Skin cancer is an oncological process that destroys tissue at the site of origin and spreads throughout the body. Different skin tumors have different rates of growth and metastasis. But knowing what a tumor looks like, doctors can detect it at stage zero or even precancer. What could be a reason to contact a specialist, a dermatologist at the Fomin Clinic told Vechernaya Moskva. Tatiana Kuzmina.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
There are three types of skin cancer:
- basal cell carcinoma;
- squamous cell cancer;
- melanoma.
The first two types of this cancer develop slowly and may not bother you at first. Typically, patients come for an appointment when the formation is already severely ulcerated and bleeding. Few people pay attention to pink spots with peeling, crusts, small wounds that periodically heal on their own or supposedly under the influence of creams.
In the case of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, tumors like to be located on the head, neck, hands, and forearms. Melanoma can develop either independently or in 10 percent of cases against the background of moles (nevi). As a rule, patients are more likely to present with nodular melanomas than with flat forms of the disease. However, attention should be paid to flat, dark, asymmetrical formations.
For diagnosis, it is recommended to use the ABCDE rule: A – asymmetry; B – sharp, uneven edge; C – many colors in one formation (more than three or five); D – diameter more than 6–10 millimeters; E – evolution (dynamics in symmetry, edge, color, diameter).
Why does skin cancer develop?
Skin cancer develops as a result of sun exposure. Ultraviolet acute sunburn is the main cause of melanoma. Such burns are especially fatal before the age of 20; they increase the incidence of melanoma in adults. This also includes visiting a solarium.
Basalioma and squamous cell carcinoma are also the result of exposure to ionizing radiation on the skin, primarily ultraviolet radiation. But with these types of cancer, the total dose of ultraviolet radiation accumulated from the first day of life is more important. The worse we use available photoprotection (cream, shadow, clothing), the higher the likelihood of developing these cancers. Family history is also important.
Who needs skin cancer screenings?
There are several risk groups that should be periodically checked by a doctor:
- people with dysplastic nevus syndrome (when a person has more than 20–50 moles), for children the risk of developing melanoma is higher from the age of 12;
- patients with giant congenital nevi (more than 40 cm in diameter);
- patients with the first phototype (people who always burn in the sun);
- people with a history of multiple sunburns, especially those under 20 years of age, living in equatorial sun;
- patients with a family history of melanoma (not basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma). Relatives of the first and second degree of kinship are important;
- patients with a history of skin cancer.
How is skin cancer treated?
First, skin cancer is diagnosed. The gold standard is histological examination. In the case of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the risks of metastases are lower and complete, timely removal is the main method of treatment.
In the case of stage zero and stage I melanoma, complete surgical local removal has a good prognosis for the patient. Other stages have their own algorithms for examination and treatment. The method of therapy depends on the location of the tumor, its type, stage, age and health status of the patient, the number of tumor foci and many other factors.
What is important to know
It is important to have your entire skin examined by a specialist—preferably annually. It is important to show up at least once to find out your individual risks and characteristics, and then follow the recommendations. You cannot remove skin formations yourself at home or with a non-specialist in this area without histology.
2024-02-17 13:31:26
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