What is Skin Cancer and What Causes It?
Skin cancer is the growth of abnormal skin cells. The main cause is excessive sun exposure, which can damage skin cells. Other causes include exposure to toxic chemicals and substances, and some medical conditions.
Different Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can develop in different layers of skin and different skin cells. Skin cancer can also vary in levels of severity. The three most common types of skin cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the upper layers of skin, where squamous cells are located
- Basal cell carcinoma occurs in the deeper layers of skin, where basal cells are located
- Melanoma, occurring in the melanocytes, the skin cells associated with skin color
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
You are at increased risk of developing skin cancer if you have fair skin and freckles. You are also at higher risk of skin cancer if you sunburn easily or if you have a family history of skin cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer
There are several signs and symptoms of skin cancer, and many of them appear in moles. Abnormal moles are typically:
- Large, with a diameter over 6 millimeters
- Irregular, with poorly defined borders
- Changing in size, shape, or color
- Itching, bleeding, or oozing
- Recurring after previous removal
Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can be identified with a skin exam and a biopsy of abnormal skin cells. The biopsy determines the type and severity of the skin cancer so that it can be treated effectively. Common treatments for skin cancer include:
- Cryosurgery, to freeze cancerous cells
- Curettage and desiccation, to scrape and apply electric current to kill cancerous cells
- Mohs micrographic surgery, to examine a skin sample one layer at a time with a special microscope
Prevention of Skin Cancer
Wearing sunscreen is the easiest, most effective way to prevent skin cancer. You should wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when you are outside, or at least SPF 50 if you are at high risk of developing skin cancer.
Want To Know More About Skin Cancer and Skin Cancer Treatment?
Call Dr. Dafnis Carranza at Dermatology and Skin Cancer Consultants in Jackson and Humboldt, TN, to learn more about skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. You can reach her in the office by calling (731) 784-4300, so call today.
