Skin Cancer

A shiny, pearly, or waxy bump.

A flat lesion resembling a scar, which can be flesh-colored or brown.

A persistent sore that bleeds, scabs over, heals, and then reappears.

A firm, red, raised bump or nodule.

A flat patch with a scaly or crusted surface.

A large brownish spot with darker speckles scattered within.

A mole that undergoes changes in color, size, or texture, or that begins to bleed.

A small lesion with an irregular border and varying colors such as red, pink, white, blue, or blue-black.

A lesion that is painful, itchy, or burning.

Dark lesions appearing on the palms, soles, fingertips, toes, or on the mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, vagina, or anus.

Kaposi sarcoma: This rare form develops in the skin's blood vessels, leading to red or purple patches on the skin or mucous membranes. It primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS or transplant recipients on immunosuppressants. It's also more common in young men in Africa and older men of Italian or Eastern European Jewish descent.

Merkel cell carcinoma: This type presents as firm, shiny nodules on or just beneath the skin and in hair follicles, most often on the head, neck, and trunk.

Sebaceous gland carcinoma: An uncommon and aggressive cancer originating in the skin's oil glands. It typically appears as hard, painless nodules and can occur anywhere, but is often found on the eyelid, where it may be mistaken for other eye conditions.

How Skin Cancer Develops: Skin cancer arises due to errors (mutations) in the DNA of skin cells. These mutations lead to uncontrolled cell growth, forming a mass of cancerous cells.

Skin Cells Involved: Skin cancer typically begins in the epidermis, the skin's outermost layer, which provides a protective covering of cells that are constantly shed. The epidermis comprises three main cell types:

Squamous cells: Located just beneath the outer surface, they form the skin's inner lining.

Basal cells: Situated beneath the squamous cells, they are responsible for producing new skin cells.

Melanocytes: Found in the lower part of the epidermis, these cells produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Melanin production increases upon sun exposure to protect deeper skin layers.

Sunny or high-altitude climates: People residing in sunny, warm regions or at higher elevations experience greater exposure to UV radiation.

Moles: Individuals with numerous moles or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) have an increased risk. These irregular, larger-than-average moles are more likely to become cancerous. Regular monitoring for changes is crucial for those with a history of abnormal moles.

Precancerous skin lesions: Actinic keratoses, rough, scaly patches typically found on sun-damaged skin of fair-skinned individuals, can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Family history: Having a parent or sibling with skin cancer may increase your risk.

Personal history: If you've had skin cancer previously, you have a higher risk of recurrence.

Weakened immune system: Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressants, face a greater risk.

Exposure to certain substances: Exposure to substances like arsenic may elevate your risk.

Avoid midday sun: The sun's rays are typically strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule outdoor activities outside these hours, even in winter or on cloudy days, as UV radiation is present year-round and clouds offer limited protection. Avoiding peak sun exposure helps prevent sunburn and sun damage, which contribute to skin cancer risk. Cumulative sun exposure over time also increases this risk.

Use sunscreen year-round: While sunscreen doesn't block all harmful UV radiation, especially the type linked to melanoma, it's a vital part of sun protection. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Apply generously and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.

Wear protective clothing: Sunscreen alone doesn't offer complete protection. Cover your skin with dark, tightly woven clothing, including long sleeves and pants, and wear a broad-brimmed hat for better coverage than caps or visors. Some companies offer photoprotective clothing, which a dermatologist can recommend. Don