Skin cancer. Symptoms of the initial stage and types of disease

Skin cancer is a malignant neoplasm that develops from the cells of the epidermis and affects all its layers. There are three varieties of this disease:

• squamous;
• basal cell;
• melanoma.

Basal cell skin cancer

It affects the basal cells, which are located in the lower part of the epidermis layer. This is the most common skin cancer. The symptom that can be observed with this type of ailment is perhaps the only one - small red spots or nodules form on the body, sometimes they bleed. Basal carcinoma accounts for 75% of all types of skin neoplasms. This skin cancer develops very slowly. The initial stage of it is practically not manifested in any way and can go unnoticed for many months and even years. But in the end, sores form on the skin that bleed and practically do not heal. If you find this skin cancer in time , a symptom of which has not yet manifested itself, then it can be completely cured.

Squamous cell skin cancer

In this case, tumor cells nucleate in the upper layer of the epidermis. Like basal carcinoma, it develops very slowly and can move to other parts of the body only if it is not treated for a very long time. According to statistics, 20% of all diseases of this type are squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. The symptom that appears first is itching, and redness is also observed. The lesion usually occurs in exposed areas of the skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma is treated with fairly gentle methods in the initial stages of the disease and is completely cured.

Malignant melanoma

It can appear from any mole or freckle. It develops from melanocyte cells that produce the pigment melanin. Hence the name. This is skin cancer, a symptom of which can be seen in a changed or reappeared mole or freckle. Her cells begin to divide uncontrollably, it increases in volume. It is important to start treatment at an early stage until melanoma has grown into all layers of the skin. If you turn to specialists in time, you can completely get rid of most malignant neoplasms. First of all, moles that began to grow actively should be alert, their asymmetry has appeared, or some discharge from them is noticeable. In all these situations, it is necessary to consult an oncologist, undergo the necessary examinations (biopsy, OAA, radiography, MRI) and, if necessary, remove the formations surgically.

What can provoke malignant neoplasms of the skin?

Here are some factors that can contribute to the development of such an unpleasant disease as skin cancer. Its causes may be different, but for prevention should:

• Do not stay long in the open sun (exposure to ultraviolet light);
• avoid prolonged exposure to x-rays (for example, workers in x-ray rooms);
• limit contact with carcinogens (tar, arsenic, etc.);
• quit smoking (second-hand smoke is also dangerous);
• consider that excessive enthusiasm for artificial tanning (tanning beds) can trigger the development of skin cancer.