Skin cancer is one of the common cancerous diseases around the world. It occurs when there is an abnormal growth of the skin cells and when the skin is highly exposed to the sun. However, it is essential to note that skin cancer can also be found in various parts of the skin that are not in direct contact with the sun.
Risk Factors
1. Chronically Suppressed Immune System
People with a chronic disease that has significantly impacted their immune system are likely to have skin cancer. For example, it is easier for a person who is HIV/AIDs positive to be diagnosed with skin cancer because the overall immune system has been severely damaged. Exposure to chemotherapy and prednisone treatment is also a risk factor for skin cancer.
2. Ultraviolet Light Exposure
Ultraviolet light exposure from tanning beds or the sun increases the chances of getting skin cancer. Fair-skinned individuals and people with red or blond hair are vulnerable to skin cancer. The chances of being diagnosed with skin cancer are very high near the equator, where sunlight is more intent.
3. Age
Age is a risk factor to many diseases, including skin cancer. Although there is not a direct relationship between age and skin cancer, it can be assumed that a decrease in white blood cells leads to low immunization hence high chances of skin cancer.
Is Skin Cancer Hereditary?
Skin cancers have been known to be caused by abnormal growth of cells and exposure to ultraviolet light, and as such, they are not considered hereditary. There is very little genetic makeup that is involved in skin cancer, which rules out the issue of heredity. However, you can always visit website detailing more on skin cancer to understand the relationship between heredity and other types of cancers.
So, what causes skin cancer?
The leading cause of skin cancers is DNA mutations which are highly induced by extreme ultraviolet light, which affects most of the epidermis cells. With high immunity levels, it is possible to overcome skin cancers. However, low immunity leads to the development of malignant cells that grow into masses and develop into tumours.
Treatment for Skin Cancer
Radiation Treatment
One of the most common methods of treating skin cancer is through radiation. High doses of radiation can kill all the malignant cells and the tumours around. This is a treatment procedure that is highly recommended for those individuals who are not candidates for surgical procedures.
There is no cutting involved, which explains why a considerable number of people are attracted to this treatment routine. However, it is an expensive treatment procedure, and there is no way to tell whether all the tumours and cancerous cells have been removed.
Surgical Excision
This is an invasive surgical procedure that involves physical removal of the tumour and the affected cells. After surgical removal of the tumour, skin grafts follow to replace and mend the defects that have been caused by the surgical operation. There is more than a 90% chance that tumours have been removed through surgeries, which makes it one of the best treatment procedures. However, it is also an expensive treatment option.
Topical Medications
Topical medications can be used to enhance the immunity of the body. These treatments replenish white blood cells and the entire immune system hence enabling it to fight cancerous cells and tumours. However, before using topical medications, body analysis has to be conducted to determine whether one can experience extreme side effects.
Skin cancers can be prevented by avoiding triggers such as ultraviolet light and enhancing the body’s immunity. However, once the symptoms of skin cancer have been detected, it is important to seek diagnosis and treatment immediately to prevent the situation from becoming more pronounced.