skin cancer
skin cancer It is caused by skin cells dividing and growing abnormally from skin cells. became cancer cells There are important risk factors such as exposure to sunlight, genetic factors, chronic non-healing wounds on the skin, or a mole that has grown in size. Change in color and shape
Types of skin cancer
Skin cancer can be divided into 2 types:
Skin cancer that originates from skin cells is divided into 2 types:
Basal cell carcinoma is the #1 most common type of skin cancer among all skin cancers. which is caused by abnormalities of the basal cell layer. It is found in areas of the skin exposed to sunlight for a long time. or have you ever had sunburned skin This type of cancer The prognosis is quite good and the progression is slow.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer among all skin cancers. which is caused by general skin abnormalities If left untreated or untreated, there is a possibility of it spreading to other nearby organs.
Melanoma skin cancer (melanoma)
Skin cancer is the least common but is the most serious. Caused by abnormalities of melanin-producing cells Exposure to UV rays from the sun or sunburn Having a family history of this type of cancer And moles that become larger and change shape, you need to be careful and come get checked quickly.
Risk Factors That Cause Skin Cancer Warning Signs to Watch Out For
-Prolonged exposure to the sun, such as working outdoors or basking in the sun
-White skin or white skin
-The family has a history of skin cancer.
-Exposure to arsenic
-Skin that has been irradiated
-There are many moles or abnormally small spots.
-Smoke regularly
-Chronic wounds that have not healed in the skin area for more than 3 months
-immune deficiency
Observations on skin cancer
-There are bumps or lumps.
-The skin breaks down forming wounds, scabs and bleeding. In some cases, pain may also occur.
-Moles grow faster than normal. There are a variety of colors. The shape changes asymmetrically, size larger than 6 millimeters.
-There is a chronic rash that raises and cannot be cured.
Can the color of your nails tell you you have skin cancer?
Colored streaks on nails can be caused by many reasons, such as injury to the base of the nail due to manicure, peeling, radiation therapy and fungal nail infections. Receiving certain medications Or it can also be a warning sign of melanoma in the nail area. You can observe the nail color as follows.
-The nails have dark brown or black streaks.
-The colored stripe is 3 millimeters wider.
-The color band has unclear boundaries.
– There are a variety of colors.
-Colored stripe that extends to the base of the nail
How to treat
To treat skin cancer, doctors must first determine the type of cancer you are experiencing. Because the treatment is different. Looking at the big picture, the best treatment for cancer is surgery to remove all the cancer. The patient has a 90-99% chance of recovery and has minimal recurrence.
But in some patients who cannot undergo surgery or who are at high risk for surgery, doctors will consider additional treatment approaches such as curettage and electrocautery. Spraying with liquid nitrogen Drugs that boost the immune system or use a laser to destroy it But with non-surgical treatment, there is a greater chance of the cancer returning.
Skin cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed early and treated quickly. If the patient has a raised bump Have a wound on the skin for a long time or have a rapidly growing mole, you should immediately consult a doctor for a diagnosis. It should not be allowed to spread and affect treatment.
Prof. Dr. Theeraphong Rattananuukrom
Department of Dermatology Department of Internal Medicine
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University
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