March 29, 2024

Best fitness Tracker

a Healthy Lifestyle for a Better Future

What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer

3 min read

Skin cancer is the main type of cancer affecting people globally. Skin cancer is an unusual growth of cancerous skin cells that usually develop when the skin is exposed to direct sunlight. You can get skin cancer screenings in Fort Worth with certified dermatologists. This form of cancer can also occur in areas not exposed to sunlight.

Categories of skin cancer

Keratinocyte carcinoma

Basal and squamous cell skin cancer is in this category, and they are the most common forms of skin cancer. They mostly develop on areas of the body getting sun the most, like your neck and head. They are not likely to spread to other parts of the body and become more life-threatening than other forms of skin cancer. If they are not treated, they might spread to other parts and even grow larger.

Melanoma

Melanoma is cancer that develops from cells that give color to your skin. The cells are known as melanocytes. They develop anywhere in the body. In women, the moles develop on the legs mostly, while in men, they develop on the back and chest.

Melanomas may be cured if treated early. If they are left untreated, they spread fast to other parts of the body, becoming hard to treat. Melanomas spread faster than squamous and basal cell skin cancers.

Causes of skin cancer

The two types of skin cancer occur when changes develop in the skin cells’ DNA. These changes make skin cells grow uncontrollably and form several cancer cells.

Basal cell skin cancer develops from ultraviolet rays from tanning beds or the sun. Ultraviolet rays may damage the DNA in the skin cells, causing unusual cell growth.

Squamous cell skin cancer might develop after exposure to cancer-causing chemicals for a long time. It can also develop within an ulcer or burn scar and can be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). What causes melanoma is not yet known.

Risk factors

Fair skin. Anyone can get skin cancer. Having less melanin in the skin gives less protection from ultraviolet radiation. If you have red or blonde hair and light-colored eyes, you are more likely to get skin cancer than a darker skin person.

Excessive sun exposure. If you spend the most time in the sun, you might develop skin cancer, mostly if the skin is not covered with clothing or sunscreen. Tanning, such as exposure to tanning beds and lamps, puts you at risk.

Precancerous skin lesions. Skin lesions, also called actinic keratosis, might increase the risk of developing skin cancer. The precancerous growths appear as scaly patches that range in color. They are standard on the face, hands, and head of fair-skinned people.

Weakened immune system. People with a weak immune system are at a greater risk of having skin cancer. They include people living with HIV/AIDS and people taking immunosuppressant drugs after a transplant.

If you notice any abnormal skin lesions on your skin, contact Northstar Dermatology for an evaluation right away. Dermatologists will advise you on preventive measures you will take to protect your skin such as staying out of the sun, using sunblock, and keeping your skin covered. Also, sun screening is essential and can save your life.

2019 Copyright © All rights reserved. | Newsphere by AF themes.