Skin Cancers

Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the scariest things that can happen to a person. It’s easy to lose all hope and just give up then and there, but it is important to keep in mind that the

number of cancer survivors has increased over the last few years, and with proper treatment, it is possible to be one of them.

There are several types of cancer, and even in a smaller subset such as skin cancer there’s more than one type.

Skin cancers can be either a carcinoma or a melanoma. As the name suggests, the melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes. Melanomas can metastasise (invade other parts of the body) unlike carcinomas, but luckily are rarer than the other types of skin cancer. The most common forms of skin cancer are basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

How can basal and squamous cells and melanocytes be identified? The epidermis (top layer of the skin) is made up of three types of cells:
Squamous cells – An upper layer of thin, flat cells.
Basal cells – Round cells just under the squamous cells.
Melanocytes – The makers of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.

Factors that increase the risk of skin cancer include having fair skin, chronic inflammations or ulcers, scars or burns, having had radiation therapy and being exposed to a lot of either artificial (as in tanning booths) or natural UV rays. Remember that just because one of the risk factors applies to you, it doesn’t mean that you will definitely get skin cancer. However, it is still possible to contract a skin cancer in the absence of any visible risk factors.

Use of sunscreen is advised to prevent skin cancer caused by excessive sunlight. Also, the sooner a cancer is caught and treated, the higher the chances of success. Skin cancer looks different depending on which type it is, so if anything suspicious is spotted, it’s a good idea to see a physician and get a professional opinion.

For those diagnosed with skin cancer, there are several organizations out there that provide support and information. An excellent source of information is the National Cancer Institute, which has a comprehensive and clear website, and reliable professionals available to assist by telephone, email, post or chat.