Understanding Skin Cancer: A Closer Look

Skin cancer is a rampant health challenge in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 3.5 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer yearly. Skin cancer Kingwood is usually curable if detected early and treated properly. People at risk for skin cancer include those with fair complexions, light hair and eye color, a history of sunburns or blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence, a tendency to freckle or burn rather than tan, and a family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.

Here are the causes of skin cancer.

What are the causes of skin cancer?

Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (U.V.) rays from the sun, tanning beds, and artificial lights cause most skin cancers. Ultraviolet rays damage the DNA in cells, which may lead to the development of skin cancer. Protecting your skin from U.V. rays is crucial by seeking shade outdoors, wearing protective clothing, and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for UVA and UVB protection. Also, you can avoid indoor tanning equipment, which sends harmful UVA and UVB rays directly into your skin.

Having many moles: People with many moles called dysplastic nevi are more likely than others to develop melanoma, the type of skin cancer that kills most people, according to NCI. In fact, people with ten or more dysplastic nevi have about a 1 in 3-lifetime risk of developing melanoma, according to NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).

Smoking: Smoking cigarettes is the most significant cause of skin cancer. Smoking causes more than 90% of lung and 80% of mouth cancers. Smoking also causes more than half of all colorectal (colon) cancers, up to a quarter of oral cavity and throat cancers, and a fifth of bladder cancers. Even second-hand smoke raises the risk of skin cancer.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

1. Scaly patches: A scaly patch is an area of skin that has become dry and flaky. It can be red and itchy or just flaky with no other symptoms. Fungal infection or eczema often causes scaly patches, but sometimes they can also be a sign of skin cancer.
2. A new mole: If you notice a new mole on your body or it starts to change shape, color, or size, you should get your doctor to check it out as soon as possible.
3. Sores that won’t heal: Sores that won’t heal are often caused by infections like herpes and chickenpox, but some sores can be caused by skin cancer too, so it is crucial to see your doctor if one doesn’t get better after a few weeks.
4. Itching, tingling, or tenderness: This is usually a sign of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, but it can also be associated with other types of skin cancers.

Skin cancers are treated in several ways, depending on the type and location of the cancer. The doctor will determine the best treatment based on age, general health, and family history. The goal of treatment is to remove cancer without causing any damage to surrounding healthy tissue. All you need is to seek help from Elite Dermatology & The Oaks Plastic Surgery experts.