Skin cancer
in Panama
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What is skin cancer?
Cancer is a genetically mutated disease that causes the growth spurt and accumulation of malignant cells in an organ of the body. In the case of skin cancer, it occurs in various ways on the skin, including the scalp.
There are certain statistics that speak of certain characteristics that make some people more likely than others to suffer from this disease.
We believe it is important to be informed about this condition in order to prevent it or detect it in early stages so that treatments can be more effective. We’ve got everything you need to know below.
Types of skin cancer.
Melanoma:
The most dangerous skin cancer but the least common. It is characterized by visible changes in one or more moles and even in the appearance of a new black one, irregular in shape and with an unpleasant appearance.
Basal cell carcinoma or basoelullary carcinoma.
This type of skin cancer develops in the basal cells, as its name says, these are responsible for replacing the skin cells when they die, so it is noticeable as a kind of transparent lump in areas of the skin, usually exposed to the sun.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.
Squamous cells are part of the outer and middle layer of the skin, when cancer develops in these cells it can be evidenced as a deep lesion. Although it is not a fatal type of cancer, it can complicate the patient’s health if it is not treated in time and manages to spread to other areas.
Symptoms of skin cancer.
Each type of cancer has a different symptomatology, however, they are all based on a specific aspect: skin change. We will tell you the most alarming symptoms and have the help of a professional to know the real condition of your injury.
- Appearance of a red nodule that is hard to the touch.
- Development of scabs or scales on a skin lesion with no apparent cause.
- Appearance of a new mole of variable color, irregular in shape and growing over time.
- Formation of a pearly lump.
- Skin lesion that itches or burns, for no apparent reason.
- Appearance of a large, darkened, specky mole.
- Development of dark and abnormal hues in areas such as: palms of the hands and feet, vagina, anus, or around the mouth.
What causes skin cancer?
As we mentioned at the beginning, skin cancer is a condition that occurs as a result of a DNA mutation in which cells develop abnormally in some area.
The actual cause of this condition is not yet defined, however many scientists claim that excessive exposure to UV rays causes skin damage and favors the development of cancer.
Other risk factors that help patients be more careful about developing this condition include:
- A family history of skin cancer or any other type of cancer.
- Having suffered from sunburns.
- Fair skin.
- Having a lot of moles or irregular moles.
- Suppressed or weak immune system.
- Exposure to radiation or constant exposure to the sun.
Diagnosing skin cancer.
To diagnose this condition, the first step is to identify the irregularity in the skin, the patient is the one who initiates the whole process by doing a self-assessment.
For example, if you suspect an irregular mole or maintain a preventive control due to the antecedents.
The dermatologist helps to check the patient’s doubts through a physical examination in which the progress of the lesion is taken into account, if cancer cells are suspected, a biopsy is performed.
A biopsy is a test in which a sample is removed from the lesion and sent to a clinical laboratory that helps determine whether or not malignant cells are present and how to classify them. Based on this information, the dermatologist defines the treatment.
Is there a cure for skin cancer?
The percentage chance of cure depends on each patient as well as on each type of skin cancer. For example, in common types such as basal cell and squamous cancer, there is a high probability that it will be cured, if it is detected in time and if the patient has a stable health condition.
On the other hand, melanoma can develop greater resistance as it is a more complex type of cancer that can be fatal.
At this point it is necessary to highlight the importance of maintaining care to prevent this disease, regulating sun exposure and having a periodic skin check are effective strategies to avoid the development of skin cancer.
Can anything be done to prevent skin cancer?
- Beware of continuous sun exposure: UV rays are absorbed by the skin and when done continuously they can cause skin cancer. It is best to avoid the sun from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m
- Use quality sunscreen: Although they are not the total answer to prevent the development of melanoma if they help counteract the incidence of the sun, apply it every time you are going to be in front of the sun, at any time.
- Cover yourself with protective elements: In addition to sunscreen, you can wear long-sleeved clothing, caps or hats that protect you from the sun's rays.
- Don't use tanning beds: Artificial tanning lotions can use UV lights that increase your risk of skin cancer.
- Go to a dermatologist frequently to take care of your skin: It is time to take skin care methods as an important aspect of health, both men and women require regular check-ups by a professional.