Types, symptoms and causes of skin cancers

Cancer can be treated if detected at an early stage, especially skin cancer. Among cancers, skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer in the world. It is reported that every year over 1 million new cases of skin cancer is occurred. Early warning of skin cancer may be noticed by the change of appearance in your skin which will be caused by a growth or a skin damage that does not heal.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common out of all the skin cancers. It appears to be a small bump and is covered by superficial blood vessels known as Telangiectases. These bumps would be shiny and translucent (pearly) and would be hard to diagnose without a biopsy due to its benign growth of a flesh coloured mole. At times Basal Cell Carcinomas are melanin pigmented and would appear to be dark than being shiny. The causes for this can be due to Sun Exposure, Age, exposure to ultraviolet rays and therapeutic radiation.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma develops on the epidermis. It forms on the tissues on the surface of your skin and has a tendency to spread. This skin condition is caused by years of sun exposure and can take decades to surface. The condition is commonly noted in "Sun worshippers" who start this practice in their 20s and as they age they contract skin cancer.

Melanoma is begins in Melanocytes (Cells which produces Melanin). When you are exposed to the sun these cells tend to produce more melanin which increases the pigmentation of your skin. Due to this your skin would grow moles. You can recognise a cancerous mole if it changes size, colour, shape and feel. The symptoms can be easily remembered as ABCD; Asymmetry, Border, Colour and Diametre.

Which means you have to be alert: when the shape of the mole is not consistent as a whole; when the pigmentation spreads towards the surrounding skin with ragged, notched, blurred edges; the colours are uneven as the moles will appear to have shades of black, brown and tan and an increase in the size of the mole larger than a ¼ inch or 5 mm.

While direct DNA damage is responsible for Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma, indirect DNA damage causes Melanoma. It is estimated that the mortality rate of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma is 0.3%, which means 2000 deaths per year is caused due to these skin cancer types. The mortality rate for Melanoma on the other hand is 15-20% causing 6500 deaths per year, making it the skin cancer which causes 75% of deaths reported due to cancer. Since skin is the biggest organ in our body we have to take every measure to protect it from damage. If you ever see a difference in your skin or any suspected growths always make sure you consult a dermatologist or a cosmetic physician to assess it.



Andy Rebeca is passionate about skin care and a freelance journalist. Currently working with Cheshire Cosmetic Ltd which is known as cosmetic clinic Cheshire. Cheshire Cosmetic is specialized for Botox Cheshire . Now they are conducting cosmetic training for botox and dermal fillers in Cheshire Cosmetic Academy