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 types of this disease:

• squamous;
• basal cell;
• melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin

It infects the basal cells, which are locatedin the lower part of the epidermis. This is the most common skin cancer. The symptom that can be observed with this type of illness is probably 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 lesions. This skin cancer develops very slowly. Its initial stage practically does not manifest itself in any way and can go unnoticed for many months and even years. But in the end ulcers form on the skin, which bleed and practically do not heal. If this skin cancer is detected in time, a symptom of which has not yet manifested itself, then it can be cured completely.

Squamous skin cancer

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

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

It can appear from any mole or freckles.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 mole that has changed or reappeared or a freckle. Its cells begin to divide uncontrollably, it increases in volume. It is important to begin treatment at an early stage, until the melanoma has sprouted into all layers of the skin. If you turn to specialists in time, you can get rid of most malignant tumors completely. First of all, moles that began to grow actively should be alerted, their asymmetry appeared, or some discharge from them is noticeable. In all these situations, it is necessary to turn to an oncologist, undergo the necessary examinations (biopsy, OAK, X-ray, MRI) and, if necessary, remove the formations surgically.

What can provoke malignant neoplasms of the skin?

• do not stay long in the open sun (exposure to ultraviolet radiation);
• avoid prolonged exposure to X-rays (for example, employees of X-ray rooms);
• limit contact with carcinogens (tar, arsenic, etc.);
• stop smoking (passive smoking is also dangerous);
• Consider that excessive artificial tanning (tanning beds) can trigger the development of skin cancer.