Skin cancer is an umbrella term for malignant epitheliomas of the skin, and behind it stand tumors with different courses. Some of them grow slowly and rarely metastasize, while others behave aggressively. Below are the types, risk factors, signs, and what the path to diagnosis looks like.
Types of skin cancer
Skin cancer usually includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma; melanoma is often considered separately, although it is also a malignant skin tumor.
Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, almost never metastasizes, and only in some cases grows into the deeper layers of the skin. Most often it looks like a small formation a few millimeters in diameter, slightly raised, with a fine network of blood vessels on the surface; as the tumor grows, small erosions appear on it. There is a solid (nodular) form — nodules surrounded by a vascular network; an ulcerative form — ulcers and surface defects prone to bleeding; and a pigmented form, whose surface is dark and resembles a pigmented spot.
Squamous cell carcinoma almost always develops from precancerous changes: first of all, scars after burns and injuries, fistulas, ulcers that do not heal for a long time, then senile keratoses and leukoplakia. In the initial stage, it is a formation the size of a cherry pit that rises above the skin surface and is covered with keratinized papillae; the nodule is dense, and the skin above it changes color from pink to reddish-purple. The tumor grows quickly, soon forms an ulcer with raised, dense edges, and the floor of the ulcer is pale red, lumpy or villous, and bleeds easily. Rapid growth and involvement of lymph nodes are characteristic.
There is also a papillary (fungating) form of squamous cell carcinoma: outwardly it looks like a mushroom — a massive nodule on a stalk or broad base, often covered with crusts of papillae, taking on the appearance of a cauliflower, and bleeds easily. This form is more common in men and is located on the lower lip (95% of cancer tumors at this site), the lower part of the trunk, the genitals, and the limbs. Mixed spinobasocellular forms account for up to 5% of all types of skin cancer.
Melanoma develops from pigmented skin cells, most often from nevi; it looks like a rapidly growing pigmented spot that over time may ooze and bleed, and it is prone to rapid metastasis through the blood and lymph.
Ultraviolet radiation and risk factors
Risk factors include ultraviolet and ionizing radiation, exposure to chemical carcinogens that get on the skin, smoking, taking drugs that weaken immunity (immunosuppressants), and a family predisposition associated with the body's genetic characteristics.
Signs
In the early stages, the disease usually has no subjective manifestations and causes no discomfort. The following may be warning signs:
- the appearance of a small spot, a grayish-yellow nodule, or a shiny plaque on the skin surface;
- itching, tingling, and a feeling of discomfort as the formation grows;
- an oozing ulcer in the center, sometimes with bleeding or a crust;
- scarring in the center while growth continues at the periphery;
- firmness of the base of the formation on palpation without signs of inflammation.
For melanoma, the guide is a change in a mole: color, size, shape, bleeding, itching, or burning. At the same time, regional lymph nodes may enlarge.
Diagnosis
The key step is an examination by a dermatologist: any new growth, especially one that causes concern, requires a more thorough examination.
When to see a doctor
See a dermatologist if a new formation has appeared on the skin or a mole has changed.
Call 103 or 112 immediately if there is a threat to life: suspected stroke or heart attack, severe injury.
This is reference material: it describes general guidelines and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
Sources
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer