These inconspicuous skin cancers are more dangerous than melanoma. They look innocent

Cancer is a group of diseases that keep you awake at night, but at the same time push patients to regularly diagnose and take care of their health. We check what skin cancers look inconspicuous, and in fact are even more dangerous than melanoma.

1. Suspicious skin lesions cannot be underestimated, as they can be much more serious than we think
2. Overexposure to sunlight can contribute to the development of skin cancer
3. Among the dangerous skin cancers, it is worth distinguishing not only melanoma, but also basal cell carcinoma
4. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

The sun can be very dangerous

Doctors leave no doubt: excessive and inappropriate exposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. What does inappropriate radiation exposure mean? First of all, it is about the wrong choice of clothes and the lack of using creams with SPF filters. In turn, clothes should adequately protect against excessive radiation.

Chronic exposure to sunlight can have dangerous consequences such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. On the other hand, short-term, very intense sunbathing can cause not only skin burns, but also an increased likelihood of developing melanoma.

Skin cancer – risk of occurrence

Experts from the Department of Soft Tissue, Bone and Melanoma Tumors of the National Oncology Institute Maria Skłodowskiej-Curie in Warsaw and other specialists estimate that the number of patients struggling with skin cancer is clearly growing. It can be estimated that it is one third of all diagnosed malignant neoplasms. The prognosis is not optimistic: in a few years this type of cancer in Poland may be affected by even every second person over 60 years of age.

Currently, the number of cases increases by as much as 50 a year, and at the same time patients often underestimate the problem of skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin as an extremely dangerous cancer

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin usually grows slowly. The type of neoplasm is also important in this matter – whether it is a benign variety or an extremely aggressive variety. The aggressive form can attack the adjacent tissues, and additionally, it shows a tendency to ulceration and recurrence, which causes a lot of trouble during the treatment of the disease. The metastases may include the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and liver.

Basal cell carcinoma manifests itself mainly in exposed parts of the body, i.e. the extremities, head and neck. Symptoms of the disease may also appear on the trunk and genitals. What does basal cell carcinoma look like? The lesion can be described as a pink plaque, lump or nodule. Such a lesion is additionally distinguished by a raised, pearl-like shaft, while in the case of the nodule, an iridescent, transparent surface can be observed. The surface of the nodule, plaque or papules becomes covered with minor erosions, scabs or ulceration over time.

Prevention and self-observation are important

Knowing that excessive UV radiation can be extremely dangerous to your health, it is worth avoiding outdoor activities when the sun’s rays are the most intense. The sun’s greatest activity can be observed between 11 and 15.

It is also worth giving up the solarium, i.e. a device that produces radiation similar to the sun. It is estimated that the risk of developing melanoma increases by 20%. in people who use such devices, and in people over 30, the risk increases by up to 75%.

Read also: Solarium – benefits, disadvantages, contraindications

Self-observation and constant monitoring of any skin changes that are a source of concern is important. In case of doubt, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist, which can be made via MedonetMarket.pl. It is also worth trying the dermatological package – dermatoscopy and consultation with a dermatologist. Rapid diagnosis always has a positive effect on the course of treatment.