Types of Skin Cancer
There are several types of skin cancer, but the most common are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer; its main cause of appearance being severe and prolonged exposure to the sun.
Squamous cell carcinoma
First, these flat cells are found in the epidermis and are shed in short intervals of time due to skin cell renewal (formation of new cells).
When this development of cells in the skin increases uncontrollably, it can develop into skin cancer or squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell cancer, or basal cell carcinoma, develops in the lower part of the epidermis.
It occurs when cells divide in order to replace the squamous cells that are shed from the skin from time to time.
Among the types of skin cancer it is the most common, and statistically it is known that 8 out of 10 cases are basal cell carcinomas.
Melanoma
On the other hand, this cancer has its origin in the cells that give the skin its brown or tan color called melanocytes.
Melanoma is less common than squamous cell carcinoma; however, it is usually very dangerous since the probability of spreading to other parts of the body is high if it is not treated in time.
The development of melanoma is common on the chest, back, legs, mouth, eyes, and genitals, among other parts of the body.
It may also be identified as malignant melanoma or cutaneous melanoma.
In particular, some cases of melanoma do not produce melanin and the patient looks pale, pink, or white.
Similarly, other types of cancer other than melanoma are known, and they are called non-melanoma skin cancers, since their development occurs in other skin cells.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that this type of cancer is more common in people with white skin than in dark-skinned individuals.
Merkel cell carcinoma
Similarly, Merkel cell carcinoma is denoted as an aggressive skin cancer, with a high risk of spreading to other areas or organs of the body.
Its mortality rate is estimated to be one in three cases.
The name of this cancer is associated with its similarity to the Merkel cells of the skin, which were discovered more than ten decades ago by the German anatomist and histopathologist Friedrich Sigmund Merkel.
Merkel cell carcinoma is even less common than melanoma (estimated to be up to 30 times less).
However, its incidence shows a certain prevalence among fair-skinned people over 50 years of age.
There is a link between Merkel cell carcinoma and a depressed immune system.
As a result, patients with HIV or who have undergone organ transplants become more vulnerable.
Currently, there are studies that show a relationship between this carcinoma and exposure to ultraviolet light.
Merkel cell carcinoma is curable if it is detected early and can be removed.
Kaposi's sarcoma
When we refer to Kaposi’s sarcoma, we know that it is a cancer that produces patches of abnormal tissue on the skin that are red or purple; made up of blood vessels, blood cells, and cancer cells.
Its most frequent development is in the areas of the nose, mouth, throat, lymph nodes and organs.
In particular, the main cause of the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma is infection with the Human Herpes virus.
The lesions or patches caused by this neoplasm usually do not cause symptoms; but it can spread to other parts of the body, especially in patients with HIV/AIDS.
Likewise, this type of cancer is more seen in older men with Jewish or Mediterranean ancestry, and among the young male population of Africa.
Cutaneous lymphoma
At the same time, another type of skin cancer recognized is cutaneous lymphoma or skin lymphoma.
It originates anywhere in the body, since it starts from its development in white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes’ main function is to help fight infections and there are two types:
B lymphocytes
T Lymphocytes
In the case of skin lymphoma, it begins mostly between T-cell lymphocytes.
Watch out for the sun! Protect yourself from skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common of all types of cancer, above the breast type.
Its variety of forms of appearance makes it so unnoticeable in society but it has a significant mortal risk if not taken into account and treated in time.
It affects men, women, young people, adults and has only one risk or important cause, severe exposure to the sun’s UVA and/or UVB rays.
Very few people are aware of the imminent damage caused by the sun to the unprotected skin, and there are many people affected by this pathology that seems harmless, but ends up becoming a serious health problem.
What is skin cancer?
It is an abnormal alteration of skin cells that cause damage that occurs in the form of spots, nodules, ulcers, scabs, variation in the size of moles and warts, changes in color, etc.
Despite the fact that it is the cancer with the highest probability of being cured, 70% of the population that does not treat this type of cancer in time can have a fatal result, which is why it is so important to raise awareness about its causes and diagnosis to ensure that people can treat it in time.
To diagnose this disease, it is necessary, first, to apply a self-examination to find out if there is something different on the skin in order to go to a professional who will issue a final diagnosis and effective treatment.
Causes of this skin disease:
The sun is one of the main causes of this pathology, however, there are other risk factors that can increase the chances of suffering from it in the future, which are:
- Fair skin, tends to be more sensitive to the effects of the sun.
- Previous skin lesions.
- Family and personal history of skin cancer.
- Presence of many moles.
- Living in sunny areas such as coasts or at high altitudes such as mountains.
- Weak immune system.
- Radiation exposure.
- Chronic sun exposure.
- causes of skin cancer.
In conclusion, if you consider that you have one or more of these risk factors, it is important that you consult the health of your skin with your trusted doctor.
If you have noticed spots, moles or marks on the skin that can be dangerous, see a specialist.
In the event that you feel healthy skin, but maintain the risk factors, take precautions, start taking care of the sun with the recommendations that we will make below and perform a frequent self-examination of your skin to be aware of any change in alertness.
Facts to protect yourself from the sun
We are in an era where putting sunscreen on the beach is fashionable, it is common to see families making use of these products during a day at the pool, beach, mountain or any outdoor activity.
However, they forget about daily care.
The sun is a permanent risk, we must make care a habit that guarantees that our exposure to the sun, no matter how short, will not cause long-term damage.
How to take care of the sun?
- Applying sunscreen to the skin before leaving home.
The product must be greater than 15 SPF and broad-spectrum, i.e. protect against UVA and UVB rays. - Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants or skirts that cover the legs.
- Stay in the shade as much as possible, that is, avoid long days of exposure during the day.
- Wear a cap or hat that covers the head, neck and face from the sun’s rays.
- Choose to have sunglasses that protect from UVA rays.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you continue to be exposed to the sun.
Learn more about skin cancer
If you want to know a little more about skin cancer, its treatment, stages or other more specific aspects; We invite you to review our related topics or if you prefer, you can request an appointment to discuss your case with the specialist.
