Contents
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer – a disease that develops from stratified squamous epithelium, which is a malignant tumor. Most often, it appears on open areas of the skin, a very occurrence of a tumor on the face, the nose and forehead, as well as the corners of the eyes and ears, are most susceptible. The body does not like such formations and is formed there quite rarely; on the trunk, arms and legs, tumors occur no more often in 10% of cases. It is worth noting that the disease does not appear instantly, before that it is necessarily preceded by some skin changes.
It is customary to isolate basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, that is, melanoma or spinalioma, adenocarcinoma, and such forms of the disease that develop from the appendages of the skin. Anyone is at risk, but, nevertheless, most often the disease affects older people over 60 years of age who have fair skin and spend a lot of time in the sun. This is a fairly common pathology and, based on statistics, it ranks third among all types of oncology.
Signs and symptoms of skin cancer
When diagnosing skin cancer, it is customary to distinguish the following characteristic criteria that doctors are guided by:
If the formation has a characteristic asymmetrical shape, that is, when a possible tumor is divided in half, both halves have different sizes and structures.
Most often, pathology is suspected by such a sign as fuzzy boundaries. If ordinary moles have a smooth borderline, then cancerous tumors are most often intermittent, “jagged”.
The color of the affected area differs from the usual color of the skin, and is also not characteristic of ordinary formations. The color can be either too dark, or, conversely, too light, as well as red, with blue, or even black.
The doctor should also be alerted by the too large size of the formation. All the so-called “moles”, which are more than 6 mm in diameter, are a reason for additional research.
The following general symptoms that characterize all types of skin cancer can be distinguished:
Significant weight loss that is not associated with increased exercise or dietary changes.
Chronic fatigue despite regular rest.
Decreased appetite, without concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
The increase in temperature is within insignificant limits – up to 37,2 ° C, which is kept constant.
Significant enlargement of the lymph nodes, which are easily determined by palpation.
All advanced stages are characterized by a pronounced pain syndrome, which is present on an ongoing basis.
Doctors also distinguish certain signs that are very characteristic of malignant tumors from squamous epithelium:
If the wound or sore does not heal for a long time or bleeds.
If one or more spots with a reddish tint suddenly form on any part of the skin.
If any growth is covered with a crust or scales, its upper layers move away, and growth does not stop.
If nodules are found on the body or face that have a shiny surface and differ in color from the skin. In their shade, such nodules resemble scars.
Basalioma
Basalioma is characterized by the following symptoms:
The appearance of a single formation, having the shape of a hemisphere.
The tumor slightly rises above the skin, has a color either grayish or pink, giving off mother-of-pearl. But in some cases, although not often, basaliomas are indistinguishable from the natural color of the skin.
The formation itself is smooth, and scales are located in its center. If they are removed, then erosion will open.
The tumor does not manifest itself for a long time, it only gradually increases over the years.
Sometimes the formations are multiple, if they are opened, droplets of blood appear.
Basaliomas rarely metastasize.
Mostly this pathology occurs on the face and causes a violation of those organs next to which it is located.
Melanoma
As for melanoma, this is one of the most dangerous types of cancer, as it gives a large number of metastases and spreads very quickly.
Melanoma is characterized by the following symptoms:
Education does not appear on its own. It is necessarily preceded by any formation on the skin. It can be a mole, a freckle, or any other area that actively produces melanin. It is called a nevus.
You should pay attention to such symptoms as a change in the color of the nevus and its significant increase in size. That is, it becomes blue, white or red, but not brown.
The density of education increases significantly.
The site of the lesion may itch, be swollen and swollen. Sometimes these signs are so pronounced that they force the patient to immediately consult a doctor.
After some time, ulcers may form on the surface of the former freckle or mole.
Squamous neoplasm
A squamous neoplasm has its own distinctive symptoms, the main of which is a rapid increase in size. This type of cancer appears only in those places that are exposed to the sun’s rays.
You can also highlight the following signs:
The formation of a small but rather dense nodule, which has a rather dense structure and an external tuberous surface.
The plaque is colored red or any shade of brown, sometimes it can peel off, and sometimes crusts form on its surface.
Many doctors often draw a parallel between the appearance of this neoplasm and cauliflower, as they have some similarities.
Developing, the nodule turns into an untidy appearance of a wart, on the surface of which ulcers and discharges form, which have an unpleasant putrefactive odor.
A characteristic symptom for this type of cancer is a rapid increase in size and the capture of all new areas.
Adenocarcinoma
Another type of skin cancer is adenocarcinoma.
Although it is quite rare, it is nevertheless worth knowing its main symptoms:
The place of localization is the armpits, folds under the breast, that is, those parts of the body where there are accumulations of sebaceous glands.
Appearance – a small tubercle or nodule.
Growth is slow, but as it enters the active phase, adenocarcinoma affects the muscles and increases to a very impressive size.
Causes of Skin Cancer
There are a fairly large number of reasons for the appearance of formations on the skin, but among oncologists it is customary to single out the following:
Exposure to the upper layers of the skin of various substances that have a carcinogenic effect. These most often include tar, tobacco smoke, arsenic, and any heavy metals.
An irrational approach to nutrition, the predominance of foods containing nitrates and nitrites in food. All types of smoked foods, fried foods, as well as canned food and marinades are dangerous.
Radioactive and thermal radiation.
Any mechanical trauma to the mole. It can be a cut from a careless shave or a scratch.
Radiation dermatitis. Then skin cancer is a complication of the disease.
Burn of any degree.
The impact of ultraviolet rays on unprotected layers of the skin.
Tattooing, both on intact skin areas, and on those where there are moles or freckles. This is due not only to injury to the upper layers of the epidermis, but also to the presence of carcinogenic substances in the paint, in particular arsenic, aluminum, nickel or titanium.
Hereditary factors, so cancer is often observed that occurs in family members related by blood relationship.
Excessively fair skin, in which there is a clear lack of melanin.
Retirement age. So, this type of cancer often affects people over the age of 60, regardless of gender.
People who are genetically predisposed to the formation of any type of tumor.
The presence of human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis in the body.
Skin horn. This formation is typical for elderly people who spent a lot of time under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
Abuse of alcoholic beverages and, to an even greater extent, long-term smoking.
Senile keratoma.
Bowen’s disease. This is also a kind of cancer, but it does not penetrate deep into the tissues.
The presence of nevi. Most often these formations are benign, but under the influence of a number of factors they can be reborn.
Any chronic skin disease.
Outdoor work, for example, among fishermen or villagers engaged in agricultural labor, skin cancer is much more common than in people of other professions.
Living in the southern regions of the country. So, a comparative analysis shows that residents of the Krasnodar Territory suffer from this pathology almost five times more often than residents of Tyumen.
Solarium increases the risk of skin cancer!
A special place among the causes of skin cancer can be assigned to the solarium. So, ultraviolet rays most often lead to the fact that a person has the most dangerous type of this pathology, which is malignant in nature – this is melanoma, which is distinguished by its aggressiveness.
Naturally, young women mainly fall into this group, since this procedure is very popular among them.
Scientists have noted that there are no safe rooms, although many manufacturers claim that it is in their rooms where type A rays are used that one can spend quite a long time. It has been scientifically proven that regardless of the nature of the radiation, there is still a high risk of developing melanoma.
In addition, a link has been established between visiting such rooms and the occurrence of retinal melanoma. That is why doctors unanimously urge all solarium lovers to completely abandon this harmful procedure and not follow the lead of manufacturers who only seek to obtain benefits.
Skin cancer stages
Like all types of cancer, this type of cancer is usually divided into certain stages. In order to diagnose what stage the disease has reached, doctors use a variety of methods, which include: MRI, X-ray and computed tomography, blood sampling for analysis, and endoscopic ultrasound. If you need to clarify the diagnosis, then a biopsy is performed. The condition of the lymph nodes is also being studied to detect cancer cells in them.
You should be aware that different stages are characteristic of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. So for the first, a zero stage is distinguished, which is characterized simply by the presence of a formation on the skin. Cancer, detected precisely at the zero phase of its development, responds very successfully to treatment. This is due to the fact that only the top layer of the skin is affected, so the survival rate for such patients is equated to 100%.
Initial stage 1
The initial stage is characterized by the fact that the formation does not exceed more than 2 cm in diameter. It moves well with the skin and has no metastases. Nevertheless, the lower layers of the epidermis are affected, but the tumor is located in one place. Treatment at this stage is very effective and often leads to a complete recovery of the patient.
stage 2 skin cancer
If we talk about size, then at this stage the malignant neoplasm reaches 4 mm. But the main thing is that the cancer cells did not reach the lymph nodes and did not begin to exert their destructive effect on the entire body. But sometimes doctors detect the presence of one metastasis, which is located in the lymph node next to the tumor. Patients often experience unpleasant painful sensations that are localized at the location of the tumor.
If the patient notices this pathology in time and he is given adequate treatment for the disease, then the prognosis is very comforting and the five-year survival rate is 50% of the total number of people.
stage 3 skin cancer
The third stage is characterized by damage to the lymphatic system, but there are still no metastases in the organs. As for the neoplasm itself, it has a bumpy appearance and causes the patient very uncomfortable sensations. At the same time, mobility is already limited, since the tumor has grown not only into the skin, but also into the tissues located under it.
Quite often at this stage, an increase in body temperature is observed. Survival is no more than 30% of the total number of patients.
stage 4 skin cancer
The tumor or ulceration is large, captures large areas of the skin. Education grows deep inside and often affects the skeleton, cartilage tissue. Most often, it bleeds and poisons the entire body.
Metastases spread to many organs, most often at the beginning the liver is affected, and then the patient’s pulmonary system. The survival rate is extremely low and does not exceed 20% of the number of cases.
Types of skin cancer
Since the skin is made up of cells that belong to a large number of tissues, there are significant differences in the tumors that affect them. Therefore, the concept of cancer in this case is very collective and defines all pathologies of a malignant nature.
However, experts distinguish the most common types, which include basaliomas, melanomas, squamous cell formations, lymphomas, carcinomas, and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Squamous cell skin cancer
This type of pathological process on the skin has several synonyms, it can also be called squamous epithelioma or spinalioma. It occurs regardless of the area of the body and can be located anywhere. But the open parts of the body, as well as the lower lip, are most susceptible to this lesion. Sometimes doctors find squamous cell carcinoma localized on the genitals.
This tumor is not selective to people by gender, but with regard to age, pensioners are more likely to suffer. As the reasons provoking its appearance, experts indicate scarring of tissues after burns or mechanical damage that is systematic. Actinic keratosis, chronic dermatitis, lichen, tuberculosis lupus and other diseases can also provoke the appearance of squamous cell carcinoma.
This type of cancer is nodular formations, which can be either single or multiple. As it develops, it becomes less and less mobile and more painful, begins to bleed even from a light touch, especially for the warty variety.
When the disease is caused by the presence of the papilloma virus in the body, then it is characterized by active growth and a shape that resembles a tomato in its structure. Ulcers appear six months after the formation of the tumor.
The ulcerative type of squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by similar formations that have an irregular shape with clear boundaries. A distinctive feature is the growth of cancer not deep into the tissue, but an increase in size along the periphery. Its color is red, and a yellowish coating is found on the surface.
Basal skin cancer
This type of cancer has such synonyms as basalioma or basal epithelioma. It occurs quite often, is prone to relapse, but in most cases does not metastasize.
As the main causes of this type of cancer, scientists identify hereditary factors due to genetic predisposition, as well as malfunctions of the immune system. It is often possible to meet opinions that basalioma develops against the background of exposure to carcinogens or insolation. In this case, skin changes may not be present, but they may take place. For example, this applies to such lesions as psoriasis, nevi, lupus erythematosus and other pathologies. Ultraviolet radiation should not be discarded as a provoking factor in the growth of basalioma, as well as thermal burns and arsenic intake. It is also important that formations of this type are often found in those people who spent a lot of time in the sun in childhood.
Basalioma most often grows relatively slowly, occurs in the epidermis or on the scalp, in their follicles. Doctors consider this pathology from the point of view of a kind of tumor, and not as cancer or a benign formation.
The formations can be either single or multiple, have a round outline from pink to dark red and rise slightly above the level of the skin. There are several forms of basalioma: superficial, pigmented, tumor, ulcerative, cicatricial-atrophic and fibroepithelial.
More often the appearance of basaliomas affects people who have crossed the threshold of 40 years, regardless of gender. In adolescents and young children, such neoplasms practically do not occur, an exception may be its congenital form, which is called the Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.
Cellular skin cancer
Cellular skin cancer is one of the synonyms of basalioma. Therefore, it proceeds according to the same type as the disease described above. It is worth noting that, despite the rather rare metastasis, this variety can still produce “sprouts”. In such cases, the prognosis for survival is extremely low, and people suffering from cellular cancer with metastases live no more than a year.
Diagnosis of skin cancer
Diagnosis of any skin cancer is practically not difficult. If the patient finds in himself any formation that causes the slightest suspicion, then it is necessary to consult an oncologist.
First, the doctor will perform a visual examination. Also for this purpose, in specialized centers there is a device called an epiluminescent microscope, which reveals the internal structure of any formation thanks to luminescent lighting.
If the doctor has suspicions, then he prescribes a biopsy, for this a small area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe skin is taken, his laboratory study is carried out for the presence of cancer cells. The biopsy can be puncture, incisional, excisional, or be cut. For its implementation, a scalpel or a thin blade is used, depending on the type of study chosen.
When the test gives a positive result and cancer cells are found in the patient, a number of further steps must be taken to determine the stage of the tumor. For this, blood is taken, computed tomography, MRI, chest x-ray and sometimes ultrasound is done. When there is a suspicion that the lymph nodes are already involved in the pathological process, the doctor prescribes a study called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Treatment for Skin Cancer
The therapeutic effect is prescribed only by a doctor and directly depends on how far the pathological process has gone, and what kind of cancer has affected the person:
The most common method is surgery. In this case, both the tumor itself and the lymph nodes, if they have been affected, are removed.
Radiation therapy is also used to treat skin cancer, that is, they affect the affected areas of the skin with ionizing radiation. One of the modern methods of eliminating skin cancer is cryogenic therapy or nitrogen treatment. In this case, the tumor is affected by low temperatures. Doctors also use laser and drug therapy in their practice.
One of the effective methods is micrographic surgery according to MOHS, the essence of which is the direct impact on the affected area, due to the fact that the surgical intervention is carried out under a microscope. The prognosis for recovery in this case is very favorable, and after the operation, there are practically no visible defects on the skin.
Naturally, if there are indications, the methods can be combined and used in combination. The main thing is to prevent the transition of the disease to one of the last stages.
Prevention of skin cancer
As preventive measures designed to reduce the number of skin cancer patients, doctors recommend the following:
Maximally protect skin areas from sun exposure, especially prolonged and intense. This rule applies to all people without exception, but it is especially true for pensioners and young children. As well as those who from birth have fair skin.
Use of sunscreen and moisturizers.
Any ulcers and fistulas that do not heal for a long time must be shown to the doctor without fail and treated with radical methods.
Try to protect scars and burns from mechanical impact and injuries.
When in contact with potentially hazardous substances, use strict personal hygiene measures.
Carry out regular examinations of your body and if you find any suspicious formations, immediately inform your doctor about it.
It should be remembered that the earlier the disease is detected, the more likely it is to forget about it forever in the near future.