People who are exposed to sunlight regularly, especially when the sun is strong, can get sunburn and develop malignant tumors on the skin.
Skin cancer is a condition in which skin cells grow out of control. Dr. Ngo Truong Son (Deputy Head of Oncology Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi) said that there are two main types of skin cancer: non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma skin cancer.
Non-melanoma skin cancer: This type of cancer most often occurs on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun for long periods of time, such as the ears, face, neck, and arms. Non-melanoma skin cancers include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that affects the cells on the outermost layer of the epidermis) and basal cell carcinoma (cancer that starts in the basal cells of the skin).
Malignant melanoma: This is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes. Of all the skin cancers, melanoma causes the most deaths because it tends to spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs. Some studies have shown that the risk of malignant melanoma is correlated with genetics, personal characteristics, and exposure to ultraviolet light.
There are also other rare types of skin cancer such as: Merkel cell skin cancer (formed by the excessive growth of Merkel cells; cutaneous lymphoma (formed when white blood cells in the skin develop abnormally)...
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 132,000 cases of malignant melanoma and 2-3 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer each year. As ozone levels are depleted, the atmosphere loses its filtering and protective function, and more ultraviolet radiation from the sun reaches the Earth's surface. Researchers estimate that a 10% decrease in ozone levels would result in approximately 300,000 additional cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 4,500 additional cases of melanoma.
Risk factors
Dr. Truong Son added that the main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. Having many atypical moles is the biggest risk factor for malignant melanoma in people with fair skin. Malignant melanoma is more common in people with pale skin, blue eyes, and red or blond hair. People with a history of sunburn; exposure to coal and arsenic compounds are also at risk of this type of cancer.
People who work at high altitudes and outdoors are at higher risk of skin cancer because UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes (because the atmosphere is thinner at higher altitudes and cannot filter UV rays as effectively). The sun's rays are strongest near the equator, so the closer people live to the equator, the higher their risk of skin cancer.
Other risk factors include repeated exposure to X-rays; scarring from disease and burns; immunosuppression such as in people who have had organ transplants; age; history of skin cancer; some rare genetic diseases...
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Skin cancer most often appears on the face, neck, arms, legs, ears and hands - areas that are most exposed to the sun. However, it can also appear in other areas.
Skin cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms of skin cancer may include: a new lesion on the skin or a change in size, shape, or color. These changes can vary so much that there is no way to describe what skin cancer looks like. Some people may experience itching or pain; a sore that does not heal but bleeds or becomes scaly; a shiny red or flesh-colored bump on the top of the skin; a rough or scaly red spot that can be felt on the skin; a tumor with a raised border and a central crust or bleeding; wart-like spots on the skin, scar-like streaks without clear borders, etc.
Skin examination can help identify signs of skin cancer. Photo: Freepik
Dr. Truong Son said that skin cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type of skin cancer and the location on the skin. Therefore, when any new spots or changes appear on the skin that last for two weeks or more, the patient should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment and prevention
To diagnose skin cancer, the most common methods are a general physical examination, taking personal and family medical history. The doctor can then evaluate the lesions by dermoscopy, biopsy, and histopathology. Treatments for skin cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, biological therapy, and immunotherapy.
Doctor Ngo Truong Son examines a patient at Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi. Photo: Linh Dang
Dr. Truong Son recommends that to reduce the risk of skin cancer, the best way is to avoid frequent exposure to sunlight and other sources of UV radiation such as limiting sunbathing; limiting going out when UV rays are high (between 10am and 2pm). Everyone should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for the whole body; apply at least 10 minutes before going out and reapply every 30 minutes if outdoors. Wear sunscreen (specialized UV protection), wear a wide-brimmed hat; wear light-colored clothing instead of dark-colored clothing when going out in the sun because black absorbs more UV rays.
You can wear sunglasses, 100% UV protection when going out in the sun. Take the initiative to have regular health check-ups at least once a year and twice a year for people with risk factors. Note, when there are unusual signs on the skin that last for two weeks, the mole grows larger and is surrounded by blood vessels..., the patient needs to see a doctor immediately for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Nguyen Phuong
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