Skin cancer

Skin cancer is the most common of all human cancers. Cancer that forms in tissues of the skin .Cancer occurs when normal cells undergo a transformation during which they grow and multiply without normal controls.. There are several types of skin cancer. Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes i.e.,skin cells that make pigment is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in basal cells i.e.,small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of skin is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems.

As the cells multiply, they form a mass called a tumor. Tumors of the skin are often referred to as lesions.Tumors are cancerous only if they are malignant. This means that they encroach on and invade neighboring tissues because of their uncontrolled growth.Tumors may also travel to remote organs via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.This process of invading and spreading to other organs is called metastasis.Tumors overwhelm surrounding tissues by invading their space and taking the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive and function.

Ultraviolet light exposure, most commonly from sunlight, is overwhelmingly the most frequent cause of skin cancer. Use of tanning booths, Exposure to unusually high levels of x-rays. Contact with certain chemicals leads to skin cancer.

The main skin cancer symptom includes a difference in the appearance of the skin. It may take the form of a spot, sore, or mole with a changeable size, shape, color, or feel. Some common skin cancer symptoms are firm red lump, sore or rough red spot that becomes crusty or scaly which begins to bleed, spot that becomes red, swollen, itchy, tender, or painful and mole that grows or otherwise changes its appearance. There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms that you should be aware of. Those skin cancer symptoms include sores or changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcers in the skin, discoloring in parts of the skin, and changes in existing moles. The skin cancer symptoms may vary depending upon its type.

If you have a worrisome mole or other lesion, your primary-care provider will probably refer you to a dermatologist. The dermatologist will examine any moles in question and, in many cases, the entire skin surface.Any lesions that are difficult to identify, or are thought to be skin cancer, may then be checked.A sample of skin will be taken so that the suspicious area of skin can be examined under a microscope.A biopsy can almost always be done in the dermatologist's office.Treatment for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma is straightforward. Usually, surgical removal of the lesion is adequate. Malignant melanoma, however, may require several treatment methods, including surgery, radiation theraphy, and chemotheraphy. Because of the complexity of treatment decisions, people with malignant melanoma may benefit from the combined expertise of the dermatologist, a cancer surgeon, and an oncologist.