Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in our country, with 9,500 people being diagnosed yearly. The condition can result from various factors and lead to several uncomfortable symptoms. However, it is preventable and also curable if detected early, so individuals should visit a healthcare provider as soon as they notice any unusual signs. This post discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and management options for skin cancer.

Causes and risk factors
The condition occurs when the skin cells become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably. While anyone can be infected with skin cancer, certain risk factors increase one’s susceptibility:

• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
  Exposure to the sun’s UV rays and overuse of tanning beds that emit artificial UV light can increase the risk of skin cancer. The UV radiation damages the skin cells and causes them to grow abnormally.
• Chemical exposure
  Coming into contact with chemicals like arsenic and industrial tar can increase one’s risk of skin cancer.
• Family history
  If a person’s family member has or has had skin cancer, they are more likely to develop it.
• Previous skin damage
  Individuals who have suffered from sunburns or other forms of skin damage in the past are more susceptible.
• Certain health conditions
  Certain health conditions that weaken the immune system can make individuals more susceptible to skin cancer.

Types and symptoms
There are many types of skin cancer, each with its own set of symptoms. Here is a quick look at the types:

• Melanoma
  It is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, originating in the skin cells that produce melanin. The typical sign is a dark, irregularly shaped mole or lesion that spreads with time, threatening other organs. A biopsy of the affected area is performed to diagnose the disease.
• Squamous cell carcinoma
  Occurring in the top layer of skin cells, it can spread to other body parts and become aggressive if not treated promptly. A typical indicator is a rough, scaly patch or wart-like growth.
• Basal cell carcinoma
  It is the most prevalent type of skin cancer, which develops in the basal cells in the epidermis’s lower part. A common symptom is a pearly, waxy bump or a flat, brown lesion.
• Merkel cell cancer
  It develops in the Merkel cells of the hair follicles and appears as a painless red or purple lump on the skin. The tumor may grow rapidly and spread to other body parts.

Diagnosis
Knowing how skin cancer is diagnosed can help individuals take the right steps if they experience the symptoms. The process for diagnosing skin cancer typically involves a physical examination by a doctor, followed by further testing, such as a biopsy:

• Physical examination
  During this exam, the doctor looks closely for any suspicious moles or lesions on the patient’s body and signs of abnormal growth patterns associated with melanoma.
• Biopsy
  If the expert spots unusual signs during the initial physical exam, they may recommend a biopsy. Here, tissue samples from the affected areas are taken and sent for laboratory analysis. The test helps confirm whether the growth is malignant or not.

Treatment options
Skin cancer can range from mild to severe and requires prompt treatment to prevent further damage or spread. Fortunately, several treatment options can help reduce the symptoms and improve one’s quality of life:

• Surgery
  It involves removing the affected skin area with a scalpel or laser to ensure the condition does not spread. Depending on how large an area needs removal, the doctor may administer a treatment to numb the region before beginning the procedure.
• Radiation therapy
  It involves using high-energy X-rays that target specific areas where tumors exist while avoiding healthy tissue surrounding them. Radiation therapy helps shrink tumors before they become too big and cause problems elsewhere in the body.
• Chemotherapy
  In this therapy, doctors administer treatments intravenously over a period. These treatments work by killing any remaining cells after surgery, so no new growths occur.
• Cryotherapy
  Also known as cryosurgery, this procedure uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze any abnormal cells caused by skin cancer. They are then removed from the area without causing damage to the healthy tissue around them.
• Photodynamic therapy
  This method combines light exposure with topical treatments applied beforehand to kill pre-cancerous growths before they become full-blown tumors. It is proven useful against melanomas but may not be as helpful when dealing with deeper layers within the body’s tissues.

Since cancer can also affect people emotionally, the expert may recommend the patients attend counseling sessions and join support groups.