The skin is the largest organ of our body. Its role is to protect the human body from injury and also to maintain an ideal body temperature.
The skin has 3 main layers:
- The epidermis. This is the outer layer of the skin.
- The dermis. This is the inner layer of the skin.
- The hypodermis. It is a deep layer of fat.
Skin cancer occurs when the skin cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled and unorderly manner. In the normal course of happenings in the human body, old skin cells that are dead and damaged are replaced by new ones. When this normal process stops happening, it results in the rapid growth of abnormal cells which can be cancerous.
The most common cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from the sun to the human body.
Types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma – These are cells that are found in the lower epidermis. These are the most common form of skin cancers usually forming in the head and neck.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – The epidermis is formed of flat-scale-like cells that are called squamous cells. When cancer develops in these cells it is called squamous cell carcinoma. They are usually formed due to exposure to the sun. It is mostly found on the lips, at sites of a long-standing scar, and on the skin outside the mouth, anus, and vagina.
- Merkel cell cancer – This is an aggressive and very rapidly growing cancer. Cancer cells get produced beneath the skin and hair follicles. It is found in the head and around the neck region.
- Melanoma – There are scattered cells that are known as melanocytes and are formed where the epidermis meets the dermis. Melanoma begins formation in melanocytes, and it is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. They look like brown-pigmented patches or bumps. Some resemble a mole that changes in color, and size or that bleeds.
The good news is if skin cancer is detected and treated early by a cancer specialist in Goa almost all of them are curable.
Who is more at risk of developing cancer?
- If you spend a considerable amount of time working in the sun.
- If you get easily sunburned
- Have homes in sunny or high-altitude climates.
- Tan or use tanning beds.
- Have many moles on the body.
- If you have precancerous skin growths that are rough, scaly, dark pink-to-brown patches
- If there is a family history of skin cancer.
- Have undergone an organ transplant.
- Are you on medications that suppress or weaken your immune system?
- Have been exposed to ultraviolet light therapy for the treatment of eczema or psoriasis.
Causes of skin cancer
- Overexposure to the UV light of the sun
- Exposure to chemicals like tar and coal
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
Skin cancers are diagnosed by visiting the best oncologist in Goa at cancer hospitals. Your dermatologist will examine all of your skin, which includes your scalp, palms of your hands, ears, soles of your feet, in between your toes, around your genitals, and between your buttocks. You need to inform your doctor if you have noticed any changes in any existing moles, freckles or other skin spots or new skin growths. If there is a skin legion the cancer specialist in Goa may ask for a biopsy to be performed on it.
Treatment of cancer
The right treatment for a patient depends on the type of cancer present and at what stage it has reached. The various types of cancer treatment are:
- Cryotherapy
- Excisional surgery
- Mohs surgery
- Curettage and electrodesiccation
- Chemotherapy and immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Photodynamic therapy
Prevention of skin cancer
The most ideal way to protect yourself from skin cancer is to avoid too much sunlight or sunburns. Here are a few ways to go about it:
- Make use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Put in on 30 minutes before you step outside. Make sure you wear it every day and even on overcast and cloudy days.
- Along with sunscreen use lip balm.
- Wear long sleeves shirt or a jacket and trousers when stepping out into the sun. If you can get your hands on clothes that have a UV protection factor label then that will be the most helpful.
- Put on hats that have a wide brim to cover your face adequately from the sun.
- The sun between 10 am to 4 pm is the strongest. Make sure you avoid exposure to the sun during these times as much as possible. Use sunglasses at all times in the sun to protect your eyes. Choose glasses that block both UV-B and UV-A rays
- Try to avoid or minimize the use of tanning beds.
- Certain medications are known to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Discuss your medication with your cancer specialist in Goa.
- Make it a habit to check your skin periodically for any growths, changes in color, development of new skin spots and so on. Make sure that you check all parts of the body. If you come across anything different or suspicious make an appointment at the best cancer hospital in Goa as soon as you can.
Here’s a list of questions that you can take along with you when you go to visit the best oncologist in Goa:
- What type of skin cancer have I got?
- What stage is my skin cancer at?
- What’s the best treatment for my skin cancer?
- Are there any side effects of that treatment?
- Are there potential complications of this cancer and the treatment for it?
- Am I at increased risk of additional skin cancers?
- How often should I come for my follow-up checkups?
People recovering from skin cancer are asked to follow certain established guidelines for maintaining good health such as not smoking, limiting alcohol, eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels. Make sure you engage in some form of regular physical activity can as it can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Talk to your healthcare team at the best cancer hospital in Goa to help you create an appropriate exercise plan based on your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level.
