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Most common symptom for skin cancer is the change in the color of skin
or a new growth or sole that doesn't heals.
BCC or Basal cell
carcinoma looks like a raised smooth bump on the sun exposed parts of body like
head, neck or shoulders whereby a central depression develops that crusts and
bleeds. Sometimes small blood vessels appear with the tumor.
SCC or
Squamous cell carcinoma can be identified as red, scaling or thickened patch
on different parts of the body that bleeds and ulcerate. It develops into large
mass if left untreated.
Melanoma are normally brown to black pigmented
lesions and gives a warning sign if changes its size, shape, color or elevation
of the mole. Men more often get melanoma on the trunk or on the head or neck whereas
women get it on the arms and legs.
An easy to remember guideline or ABCD
to identify melanoma is:
Asymmetry in the shape of the mole; Borders
of the mole may be irregular or ragged; Color may be uneven or a mixture
of black, tan, brown, blue, red or white; Diameter of such mole can change
in size.
Causes of skin cancer
UV rays or Ultraviolet
radiation is the main cause for skin cancer but some other causes for skin
cancer includes the following:
Family history,
Use of artificial form
of UV radiation such as sunlamps and tanning booths is responsible,
Impaired
immune system, that protects the human body from foreign entities, such as germs
or substances that cause an allergic reaction,
Frequent exposure to high level
of x-rays,
Body contact with certain chemicals like Arsenic (miners, sheep
shearers, and farmers),
Hydrocarbons in tar, oils, soot (cause squamous cell
carcinoma).
People with the following characteristics are more prone
to skin cancer:
Having someone in the family suffering from the disease,
People having a fair complexion or skin type that freckles or is most suffered
with skin burns,
Someone who has light blond or red hair or green or blue
eyes,
Having some genetic disorders that deplete skin pigment,
Has been
already treated for skin cancer or having atleast one severe sunburn early in
life.
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