Skin cancer. Symptoms of the initial stage and types of disease

Skin cancer is a malignant growth that develops from epidermal cells and affects all of its layers. There are three varieties of this disease:

• Squamous cell;
• Basal cell;
• melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin

It affects the basal cells, which are located in the lower part of the epidermis layer. This is the most common skin cancer. A symptom that can be observed with this kind of ailment is perhaps the only one - small red spots or nodules form on the body, sometimes they bleed. Basal carcinoma accounts for 75% of all varieties of cutaneous neoplasm. This skin cancer is developing very slowly. The initial stage of it is practically not manifested and can remain unnoticed for many months and even years. But in the end, the skin forms ulcers that bleed and do not heal. If you find out in time that skin cancer, a symptom of which has not yet manifested itself, it can be cured completely.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

In this case, the tumor cells originate in the upper layer of the epidermis. Like basal carcinoma, it develops very slowly and can move to other parts of the body only if it is not treated for a very long time. According to statistics, 20% of all diseases of this type occupy precisely squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. The symptom that appears first is itching, and redness is also observed. Usually, the lesion occurs in open areas of the skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma is treated with fairly gentle methods at the initial stages of the disease and is completely cured.

Malignant melanoma

It can appear from any mole or freckle. It develops from melanocyte cells, which produce the pigment melanin. Hence the name. This is a skin cancer, a symptom of which can be seen in a mole that has changed or appears again, or a freckle. Its cells begin to divide uncontrollably, it increases in volume. It is important to begin treatment at an early stage, until the melanoma has grown into all layers of the skin. If you turn to specialists in time, most of the malignant tumors can be completely eliminated. First of all, we should alert the birthmarks, which began to grow actively, their asymmetry appeared, or some allocation from them is noticeable. In all these situations it is necessary to consult an oncologist, undergo the necessary examinations (biopsy, UAC, radiography, MRI) and, if necessary, remove the lesions surgically.

What can provoke malignant neoplasms of the skin?

Here are some factors that can contribute to the development of such an unpleasant disease as skin cancer. The reasons for it may be different, but for prevention it should be:

• Do not stay long in the open sun (exposure to ultraviolet light);
• Avoid prolonged exposure to X-rays (for example, X-ray office workers);
• Limit contact with carcinogens (tar, arsenic, etc.);
• Quit smoking (passive smoking is also dangerous);
• Take into account that excessive enthusiasm for artificial sunburn (solarium) can provoke the development of skin cancer.