Scientists remind that skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world.
According to the Daily Star, about 147,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are registered annually in Great Britain alone. This type of cancer develops slowly in the upper layers of the skin and can be successfully treated with surgery. Melanoma is a more well-known type of skin cancer. It is less common, but more dangerous, including because it can spread to other parts of the body, informs UAINFO.org.
The main symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer
The first sign of non-melanoma skin cancer is usually the appearance of a growth or change in skin color that persists for several weeks and gradually progresses over months or even years. This is a cancerous tumor or spot. In most cases, cancerous tumors are red and hard, sometimes they turn into ulcers, while cancerous spots are usually flat and scaly.
Non-melanoma skin cancer most often develops on areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight, such as the face, ears, arms, shoulders, chest, and back.
The main symptoms of melanoma
Moles with uneven edges;
moles of mixed color;
large birthmarks, often wider than 6 mm;
birthmarks that change in size, shape and sensation over time: swelling, bleeding, itching or crusting.
According to the National Health Service of Great Britain (NHS), it is necessary to consult a doctor if:
you have a mole that has changed externally;
you have a painful or itchy birthmark;
you noticed that the birthmark became inflamed, bleeding or covered with a crust;
pigmentation or other spots on your skin change and do not heal for several weeks;
there is a dark area under the nail that is not due to trauma.
How to reduce the risk of malignant transformation of moles
The NHS website notes that UV rays can increase the chance of moles becoming malignant. People who have many moles should be especially careful in the sun.
They are recommended to:
stay in the shade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun is most active;
protect the skin with clothing, including wearing a hat and sunglasses;
regularly apply sunscreen with a high protection factor (minimum SPF30) and reapply it after bathing;
avoid tanning beds or sunlamps as they use UV rays.
Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer
During the appointment, the doctor will probably examine your skin for signs of cancer. He may refer you to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon if he detects potential signs of skin cancer. A specialist can perform a biopsy to confirm the presence or absence of cancer.
Skin cancer usually requires surgery, but cryotherapy, anticancer ointments, radiation therapy, and light therapy are sometimes used to treat it.
According to the NHS, at least 9 out of 10 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are successfully treated.
Prevention of skin cancer
Such prevention includes not only protection from the sun's rays, but also a regular examination of the skin for the presence of new formations or changes in already existing moles. It is important to know your skin and follow these simple rules:
regularly check the skin for new moles or changes to existing ones;
pay attention to places that are difficult to see, such as the back, legs, hands, ears;
consult a doctor if any suspicious changes are detected.
Early diagnosis
Such a diagnosis of skin cancer can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. If you notice any of these signs, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more optimistic the prognosis.
Skin cancer is a serious disease, but with timely detection and the right approach, it can be successfully treated. Awareness of symptoms and regular skin examination are key factors in early diagnosis of this disease.
Adhering to sun protection and avoiding artificial tanning can also reduce the risk of skin cancer.
If you have a lot of moles or are at risk, regular checkups should be an important part of your skin cancer prevention strategy.
The information is informative, it is necessary to consult a specialist/doctor.
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