Non-melanoma Skin Cancer
Austin Holmes
2/13/11
When you hear the term skin cancer you probably think of Melanoma. However, there are two other main types of skin cancer that, although are less deadly, are still important to be aware of. First, there is basal cell carcinoma. The word carcinoma implies that it rises from the epithelial tissue of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 75% of all skin cancer, and is the least dangerous because it rarely metastasizes, meaning it is unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. Next there is squamous cell carcinoma, which makes up approximately 20% of skin cancer. Although it is still very rare, this type of skin cancer is more likely to spread to other parts of the body through metastasis, because it is slightly more aggressive. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells make up the top layer of your skin, which is called epidermis. Directly below are the basal cells, which are rounder and more thick. Although these two types of skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, they are more likely to occur in areas that come in contact with the sun frequently. Such as the face, neck, hands, arms, and legs.
Both types of these skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources like tanning beds and sun lamps. However, research has shown that basal cell carcinoma comes as a result of gradual sun exposure, like that received on a vacation. While squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to occur in people who constantly are exposed to sun.
There are many different factors that make you susceptible to getting skin cancer. The highest rates of skin cancer are found in South Africa and Australia, both of which are places that receive high amounts of UV radiation from the sun. You are more likely to develop skin cancer if your skin freckles and burns easily, or does not tan. Things you wouldn’t expect, like the color of your eyes can also play a role in getting skin cancer. People with blue, green or other light-colored eyes are more likely to develop skin cancer. Other factors like having blonde or red hair, having past treatment involving radiation, and being male make you more prone to getting skin cancer as well. Even your ethnicity plays a role. Hispanics and blacks are much less likely to have skin cancer than whites.
Although I was unable to find out exactly how squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma skin cancer are caused at a molecular level, I do know that the UV radiation from the sun damages the DNA in the skin cells. From the knowledge I have gained from bio class I know essentially what happens. It begins with a genetic alteration in your cells. The UV radiation from the sun tampers with the proto-oncogenes, which are involved in promoting cell division, and turns them into oncogenes. The oncogenes increase the rate at which the cell cycle occurs, because they no longer stop at tumor suppressors, which normally would act as stop signs. This then causes a clump of mutated cells or a tumor to form.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and in the U.S. alone there are 1 to 2 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer each year, and half of Americans who live to be 65 will develop some form of skin cancer. Although most cases are found in patients over 50 years of age, it is mainly caused from exposure to UV radiation during the first 20 years of a person’s life. Fortunately, skin cancer is very treatable, especially when caught early. Out of all the 1-2 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer each year there are only 2,000 deaths. In contrast, melanoma only accounts for approximately 5% of skin cancer, with about 53,600 cases each year. However, it is responsible for more than ¾ of deaths. 7,400 people die each year in the U.S. of melanoma.
The good news is that taking small precautionary action can go a long way in preventing skin caner. Doing things like, limiting your sun exposure between 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. can make a huge difference. Another thing that can help is applying SPF 30, or higher, sunscreen regularly. Covering your skin also helps. Wearing brimmed hats and tightly woven clothing while you’re outside is very helpful, because if your skin is not exposed to the UV radiation from the sun you are protected. Also never remain in tanning beds for extended periods of time; they have UV lights that can be harmful to your skin.
If the appearance of your skin changes, possibly in the form of a growth or sore that will not heal, you should not hesitate to seek medical attention from you doctor so you can receive a diagnosis. The sooner skin cancer is diagnosed, the more treatable it is. Depending on the stage of the cancer, the size, the type, and the patient’s health, different treatment methods can be used. Small cancers in easily treatable areas can simply be scooped out with a curette, which is a spoon like instrument, and then left to heal with out stitches. If the tumor is larger it can be surgically cut out and stitched up. Radiation therapy is used on tumors that are hard to be removed surgically. However, in order to achieve a good result, their needs to be 25-30 sessions, this obviously varies for every case. The final way is called Cryosurgery. This method is not un-similar to having a wart removed. Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and kill the mutated cells.
In conclusion, skin cancer is not something that should be ignored or dismissed, and should be taken very seriously, especially when you have been diagnosed with it. That being said if it is discovered and treated early enough, you will most likely survive with nothing more than scar left behind as a constant reminder.
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