Skin Cancer – The Facts

Skin cancer is constantly in the news with regards to tanning beds and increased exposure to the sun. But what is skin cancer and how can you spot it?

Cancer Cells

Cancers are classified according to the tissue from which they evolve and there are two major types: carcinoma and sarcoma. Carcinoma refers to cancers of skin tissues and those that line the inner cavity structures of organs such as the breast and a range of other organs. Carcinoma types cause the majority of cancers. Sarcoma refers to cancers of various elements that make up the connective tissues, such as fibrous tissues, blood vessels, muscle, bone and cartilage.

Tumours of nerve tissues, including the brain and melanoma (cancer of pigmented cells of the skin) are classified separately. Tumours are also classified according to the type of cell from which they are derived. Skin cancer is made up of tumours composed of the major cellular component, squamous cells, producing squamous-cell carcinoma. The less frequent basal cells (found at the base of the skin) are known as basal-cell carcinoma. Rarer still are the cells which produce melanin pigment, these malignant tumours are classified as melanomas.

Skin

Unfortunately, cancers of the skin are common and there is a significant increase in numbers of younger people being diagnosed with this type of cancer. The most common form  of skin cancers arise from basal cells in the deepest part of the skin. The less common types are from squamous cells which arise from plate like, flat cells that make up the main part of the skin.

What To Look For

Basal-cell carcinoma: The initial indication is a small pimple-like spot which enlarges slowly and after a few months forms a shiny, almost transparent lesion that eventually develops a small ulcer. When the scab-like surface is removed, it tends to bleed and appears to heal, but forms another shiny covering. Although this type of cancer grows slowly and rarely develops into a serious form of cancer, the cells do invade surrounding cells and can cause damage to these cells, spreading the cancer. Removal of the cancer by surgery or radiation therapy can cure the cancer as long as the cancer hasn’t infected other cells.

Image via Wikipedia

Squamous-cell carcinoma: The initial pimple-like spot is less elevated and localised than that of the basal-cell version. It is red and scaly and may be confused with eczema or a skin infection. Eventually the spot grows in size and becomes ulcerated. Squamous-cells will not only develop into an aggressive form of cancer, but will spread into other cells and is likely to spread to other parts of the body. Treatment will be by radiation, therapy, drug treatment and physical removal of the cancerous area.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

About 60% of melanoma skin cancers are thought to be caused by over exposure to sun or UV rays from tanning beds. There is a lot of information available about protection in the sun. It is important to adhere to this advice to help prevent developing the above. The following is standard advice:

• Use a minimum of Factor 15 sun cream (throw away old sun cream as the active ingredients fade after a time).
• Stay out of the sun during the morning between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm when the sun is at its strongest.
• Stay covered up, thin long-sleeved t-shirts, legionnaire caps and wraparound sunglasses give fuller protection.
• Keep children out of the sun during midday – alternatively, keep them in shade and covered in maximum Factor 60 and make sure it protects against both UVB and UVA rays.

Image via Wikipedia

Although a tanned skin looks healthy, cancerous cells are not and as our environment is changing so should our habits. UV rays can still penetrate clouds and sitting outside all day in breezy, slightly overcast weather can still cause damage. It is important to gain some sunshine so your body can produce Vitamin D, but you only require 20 minutes in Spring sunshine.

Enjoy the sun and the holiday season responsibly.