Skin Cancer and Melanoma

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the skin grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It is one of the most common types of cancer, and it can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Types of Skin Cancer

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It typically appears as a small, shiny bump or nodule on the skin, and it can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This type of skin cancer is less common than BCC, but it can be more aggressive. It typically appears as a firm, red nodule or ulcer on the skin, and it can also be caused by UV radiation.
• Melanoma: This is the most serious type of skin cancer, accounting for about 1% of all cases. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin, become cancerous. Melanoma can appear as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, and it can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

• Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds
• Fair skin that burns easily
• Blond or red hair
• Blue or green eyes
• A family history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Previous radiation therapy

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

• A new growth or sore on the skin that doesn't heal
• A change in the size, shape, or color of a mole
• A bleeding or oozing sore
• A sore that is painful or itchy
• A lump or thickening of the skin

Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be diagnosed through a physical examination, biopsy, or imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. The treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health.

• Surgical excision: This involves removing the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it.
• Mohs surgery: This is a specialized surgical technique that involves removing the tumor layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope until all cancerous cells are removed.
• Radiation therapy: This involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: This involves using medications to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: This involves using medications that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.

Prevention of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be prevented by taking steps to protect the skin from UV radiation, such as:

• Avoiding the sun during peak hours (10am-4pm)
• Wearing protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses
• Using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30
• Avoiding tanning beds and artificial sources of UV radiation
• Conducting regular skin self-exams to detect any changes or abnormalities

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs when melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin, become cancerous. It can appear as a new mole or a change in an existing mole.

Risk Factors for Melanoma

• A family history of melanoma
• Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds
• Fair skin that burns easily
• Blond or red hair
• Blue or green eyes
• Weakened immune system
• Previous radiation therapy

Symptoms of Melanoma

• A new mole or a change in an existing mole
• A mole that is asymmetrical, has irregular borders, or is multicolored
• A mole that is larger than 6mm in diameter
• A mole that is evolving or changing over time

Diagnosis and Treatment of Melanoma

Melanoma can be diagnosed through a physical examination, biopsy, or imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. The treatment for melanoma depends on the stage and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health.

• Surgical excision: This involves removing the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it.
• Radiation therapy: This involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: This involves using medications to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: This involves using medications that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
• (Targeted therapy: This involves using medications that target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of melanoma cells.

Stages of Melanoma

Melanoma can be staged based on the thickness of the tumor, the presence of ulceration, and the presence of metastasis (spread) to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

• Stage 0: The melanoma is in situ, meaning it has not invaded deeper into the skin.
• Stage I: The melanoma is less than 1mm thick and has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
• Stage II: The melanoma is between 1-4mm thick and has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
• Stage III: The melanoma has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, but it is still localized to one area.
• Stage IV: The melanoma has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or brain.