Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. Studies show that skin cancer is becoming more and more common.
Who is at greatest risk of skin cancer?
- People with pale skin (blonde or red hair)
- People who burn easily from the sun
- People who suffered from sunburn in childhood
- People who have a family history of skin cancer
- Prolonged exposure to X-rays
- A weak immune system
- Long-term wounds or injuries caused by an illness or burn and stress
- Exposure to carcinogens such as arsenic
- People who frequently go to a tanning bed
- People whose work exposes them to more sunlight (farmers, fishermen, construction workers, etc.)
What does skin cancer look like?
There are many types of skin cancer, each of which looks different.
Actinic keratosis (AK)
This is often the first stage of skin cancer and manifests as dry, rough patches of skin. They are precursors to skin cancer and can turn cancerous if left untreated. They usually appear in people with pale skin after the age of 40. This is because they develop as a result of prolonged exposure to sunlight for years. However, AK can occur in young people who live in sunny areas, or in those who use a tanning bed. They most commonly appear on the head, neck, and arm and hand areas. The danger that they could become cancerous means they need to be treated.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most common type of skin cancer. It manifests as a whitish bump or an open wound. Sometimes it may also show up as pinkish spots. They appear in areas that get the most sun exposure, such as the head, neck, and arms. In rarer cases, they appear on the body and limbs. Usually, they do not grow quickly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. However, immediate treatment is required. This type of cancer can penetrate and damage surrounding tissues, nerves and bones and cause disfigurement.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It usually appears as hard bumps in the form of large red spots, or it can heal and come back as ulcers. More common in people with pale skin, but also affects people of darker complexion. It can cause severe injuries and disfigurement by metastasising to the skin. Detecting the disease early can prevent spreading to other organs of the body.
Melanoma
This type of cancer looks more like a mole or a black spot suddenly appearing on the skin. In both cases, the disease can be fatal. 8,500 people die from melanoma each year in the United States and that is why it has become popular as the deadliest form of cancer. It is becoming more common in Turkey and other countries.
What are the symptoms?
The location and appearance of the formed moles are significant factors. If caught and treated early, the chances of recovery are high. Watch for melanoma:
- Asymmetry: one half of the mole looks different from the other.
- Outlines (irregular, jagged, indistinct)
- Colour (varied): the color varies from one part of the body to another. They could be brown, black, sometimes white, red or blue.
- Diameter (larger than 6 mm (0.24 inches), about the size of the eraser on the tip of a pencil), could be smaller.
- Develops over time: develops over time in a way that does not resemble other moles on the body, or as a skin lesion of changing shape, size, and colour. Other distinguishing features may be discharge, itching or bleeding.
What are the risk factors?
Exposure to sunlight: this risk could be reduced by using protective lotions and clothing and avoiding any kind of sunbathing.
Pale skin colour (blondes, redheads): people with darker skin colour are also at risk. These people usually develop melanoma on the palms, soles, cuticles around the nails, mouth, and genital areas.
Family history for melanoma: your risk of melanoma is significantly increased if you have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with melanoma.
Your risk is increased if you have a large number of moles or atypical moles (50 or more).
Atypical moles are not carcinogenic. However, they require careful monitoring because of the different ways they could develop.
Are skin tests important?
The recovery rate in cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma with early detection and treatment is about 95%. The recovery rate for melanoma is high, as long as it is treated before metastases occur. Frequent screenings are the best method for early detection. Self-examination is also possible. You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice a sudden appearance of a mole and a change in the type, size, or colour of an existing mole.
People subjected to prolonged sun exposure, with a family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma), with multiple moles, atypical moles, or who are in any other risk group should see a dermatologist for regular check-ups, annually or in some cases more frequently.
If your dermatologist detects a risk of skin cancer, he will take a sample from the site for microscopic examination. This is called a biopsy. The dermatologist can easily perform this procedure in a clinical setting. If the biopsy reveals the presence of cancer, further treatment will be required. In cases of early detection, surgical treatment may be sufficient. In more advanced cases, (especially if it has spread to other organs), the treatment protocol may vary. Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, the extent of its spread and its location, and also on the individual patient's requirements.