Skin Cancer
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells reproduce abnormally, usually as a result of regulation mechanisms that fail to keep cell development under tight control. Cancerous cells divide and form collections of abnormally developing cells, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to tissues throughout the body. Skin cancer can be successfully treated when caught early enough, but cancers left untreated can lead to death.
In a healthy cell, there are many cellular parts, or proteins, that monitor and control the cell’s birth, development and death. If one or several of these proteins is nonfunctional or not properly regulated, then the development and proliferation of the cell will no longer be controlled. These cells will eventually become cancerous.
- Cancer usually arises as a result of a mutation – a permanent alteration in the cell’s DNA sequence.
- DNA contains the information for the structure of proteins.
- If there is a mutation in the part of the DNA that contains information for a protein, then that protein will not be made properly, and so will not work properly.
- If the protein that regulates the growth and development of the cell doesn’t work, then the growth and development of the cell will not be monitored properly, leading to cancer.
- Several mutations are often required to cause a cell to become cancerous.
- Environmental factors that specifically cause cancer are known as carcinogens.
- Exposure to carcinogens increases one’s chances of developing cancerous cells.
- The carcinogen most closely associated with skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) light, which induces certain changes in the chemical structure of DNA, which leads to mutations.
- In certain circumstances, mutations can be inherited. An inherited mutation will require fewer mutations for a cell to become cancerous, predisposing that individual to developing cancer.
- When a cell becomes cancerous it will continue dividing and form tumors.
- Anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun
- Light-skinned people are at a significantly higher risk than dark-skinned people to develop skin cancer. Individuals at highest risk are those with:
- Fair skin, or those susceptible to sun burn
- Blonde or red hair
- Light-colored eyes (blue, green, grey)
- Individuals with a weakened immune system are also at higher risk
- HIV/AIDS
- Chemotherapy
- Organ transplantation
- Chances of getting disease increases with age, but people of all ages can get skin cancer
- Areas of the skin that have been injured
- Chronic inflammatory skin conditions
- Burn – including severe, blistering sunburns
- Areas of the skin that have been exposed to carcinogens
- Radiation (radiation therapy, UV light)
- Chemicals (arsenic)
- Those who have many moles (more than 50), or abnormal moles
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Risk of recurring skin cancer
- More susceptible to developing new skin cancer
- Family history of skin cancer
The exact cause of skin cancer is unknown, but the most
effective way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid possible mutagens. The most
common cause of skin cancer is excessive exposure to UV light, so staying out
of the sun and being vigilant about skin protection are the best ways to avoid
skin cancer, particularly for those at high risk.
- Reducing excessive exposure to the sun…
- Avoid staying in the sun during midday
- Wear clothing that covers skin
- Wide-brimmed hats
- UV-blocking sunglasses
- Suntan lotion will not protect the skin from UV light damage, but will prevent sunburn if used correctly
- SPF 15 or higher is recommended
- Apply at lest 20 minutes before going into the sun
- Re-apply frequently:
- 20 min after being in the sun
- Every two hours
- Right after swimming or heavy sweating
- Don’t forget to cover ears, back or neck
- Examine skin regularly for
- Abnormal coloration
- New or enlarging growths
- Sores
that won’t heal
Treatments
When pre-cancers or cancers are treated early and properly,
the chances of cure are very high. If the cancer is detected late, especially
for more invasive and dangerous cancers, then treatment is more complicated and
less likely to be successful. The actual treatment will depend on the stage of
the cancer and what option is appropriate for the patient. One or a combination
of treatments can be used.
Biopsy – a doctor may remove all or part of a
suspicious growth in order to diagnose the tumor. The cells from the growth
will be examined under a microscope to determine if the tumor is malignant or
benign. Once the variation of the tumor is identified, the doctor can pursue
appropriate treatment.
Actinic (solar) keratosis
- Cryosurgery – Liquid nitrogen applied to skin to freeze off growth
- Chemical peel
- Laser surgery
- Photodynamic
therapy – a hydrochloride chemical, 5-aminolevulinic acid, is added to the
skin and exposed to strong light. Once activated, the chemical selectively
destroys growths.
Basal cell/ Squamous cell carcinomas
- Surgical removal of tumor
- Topical chemotherapy
- Laser Surgery
- Radiation
therapy
Melanoma
- Surgical removal of tumor
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy – the immune system is supplemented to eradicate the tumor
