Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the country. Therefore, it is important to know how to identify the symptoms and be aware of spots on the skin.
You may have already heard about skin cancer, it is a subject that is gaining more and more visibility. But would you know how to identify that you have skin cancer? This is a very important issue since early diagnosis often helps to treat the disease.
And did you also know that there is more than one type of skin cancer? Do you know how to differentiate them? Calm down, we’ll explain everything to you. Starting with the explanation of how cancer occurs.
The disease begins when bad cells begin to multiply uncontrollably, attacking the tissue/organ they are part of and killing the good cells. Skin cancer is when this occurs on our skin, the bad cells in our skin start to harm the organ itself.
However, there are some factors that influence whether or not someone develops skin cancer. We will explain this better to you.
Find out more about the types of skin cancer
1 – What are the types of skin cancer?
Skin cancer is classified in two ways, as melanoma or non-melanoma. Melanoma is the least common. This type of cancer tends to affect more adults with white skin and generally originates from cells that produce melanin.
Although less frequent, it has the highest risk of metastasis, that is, of the disease spreading throughout the body.
The other type of cancer is non-melanoma which can appear through a nodule, scar or wound. Fortunately, both types of cancer can be treated through the Unified Health System (SUS).
2 – Is there something that causes skin cancer?
People who have fair skin or a skin problem are those most likely to develop skin cancer. However, family history can also weigh in at these times. But there are other risk factors.
Exposure to the sun, without using sunscreen, can lead to the development of skin cancer. Just like people who use tanning beds.
3 – How to identify the signs of skin cancer?
Generally, signs of possible skin cancer appear in areas that are most exposed to sunlight. The spots are the main symptom and they need to be analyzed thoroughly.
Spots that itch, peel or bleed are a bad sign. If these spots have edges that are not very well defined and vary in color, be careful. Moles are also one of the symptoms, especially if they grow and change shape or color. Wounds that take longer than 4 weeks to heal are also a problem. Therefore, pay attention to your body and all the spots and marks that appear on it.
4 – Which doctor to see?
To find out more about skin cancer and diagnose it, you need to consult a cardiologist. The specialist will recommend an exam to check whether or not you are sick. Laboratory tests can include Dermatoscopy, which allows the doctor to see the deeper layers of the skin, which are not seen with the naked eye, and also a biopsy.
5 – What is the treatment for skin cancer?
Early stage skin cancer treatment is based on removing the injured area. However, when the cancer is no longer at an early stage, treatment depends on the situation of the disease. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be indicated.
Another form of treatment is photodynamic therapy, but as we said, it all depends on the stage of the disease and medical evaluation. In all the situations described, the most important thing in any case is to see a doctor to carry out the indicated treatment. That’s why it’s so important to know your own body and stay alert in the event of the appearance of cancerous spots and moles.
6 – Is there a way to prevent skin cancer?
The main recommendation to prevent skin cancer is to use sunscreen and avoid exposure to the sun, especially at times when the sun is hottest. This occurs between 10 am and 4 pm.
Remembering that the minimum protection factor must be 15 FPS. In addition to the protector, you can also wear clothing with a protection factor and even glasses and hats. Any way to avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially at the time we mentioned, is valid.
Did you like this article? Then you will also like this: How, through some signs, to identify skin cancer.
Source: Health, Oncoguia.
Images: Pfzer, Gazeta, Rádio Grande FM, Sindigru, Vida & Ação, SBCD, A Crítica.
