Skin Cancer Types and Characteristics
Skin Cancer is a skin disorder characterized by abnormal growth of skin cells. Cancer mainly attacks skin cells that are exposed to the sun, such as in the face, arms, and legs.
Skin cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled cell growth in the layers of the skin. Just like other cancers, early detection can treat skin cancer.
Skin cancer can attack anyone. Although this type of cancer is rare in Indonesians, you should not ignore it. By knowing the symptoms of skin cancer, you will be more alert to it.
Recognizing the early symptoms of skin cancer is very important to facilitate treatment and prevent unwanted complications.
There are several types of skin cancer, including:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
A type of skin cancer that attacks the basal cells. This is a type of cell that works to produce new cells to replace skin cells that have died. This cancer generally attacks the face and neck.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Types of skin cancer that are not malignant. Generally grows on the skin of the face, especially the area around the ears and lips. However, it can also attack other areas of the body, especially those that have squamous cells.
Melanoma
Is a type of skin cancer that develops with melanocyte cell disorders. That is, this cancer interferes with the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that makes up skin color). It generally looks like a mole or develops from a mole.
Distinguish these three types of skin cancer through examination of skin tissue under a microscope.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
- Wounds that don’t heal
This is a sign of skin cancer that is most often complained of. If you have open sores that don’t heal on parts of your body that are frequently exposed to the sun, it could be a sign of skin cancer. - Reddish spots that bleed easily
Spots on the skin can also be a symptom of cancer. Spots on cancer are usually reddish in color that are painful, itchy, peeling, and bleed easily. Symptoms of skin cancer are most often shown in the basal cell and squamous cell types. - Spots of Different Colors
Spots that arise in skin cancer can also be different colors. If you have patches that are not the same overall color, such as half shades of brown and black, then you should be suspicious. It could be a sign of skin cancer. - Bumps resembling small craters
In the type of squamous cell carcinoma, can also appear spots or lumps that resemble craters. The shape can resemble a small volcano with a red spot in the middle. - The Mole That Keeps Enlarging
Everyone has moles. However, if this mole gets bigger with an asymmetrical shape and bleeds easily, it is one of the symptoms of skin cancer. - Moles That Change Color
One type of skin cancer is melanoma, which is skin cancer that originates from melanocyte cells that make melanin (the pigment that gives skin color). When the mole looks discolored, or the color distribution becomes uneven, you need to suspect the development of cancer. - Red and scaly bumps
In addition to dark moles, the characteristics of skin cancer can also be red bumps. In basal cell carcinoma, these lumps can resemble small pearls that are red and shiny. - Dark Spots on the Palms
The characteristics of skin cancer do not only involve areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. Melanoma type skin cancer can also affect areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, fingertips, to the mucosa in the mouth, nose, vagina and anus.
By knowing the characteristics of skin cancer, you can detect it early and prevent complications that can occur. The recognizable cause of skin cancer is sun exposure, so you can prevent it by diligently using sunscreen.
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