are some skin cancer diseases that are curable depending upon the type and location of the cancer. There are over 100 different types of cancer, each with its own kind of symptoms, treatments and causes. It has been proved scientifically that 90% of skin cancer is caused by sun exposure. And if you have had 5 or more sunburns, you become much more susceptible. There are many reasons that lead to skin cancer. UV radiations from the sun, sunlamps and tanning beds increase the risk and may lead to skin cancer diseases. It may occur because of your environment or heredity.
History
If any of your skin cells gets damaged, the body can repair it and the normal cycle in our body keeps on going. But in case any cell of our skin is damaged and is not repaired, it starts growing and then dividing. A bump is formed on the skin if it grows outwards and if it grows inwards, it damages the side tissues. Third possibility is it spreads sideways and affects other areas. Epidermis, the upper layer of our skin cells goes through a cycle i.e. dividing, maturing, dying and then sloughing off. If this cycle is disturbed and the damaged cells do not get repaired, it results in the risk of getting skin cancer diseases.
Features
If any skin cell gets damaged, four major skin cancer diseases can occur: Melanoma, Non-Melanoma, Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell cancer. Non-Melanoma is the most common type of cancer that has been found among men and women. Melanoma is the most deadly cancer as it can easily spread to other cells and tissues and affect them as well. It is commonly found in adults but children can also be a victim of this skin disease. Melanoma is best treated if diagnosed early. It spreads quickly through the lymph system and the blood. If you find any change in the shape/size of your mole; or if it is bleeding or if it feels itchy, swollen or tender to touch, you should immediately consult a doctor as there might be a possibility that the mole contains cancer. Melanoma often occurs at the trunk of men and on the arms and legs of the women. Basal cell cancer is not dangerous as it does not spread but it cannot be left untreated as it may grow into surrounding cells and tissues. It is a slow growing cancer. It starts from the upper layer of the skin, epidermis. If your skin does not heel and bleed profusely, it may suggest basal cell cancer. It was common in people above 40 but now it is common among youngsters as well. Squamous cell cancer may occur on a normal skin or a skin that is injured. It usually occurs on the face, hands, ears, neck or arms. It results in a bump that is rough, scaly and reddish.
Tips and comments
Modern technology has led to the treatment of skin cancer diseases. It depends on some factors like the type of skin cancer, how much it has spread, whether it has affected the other cells and tissues, and on which part it is located. Skin cancer can occur anywhere in your skin but it is likely to occur on the part of skin which has been exposed to the sun. So, be careful when you go out and apply a suitable sun block.
