Question:
can anyone please tell me the causes and symptoms of skin cancer?
Answer:
There are many kinds of skin cancer and also many known and suspected
causes. You can probably get a good pamphlet with pictures from the
local chapter of the American Cancer Society or from the National Cancer
Institute by calling 1-800-4-CANCER. The most dangerous common kind is
melanoma, which is usually (not always) pigmented. It can look like a
freckle or mole. Any new mole in an adult or any mole or freckle that
appears to be changing (changing color, scaling, itching, getting
bigger, etc.) should be looked at by a doctor. Melanomas often (but not
always) are unsymmetrical with unclear borders. Sometimes they have
areas of different color, brown mixed with black or even a bluish tinge.
Some are nodular, some are flat and spreading. If you have any question
at all about a mole or other skin lesion, it is best to have the doctor
check it. If they are caught EARLY, some melanomas can be cured; but
most people wait too long. Another common skin cancer is squamous cell
carcinoma, which can be ulcerated-looking or crusty "sores" that don't
heal and may bleed easily. They are somewhat more common on areas of the
body that are exposed to sunlight, such as the face, tops of ears,
scalp, hands, etc. Basal cell carcinomas are usually somewhat nodular
and pearly looking. Any weird thing on the skin that doesn't go away in
a few days should be checked. There are also lots of kinds of fairly
rare skin cancers--lymphomas that show up in the skin, fibromas, mast
cell tumors, dermatosarcomas, etc. Most of these form lumps of some
kind. Any unexplained lump ANYWHERE (not just on the skin!) should be
checked out.
As for the causes of skin cancer, sunlight exposure is one of the
major ones. Melanomas and squamous cell carcinomas are definitely
related to sun and other ultraviolet radiation exposure. Genetic
predisposition plays a large role in melanoma. Chronic irritation has
been implicated in some kinds of carcinoma. Exposure to toxic chemicals
can be another cause.
If you are asking about this because you have a suspicious place on
your skin, please have a doctor look at it soon. Skin cancer should be
one of the easiest to diagnose because it is visible, but actually
people tend to wait, try home treatments thinking it's a wart or mole,
etc. Small skin cancers can be removed without much scarring or pain,
and the prognosis is generally pretty good. Letting one go, however, can
really lead to serious consequences, so don't wait!--Helen S.
