Skin Cancer: An uncontrolled growth of the skin cells
Skin cancer is a condition where there is an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the skin cells. These abnormal cells are usually from the epidermis or the topmost layer of skin. Skin cancer mostly metastasizes affecting other organs, making it life-threatening. Let’s understand the different types of Skin Cancer.
- Basal cell carcinoma: It is the most common type of skin cancer which begins in the basal cells of the skin. Basal cell cancer usually starts in parts that have exposure to sunlight. Metastasis can affect the adjacent bones or tissue underlying the epidermis. Basal cell cancers grow very slowly and often remain asymptomatic for years. Basal cell cancer usually appears as a waxy or pearly bump or flat flesh-colored or light brown colored scar; sometimes, it looks like bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and reappear again. People with lighter skin are more prone to develop this kind of skin cancer.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: It usually affects the body parts exposed to sunlight. People with darker skin are more prone to develop squamous cell cancer. The squamous cell cancer often appears a red nodule, which is firm or a flat lesion with a crusted and scaly surface.
Other rare types of skin cancer
- Melanoma: It can occur anywhere on the skin, even in an existing mole. Melanoma can also develop in places that are not exposed to the sun. The affected parts usually are face and trunk in men and lower parts of legs in women. In people with dark skin tone, this melanoma usually affects on palms and soles or in finger nailbed or toe nailbed. Melanoma can develop in any person irrespective of their skin tone.
Melanoma usually appears as a brownish spot with dark freckles. Consult a doctor if there is any change in the appearance, texture, or color of the mole.
- Kaposi sarcoma: It is a rare type causing reddish-purple patches. Young African men and older European adults are at higher risk of developing this condition.
- Merkel cell carcinoma: This type of cancer causes a shiny firm nodule present under the skin or hair follicles. The nodules are found on the head, neck, and trunk.
- Sebaceous gland carcinoma: This type of cancer originates in the sebaceous glands. A painless and hard nodule is found in eyelashes. It is sporadic and very aggressive.
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Is it true that applying perfumes and deodorants on the skin can cause skin cancer? (Answer Requested on Quora Platform)
Deodorants are personal care products, used to minimize the body odor (caused by perspiration). Deodorants contain antiperspirants that inhibit perspiration.
There is no strong scientific evidence to prove the relationship between the usage of antiperspirants or deodorants and cancer risk. In fact, one of the scientific studies published in 2002 rule out this possibility.
What should doctors check for when looking for skin cancer? (Answer Requested on Quora Platform)
In cases of skin cancer, a doctor should definitely look for recent changes in the texture or for any changes in the skin, the increase in the number of moles or if there is any proliferation of the mole that means whether the mole is increasing in size. Any abnormal bleeding or discharge from the mole must be noted. The doctor must also ask if there is any recent pigmentation of the skin which is increasing in size or there any ulceration. If the doctor suspects skin cancer he can suggest a biopsy to clear his doubts and establish a diagnosis.