Contents
Malignant neoplasms of the skin
Over the past decade, there has been a rapid increase in the incidence of malignant skin tumors worldwide. In some countries, these indicators have reached leading positions.
Every year, 2-3 million cases of skin cancer and 130 thousand cases of aggressive malignant melanoma are registered on the globe.
Risk factors for skin cancer
Despite the fact that exposure to sunlight, skin sensitivity, heredity and occupational hazards are the leading risk factors, infection of the body with the human papillomavirus (HPV) also plays a role.
The human papillomavirus, specific types of which have until now been associated with cervical cancer, has been implicated in causing skin cancer.
Having an HPV infection in the body increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer by up to 60%.
ultraviolet radiation
is another one of the most important reasons to worry about health. Every year, 66 thousand people die from melanoma and other types of skin cancer, which are closely related to excess sun exposure.
It is the ultraviolet rays of the tanning spectrum that contain the most insidious wavelengths (280-330 mm), which can induce skin cancer.
Sufficient information has accumulated to suggest that the development cancer associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight, as, for example, is the case with those working outdoors.
Photodamage and subsequent malignant transformation of cells usually occurs on those parts of the body that are exposed to the sun every day – the head, face.
In addition, there are other factors that increase the risk of developing a skin tumor – age, which is an independent risk factor for non-melanoma skin tumors, the incidence of which increases significantly with age.
Men are more susceptible to non-melanoma skin tumors compared to women.
People with pale, white skin, blond hair and blue eyes are more likely to develop skin cancer compared to dark-skinned, dark-haired and dark-eyed people.
Individual skin type is important in terms of reaction to sun exposure. Those who burn easily and never or rarely tan are more likely to develop skin cancer. People with a large number of benign pigmented spots (nevi) are at high risk of developing melanoma.
Prevention of skin cancer
main method primary prevention is to educate the population, which is aimed at stopping people from excessive tanning, both during work and during vacations, and using protective equipment from solar radiation.
Secondary prevention programs include: increasing public awareness of early signs of the disease, the need for visual examination of the skin, especially using special devices, as a reliable and completely acceptable screening test.
If you have long-term non-healing cracks, ulcers, or frequently injured lumps in the skin, especially those located in open areas of the body, a visit to an oncologist is required.