Skin Cancer

Causes

• UV Exposure: Sunlight and tanning beds.
• Genetics: Family history.
• Fair Skin: Less melanin increases risk.
• Age: Older age due to more sun exposure over time.
• Chemical Exposure: Harmful substances like arsenic.
• Immune System: Weak immune system increases risk.

Types

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):
  • Most common, grows slowly.
  • Looks like a pearly bump or a flat, flesh-colored lesion.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):
  • Second most common.
  • Appears as a firm red nodule or a flat, scaly lesion.
• Melanoma:
  • Less common but more dangerous.
  • Appears as a large brown spot, a changing mole, or a dark lesion.

Symptoms

• BCC: Pearly bump, flat scar-like lesion, sore that bleeds or scabs and returns.
• SCC: Firm red nodule, scaly, crusted flat lesion.
• Melanoma: Large brown spot, changing mole, dark lesion with irregular border.

Treatment

• Surgery: Removing cancerous tissue.
• Mohs Surgery: Precise removal of cancer cells layer by layer.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Photodynamic Therapy: Light combined with drugs to destroy cancer cells.
• Targeted/Immunotherapy: Advanced treatments, especially for melanoma.

Prevention

• Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid peak sun hours.
• Use Sunscreen: SPF 30+.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, long sleeves, sunglasses.
• Avoid Tanning Beds.
• Regular Skin Checks: Self-exams and dermatologist visits.