Skin cancer and what it entails

Cancer typically involves random and rapid growth without any specific cure for complete eradication. The skin, the organ with the largest surface area in the body, is at the highest risk of getting cancer, making skin cancer Sanford one of the most usual types of cancer. Skin cancer can be of many kinds and can affect multiple parts of your skin all over the body. More about skin cancer and all it involves is discussed further below.

What is Skin Cancer?

This condition occurs when there is an unexplainable and rapid growth of cells in the skin. The type of skin cells involved helps identify the kind of cancer involved. There are many types of cancer with different effects on the body. Some of them include:

Squamous cell cancer

This cancer type involves cells in the outer parts of your epidermis. It can also be found in sites like mucous membranes and the lungs. Cutaneous squamous cell cancer is the one that affects the skin in areas that are easily exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. It can have potential fatalities if not looked into.

Basal cell carcinoma

This one starts in the basal cells, whereby the worn-out cells from the lower sectors of the epidermis are replaced. It can be seen on your skin’s surface. It normally does not transfer to other parts of the body. In the rare cases it does, it can pose a threat to your life.

Merkel cell skin cancer

This rare kind of cancer of the skin results from Merkel cells overgrowing. Merkel cells are a special type of cell located in your epidermis. A few instances may result in its deadly spread to other body areas.

Melanoma

This cancer comes from the cells in your skin, giving it its color called melanocytes. Certain moles are noncancerous formed by melanocytes that may eventually become cancerous. Melanoma occurs on any part of your body with skin, with typical sites in the back and chest for men and legs for women.

Early diagnosis can make the issue be dealt with but spreads without treatment, reducing the chances of successful treatment. Melanoma spreads more effortlessly compared to squamous and basal cancers.

Kaposi sarcoma

This condition involves brown or red tumors or patches on the skin called lesions. These lesions are more prominent on the feet, legs, or face but can also be found in the mouth, genitals, or lymph nodes. They exhibit no symptoms when found on the skin’s surface. They can result in bleeding or fatalities if they transfer to your stomach or throat.

Skin Lymphoma

Lymphocyte cells in the immune system have the function of protecting the body from ailments or infection. These cells can begin growing uncontrollably on the skin causing skin lymphoma.

Actin keratosis

This is characterized by pink or red skin that is not cancerous but a precursor to cancer. These lesions, when ignored, can form squamous cell carcinoma.

It is typical to find unusual bumps or growths all over your body on the skin. However, new unexplained growths need to be checked out to reduce cancer risk. For more inquiries into skin cancer, visit our website, or call our offices in Sanford, NC.