THE skin cancer It accounts for approximately 33% of all cancer diagnoses in Brazil and approximately 185 thousand new cases are registered each year in the country, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA).
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma . Each one has specific characteristics and the differences are related to the cellular origin, the potential for metastasis and the aggressiveness.
Identifying the signs of skin cancer early is important for more effective treatment and a greater chance of a cure. See below for details on each of these three types of skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma
This is the most common and least aggressive type. It usually appears as a small, pearly lesion or nodule that may bleed. It can also appear as a reddish spot or a scar with irregular edges.
Although it grows slowly, it can invade adjacent tissues if left untreated, causing deformities. It rarely metastasizes, that is, spreads to other parts of the body.
“The warning sign is when we have a wound that does not heal within four weeks. Carcinomas occur more in areas exposed to the sun, with 70% to 90% of cases occurring on the face,” explains Bethânia Cabral Cavalli Swiczar, dermatologist responsible for the Skin Cancer Outpatient Clinic at the São Paulo State Public Hospital (HSPE).
Squamous cell carcinoma
More aggressive than the previous type, squamous cell carcinoma also appears more frequently in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck and hands. The lesions are usually characterized by nodules or warty plaques that may bleed.
This type of cancer is more likely to spread to other organs, especially if it is not treated early. Chronic sun exposure and the presence of chronic wounds are risk factors.
“Squamous cell carcinoma, in turn, often manifests as a scaly wound, a wart or a scaly, reddish patch that does not improve,” adds Daniélle Amaro, oncologist.
Melanoma
This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, responsible for the majority of deaths related to the disease. Melanoma can arise from an existing mole or a new one that appears on the skin. These moles usually have irregular edges, grow quickly and vary in color (black, brown, red or white).
The ABCDE rule is used by doctors to identify melanoma:
- A- Asymmetry
- B- Irregular edges
- C- Color – spots with more than one color
- D- Diameter greater than 0.6 cm
- E- Evolution – moles that are growing and changing. In addition, we should be aware of new moles, especially in people over 35 years old.
Highly aggressive, it can metastasize, that is, spread quickly to other organs. Some risk factors for this type of cancer include family history, intense sunburns, and multiple moles.
Treatment
The success of treatment depends on the type of cancer and the stage at which it is diagnosed. Lesions detected early have a greater chance of being cured, especially in cases of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.
“Basal cell carcinoma is commonly treated with surgery, scraping of the lesion, electrocautery, cryotherapy or topical treatments. Radiation therapy may also be an option in some cases, especially in lesions that bleed frequently. Squamous cell carcinoma is treated in a similar manner, with surgery being the first line of defense, and may also include radiation therapy and, in more advanced cases, systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy,” explains Amaro.
Melanoma, due to its aggressiveness, requires more comprehensive treatment, which may include surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer.
Prevention is the best medicine
According to experts interviewed by the report of CNN some preventive actions are essential to reduce the risk of skin cancer and for this reason, regular consultations with a dermatologist are recommended for skin evaluations, especially for people at higher risk, such as those with a family history of skin cancer or multiple moles.
To prevent skin cancer, it is essential to adopt protective measures, such as regularly using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher and avoiding sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, when ultraviolet (UV) rays are most intense.
Furthermore, it is recommended to wear protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses and clothing that covers the skin, especially in the case of professionals who are exposed to the sun for long periods of time during their work activities.
“You should avoid using artificial tanning beds and carry out regular skin examinations, both self-examinations and periodic consultations with a dermatologist for the early detection of suspicious lesions”, explains Amaro.
Furthermore, people with light skin, eyes and hair, who have a lower amount of melanin (skin pigment), are more vulnerable to UV radiation.
“Older patients, who accumulate more damage caused by sun exposure throughout their lives, are also part of this more vulnerable group,” adds Swiczar.
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This content was originally published in Learn about the different types of skin cancer and the main symptoms on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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