overview
Skin cancer – the abnormal growth of skin cells – most commonly develops on skin that is exposed to the sun. However, this common form of cancer can also appear in areas of your skin that are normally not exposed to the sun.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
symptom
- Where skin cancer grows
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Basal Cell Carcinoma Open the squamous cell carcinoma of the ear and lip pop-up dialog box
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin Open the Melanoma popup dialog
- Melanoma Open the popup dialog. Photo with Merkel cell carcinoma
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Open the popup dialog
- Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and legs of women. However, it can also form in areas where daylight is rarely visible – in your palms, under your fingernails or toes, and in your genital area.
The reasons
- Where skin cancer grows
- Where does skin cancer grow? Open the popup dialog
- Skin cancer occurs when defects (mutations) appear in the DNA of skin cells. Mutations cause cells to run out of control and form a mass of cancer cells.
- Cells involved in skin cancer
Skin cancer starts in the top layer of your skin – the epidermis. The epidermis is a thin layer that protects the skin cells that your body is continually shedding. The epidermis contains three main types of cells: - Squamous cells are located just below the outer surface and act as the inner lining of the skin.
Under the squamous cells are basal cells that make new skin cells.
Melanocytes – which produce melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its normal color – are located in the lower part of your epidermis. Melanocytes produce more melanin in the sun to protect the deeper layers of the skin. Skin cancer treatment in hyderabad
Risk factors
Factors that can increase your risk of skin cancer include:
Clean skin. Anyone, regardless of skin color, can develop skin cancer. However, if you have less pigment (melanin) in your skin, there is less protection from harmful UV rays. If you have blonde or red hair and light eyes and you get freckles or sunburn easily, you are much more likely to develop skin cancer than someone with darker skin.
A story of sunburn. Having one or more blistered sunburns as a child or teenager increases the risk of developing skin cancer in adulthood. Adult sunburn is also a risk factor.
Excessive exposure to sunlight. Anyone who spends a long time in the sun can develop skin cancer, especially if the skin is not protected by sunscreen or clothing. You are also at risk from tanning, including exposure to tanning lamps and beds. A tan is your skin’s reaction to an injury from excessive UV rays. Skin cancer treatment in hyderabad
prevention
Most skin cancers are preventable. To protect your skin, follow these tips for preventing skin cancer:
- Avoid the sun in the middle of the day. For many people in North America, the sun’s rays are strongest between around 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan outdoor activities at other times of the day, even in winter or when the sky is cloudy.
- They absorb UV rays year-round, and clouds offer little protection from harmful rays. Avoiding the sun the most, you avoid sunburns and tans, which cause skin damage, and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Sun exposure over time can also cause skin cancer.
- Wear sunscreen all year round. Sunscreens don’t filter out all of the harmful UV rays, especially those that can lead to melanoma. However, they play an important role in a comprehensive sun protection program. Skin cancer treatment in hyderabad
