Skin cancers – types, symptoms and causes

The skin is the largest organ of our body, thus performing many functions – it controls the proper body temperature, protects against heat and cold, as well as against infections and damage. Every day old skin cells are destroyed and new ones are born in their place. Unfortunately, there are times when this process does not work properly, and the body produces unnecessary cells that can potentially form a tissue mass called a cancer or tumor. Skin cancer can affect anyone, which is why cancer prevention and quick diagnosis are extremely important. Malignant changes detected in the early stage give a 99% chance of recovery. It is worth remembering that many cancers develop very inconspicuously, so every skin change on the body should be consulted with an experienced dermatologist.

Types of skin cancer

• Benign skin cancers

Benign skin lesions are characterized by the fact that they do not destroy adjacent tissues, do not metastasize and grow relatively slowly. However, we are not able to distinguish benign from malignant lesions on our own, thus a dermatological consultation is advisable whenever a lesion appears on the skin. Benign neoplasms include primarily:

• Desmoid tumours and fibroma molluscum
• Hemangiomas and lymphangiomas
• Sebaceous cysts
• Lipomas
• Neuroblastomas
• Epitheliomas
• Adenomas

• Malignant skin cancers

These are lesions that pose a threat to the Patient’s health and even life if not detected early enough. They can metastasize and destroy the tissues around them. A malignant skin lesion is called cancer. It is worth mentioning that 80% of skin cancers are located in the head and neck, the remaining 20% occur on limbs and torso. Malignant neoplasm is preceded by a precancerous condition, which may develop into:

• Melanoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Sarcoma
• Merkel cell carcinoma
• Malignant lentigines
• Paget’s skin cancer

Precancerous skin conditions

Some lesions that occur on the skin may or may not develop into cancer. For this reason, any new skin lesion, or one that begins to change, should be examined by a dermatologist as early as possible. Prompt diagnosis contributes to curing the cancer before it takes a malignant form. Precancerous conditions include:

• Senile and solar keratosis
• Parchment skin
• Cutaneous horn
• Radiation scars, burns, irritation scars
• Pigmented nevus, such as lentigines

Differences between benign and malignant lesions

The table below is informative and shows the most common differences between benign and malignant lesions. However, the type of lesion in question must be determined by a physician each time.

Causes of skin cancer, or risk factors

It is not known why some people get skin cancer and others do not. The condition can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or skin color. However, certain factors can influence a person to develop cancer. Risk factors include:

• Exposure to UV radiation – both from the sun and from tanning beds
• Light complexion
• Genetic conditions – family history of skin cancer
• Scars and burns
• Conditions that cause sun sensitivity, such as albinism or nevus epithelioma syndrome
• Some diseases, such as Bowen disease
• Taking immunosuppressive drugs
• Radiotherapy
• Exposure to chemicals such as arsenic, fungicides, petroleum derivatives
• Having a large number of nevus and skin lesions
• Smoking
• Exposure to ionizing radiation

Disturbing symptoms

If you notice one or more of the following list of symptoms, you should contact your dermatologist as soon as possible:

• appearance of a new and disturbing change
• change in shape, color, and size of an existing lesion
• inflammation, redness, oozing or bleeding from the lesion
• itching, burning or pain within the lesion

Keep in mind that skin cancers are not contagious, and if detected in the early stages, they offer an almost 100 percent guarantee of cure. If you are concerned about any skin lesion, immediately go to a dermatologist. Modern methods of diagnosis and treatment, which we offer in our Clinic, as well as the experience of our physicians are extremely important in the fight against skin cancer.

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