{"id":2008,"date":"2023-01-09T12:12:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T12:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avaneclinic.com\/?p=2008"},"modified":"2024-05-13T10:21:04","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T10:21:04","slug":"skin-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avaneclinic.com\/skin-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Skin Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For centuries, people have been affected by certain conditions that affect their health. There are various health hazards, some of which are dire, others mild and others harmless. Medical research has helped ease the way around their treatment. However, there are new conditions that keep popping up, due to our lifestyles, environmental conditions and other factors. In today's world, cancer is one of the most dangerous conditions. It is among the leading causes of death, all across the world. In Kenya, cancer is the third leading cause of death, after infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases. There are many forms of cancer which affect various body parts. These include lung cancer<\/a>, skin cancer<\/a>, breast cancer<\/a>, prostate cancer,<\/a> etc. The most common type of cancer is skin cancer. This discourse sheds some light on the enigma that is skin cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin cancer<\/a> is the most common type of cancer today. It is believed that about 1 in every 5 people will have suffered from skin cancer at some point in their life. This represents approximately 20% of the world\u2019s population. Skin cancer is caused by alterations in the growth of cells in the skin. This is caused by a mutation in the skin cells, that make them reproduce rapidly beyond the normal rate. Skin cancer is mostly caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, such as UV rays from the sun. Overexposure to other forms of UV-radiations can also cause skin cancer. It is, therefore, advisable that one avoids long-term exposure or repeated exposure to radiations such as X-rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Skin<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Normally, new skin cells form when cells grow old and die or when they become damaged. When this process doesn\u2019t work as it should, the rapid growth of cells results. Some of these cells may be abnormal. This collection of cells may be noncancerous (benign), or they may be cancerous. Benign cells don\u2019t spread or cause harm. They are harmless. However, the cancerous cells may spread to nearby tissue or other areas in your body. Skin cancer can be easily treated and managed when it is discovered within its early stages. On the contrary, if not caught early and treated, it spreads to other parts, weakens your body and leads to early death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of skin cancer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are three main types of cancer. they are mainly classified based on the type of cells they attack. These are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a type of cancer that causes anomalies in the growth of basal cells in the epidermis. Basal cells are responsible for the production of new skin cells. BCC commonly affects areas that are exposed to sunlight. These include the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back. It can also affect other areas that are not frequently exposed to sunlight. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, with an estimated 8 out of 10 cases of skin cancer being BCCs. It forms on the skin as raised, pink or red, translucent and pearly bumps. They can easily be seen, though not easily identifiable. They are often mistaken for normal pimples. BCCs are more common in men, as compared to women. Furthermore, they also affect elderly people as compared to the younger generation. Furthermore, people with fair skin are at a higher risk of getting Basal Cell Carcinoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Skin<\/a>
A picture of a Basal Cell Carcinoma <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of squamous cells in the skin. The Squamous cells are found just below the skin\u2019s epidermis. They form the skin\u2019s inner lining. SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer. It usually forms red, firm bumps and scaly patches of skin. They cause sores that heal and then re-open again. They are more common in people who have fair skin tones, but also affect people with darker skin tones. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. Moreover, it also affects areas that are often exposed to sunlight. These include the face, ears, neck, arms, back and shoulders. Some of the abnormal squamous cells may grow deep into the skin, causing damage and disfigurements. SCCs grow slowly, which proves to be advantageous in their early treatment. Squamous cell carcinomas can also develop in scars or skin sores on any part of the body. These cancers are more likely to grow into deeper layers of skin and spread to other parts of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Skin<\/a>
A picture of Squamous Cell carcinoma<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Melanoma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer. However, it is the most dangerous type, due to its high spread rate to other parts. It affects the melanocytes cells. Melanocyte cells are the cells in your body that are responsible for the production of melanin. They are located at the lower part of the epidermis. Melanoma also results from overexposure to sun radiation. This is because, the longer the exposure, the more melanin is produced by the melanocyte cells. It is meant to protect the inner layers, but it can turn to uncontrolled, cancerous growth. Melanoma can affect any part of the body, even those not usually exposed to sunlight. They however have to start from somewhere. These melanomas appear brown, back or tan. Melanoma often resembles moles on your skin. Moreover, it can also result from these moles. Just like any other type of cancer, early detection is crucial for treatment and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Skin<\/a>
A picture of a melanoma spot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

People with the highest risk of getting skin cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although anyone can develop skin cancer, you\u2019re at increased risk if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n