Ever wondered... What exactly is Skin Cancer?
We have all heard the term and know that it is basically caused by the sun but how and why? Not so sure.
Skin Cancer follows the basic premise of other cancers. Cancer occurs when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control. Normal cells divide and grow in an orderly fashion as determined by the cells DNA, however, cancer cells do not. With the accelerated growth of the cancer cells they begin to displace normal cells causing abnormal growths called tumors. Moles are benign tumors that are considered an abnormal skin growth, however they are not cancerous and do not spread to other areas of the body.
The metastasis of cancer is when cancer cells break away from the original tumor site and spread to other parts of the body via the circulatory or lymphatic system.
We refer to a malignant tumor as a mass of cancer cells that has invaded surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. As in skin cancer the cancerous cells have entered the blood or lymph nodes from the original site on the skin and traveled to a distant location or organ. These cancer cells may produce tumors in the lungs, liver and brain, but the original term, skin cancer still applies to these new sites of metastases.
We will review some information about skin Cancer and how this disease can be potentially a life threatening problem if not detected and treated early.
Skin Cancer can be divided into two main categories which define the type and location of the skin abnormality.
Melanocyte - cancers that begin in the pigment-making cells of the skin are referred to as Melanoma. These cells are capable of producing benign growths that we refer to as Moles.
Keratinocytes - these are cells that most resemble normal skin cells. The two most common types of keratinocyte carcinomas are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
These two groups can be further subdivided into three different types of cancers - Basal Cell Carcinomas, Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Melanoma the deadliest form of Skin Cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinomas are not life threatening. They tend to grow slowly but they can spread to tissues and bone beneath the skin if not treated. They are easily removed and generally account for three out of every four skin cancers. Unfortunately, after treatment it can return either in the same place or elsewhere on the body.
They usually begin in the lowest layer of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer and can be found on areas exposed to the sun, like the head, neck and arms. Previously, Basal cell carcinomas were seen in mostly middle-aged individuals but are now seen more frequently in younger people.
Basal Cell Carcinomas have five characteristics and often these can be combined in one tumor:
- A scar-like area which is white, yellow or waxy, and has a poorly defined border
- An open sore that bleeds, oozes or crust and remains open for a month
- A reddish patch or irritated area of skin
- A pinkish growth with a slightly elevated, rolled border with a crusty, indented center
- A shiny lump or nodule that is translucent and is often pink, white or red colored
