Cancer is a condition characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. One of your main organs highly likely to be attacked by cancerous cells is the skin. According to research by the American Academy of Dermatology, about 10,000 Americans get diagnosed with skin cancer daily. One of the common reasons you may have Cypress skin cancer is excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful UV light. Too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage your skin cells’ DNA. Remember, DNA contains and gives instructions you need to develop, survive, and reproduce.
Thus, the gradual destruction of the DNA makeup may trigger your cells to begin growing out of control, leading to skin cancer. You can lower your risks of skin cancer associated with sun exposure by always staying in the shade, wearing clothes covering your skin, wearing a wide-brimmed hat on sunny days, wearing sunglasses, and applying sunscreen.
Besides UV light exposure, you may also be at risk of skin cancer if you have a weaker immune system, are exposed to certain toxic chemicals, smoke tobacco, or have an inherited condition such as extreme sensitivity to the sun.
Consequently, below are the types of skin cancer you may get.
Basal cell carcinoma
The basal cells are located at the bottom of your epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. Basal cells are essential for producing new skin cells. Once they create new skin cells, they force older, unwanted cells toward the surface of your skin.
Therefore, if you have basal cell carcinoma, the growth of cancerous cells starts in the basal cells. As the most prevalent form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma makes your skin (the upper body, neck, or head) have a lesion or sore that does not heal and is shiny or translucent.
Since basal cell carcinomas rarely spread, early diagnosis and removal of the cancerous growth can enable successful treatment.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cells are thin and flat and resemble fish scales. The cells are available in the tissue forming the surface of your skin. However, squamous cells are also found in your hollow organs’ lining and respiratory and digestive tracts.
Squamous cells help form a membrane, allowing selective diffusion of materials through the skin. The squamous cell layer also contains the Langerhans cells, which attach themselves to antigens attacking your damaged skin.
Abnormal growth of cancerous cells may start in the squamous cells, which causes squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinoma often attacks your lips, ears, and scalp.
Melanoma skin cancer
Although melanoma skin cancer is less common, it is often the most serious skin cancer you can get. The cancerous cells start in the cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells in your skin that produce a pigment called melanin that gives your skin its color.
It may take weeks to months for melanoma skin cancer to grow and appear in any location of your body, including areas that are not exposed to excessive UV light.
Often malignant melanoma begins in the back of males and the lower leg of females.
Another rare type of skin cancer that you may also get is Merkel cell cancer.
Contact Magnolia Dermatology today to schedule an appointment with a skin cancer specialist.
