Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells due to the disruption of their normal life cycle. Normally, cells undergo programmed cell death, maintaining the numbers of cells in your body at a normal level. However, in cancer these cells lose the programming that tells them to cease proliferating and living. This uncontrolled proliferation results in tumorous growths that could be malignant and spread.
Skin cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells that make up the skin layers. Most often this type of cancer develops in regions that are exposed to direct sunlight.
If there are abnormal growths on your skin that you believe could be cancerous, you should get it checked out by a professional immediately. We recommend these great Skin specialist in Lahore, for those of you that require one in that city.
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Types of Skin Cancers
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The first two are part of a broad category known as non-melanoma skin cancers, which also include such cancers as angiosarcomas, cutaneous B- and T-cell lymphomas, and sebaceous carcinomas. We will primarily focus on the main three here.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cells are those cells deep in the layers of skin that are responsible for replenishing upper skin layers with new skin cells. This type usually presents on the most sun-exposed areas of the body, like the hands and face. It appears as a sore that does not heal. This sore may present different visual changes. For instance:
- A white waxy appearance that looks like a scar
- A bruise-like appearance, with brown, black or blue coloration
- A patch that may look like a rash, appearing scaly and red, often appearing on the back or chest
- A pearly-white, pink or skin-coloured bump that may seem a bit translucent, primarily appearing on the face or ears
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cells make up the middle and outermost layer of the skin, and can be found throughout the body. This type is not life-threatening, though it can grow large and potentially spread to other parts of the body. Like most other skin cancers, this usually develops due to prolonged exposure to UV-rays from the sun, or else from artificial sources like tanning beds.
This type may present itself as:
- A firm red bump
- A flat sore that may become scaly
- Rough and scaly, or red sore patches on the inside of your lips or mouth
- Wartlike raised patches on the genitals or near the anus
Melanoma
This is considered the most severe type of skin cancer, developing in the layer containing melanocytes, which produce the brownish pigment melanin responsible for dark coloration of the skin. Melanomas can form on the skin, as well in your eyes, and, less commonly, in the body, like the nose and throat. Though the exact causes are unknown, it is believed that, like all other cancers, prolonged exposure to UV radiation greatly increases the chances of developing the cancer. The first appearance of a melanoma may present itself as a change to an existing mole or the development of a new unusual looking growth on the skin. An existing mole may change color, size, texture and may even begin to bleed.
If you have noticed any of the above visual symptoms, we highly recommend you visit a specialist as soon as you are able. We recommend these Best Skin specialist in Karachi, if you reside in that city.