Signs of skin cancer

Skin lesions with unusual shapes, colors, pimples, rough red spots, itching or pain can be signs of malignancy that need attention.

Dr. Vo Thi Tuong Duy, Dermatology - Cosmetic Dermatology specialist, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that skin cancer is a condition in which skin cells develop abnormally and uncontrollably. There are two types of skin cancer: non-melanoma and melanoma. Depending on the type of cancer, the disease will have different signs. The disease can be recognized through specific signs such as:

New lesions on the skin that vary in size, shape, and color.

The patient has itching or pain.

The ulcer does not heal, bleeds and crusts.

A shiny red bump appears at the top of the skin.

Wart-like bumps appear on the skin.

Red, scaly patches.

The tumor has raised edges, even bleeding.

The skin appears a scar-like streak with no clear border.

Moles vary in size and have blood vessels around them.

Skin cancer patients have dark moles that change in size rapidly. Photo: Freepik — Skin cancer patients have dark moles that change in size rapidly. Photo: *Freepik*

The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. However, not being exposed to sunlight regularly does not mean not getting skin cancer. Factors such as genetics, frequent sunbathing or a history of sunburn, severe skin burns; frequent exposure to arsenic or radiation; overuse of cosmetics containing harmful substances... are also causes of the disease.

Dr. Duy said that the common method in diagnosing skin cancer is still a general health check, asking about personal and family medical history. Then, the doctor will evaluate the lesions by skin examination, biopsy and histopathological assessment. Depending on the stage of the disease, health status and depending on the histopathological classification of the lesion, the doctor will prescribe the removal of the cancerous skin area by surgery (excision, Mohs, curettage and electrode); chemotherapy; use of laser light combined with drugs, radiation therapy,...

To reduce the risk of skin cancer, the best way is to avoid frequent exposure to sunlight and other sources of UV radiation. Accordingly, limit sunbathing and going out from 10am to 4pm; use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher; apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours; wear sunscreen (specialized UV protection), a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses; wear dark clothes instead of light-colored clothes when going out because light colors absorb more UV rays. Get regular health check-ups at least once a year or twice a year for people at high risk.

Dr. Vo Thi Tuong Duy noted that skin cancer needs to be detected, diagnosed and treated early to prevent the progression to malignant cancer or the risk of metastasis leading to death. In the early stages, doctors can treat it without leaving scars and completely remove the tumor. Patients have a 5-year survival rate of up to 90%. The survival rate is worse if detected and treated in the metastatic stage.

Therefore, as soon as abnormal lesions are detected that last for several weeks and do not disappear; moles grow large and there are blood vessels around them... the patient should see a dermatologist - cosmetic dermatologist for early diagnosis and intervention.

Dung Le

Source link