About nonmelanoma skin cancer
What is nonmelanoma skin cancer?
Nonmelanoma skin cancer refers to all the types of cancer that occur in the skin that are not melanoma.
Several types of skin cancer fall within the broader category of nonmelanoma skin cancer, with the most common types being basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer. Skin cancer treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer cells.
What are the symptoms for nonmelanoma skin cancer?
Changes in the skin are the main warning sign for skin cancer.
- Open sores that bleed or ooze and remain open for several weeks.
- A shiny pink, red, pearly white, or translucent bump.
- A pink growth with an elevated border and crusted central indentation.
- A scar-like, white, yellow, or waxy area often has a poorly defined border.
- Reddish, raised patches, or irritated areas that may crust or itch. It rarely hurts.
- A growing hump with a scaly surface and red areas on the face, neck, ears, arm, or hands.
•Squamous cell carcinoma can also manifest as an unhealed sore or as a transformation to a mole or wart.
What are the causes for nonmelanoma skin cancer?
Absorption to ultraviolet (UV) light causes the majority of skin malignancies like non-melanoma skin cancer. UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds can destroy your skin's DNA if you don't protect it. When the DNA is changed, it is unable to effectively control skin cell proliferation, which results in cancer. A variety of factors can increase your chances of having it.
- Inherited- Certain rare genetic disorders have been linked to an elevated risk of basal cell cancer. These diseases include nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, commonly known as Gorlin syndrome, as well as the extremely rare Rombo, Bazex-Dupré-Christol, and epidermolysis bullosa simplex syndromes. Xeroderma pigmentosum, albinism, epidermolysis bullosa simplex, dyskeratosis congenital, and numerous self-healing squamous epitheliomata are rare disorders associated with an elevated risk of squamous cell cancer.
- Radiation therapy treatment- Radiation therapy for cancer patients increases their risk of acquiring basal cell carcinoma. This risk rises with time, particularly after 10 to 20 years. As a result, children who get radiation therapy are six times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
What are the treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancer?
Nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer. Skin cancer treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer cells
What are the risk factors for nonmelanoma skin cancer?
The following are typical risk factors for nonmelanoma skin cancer:
- Sunlight exposure- The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin damage and cancer. The longer you stay in the sun, the more likely you will develop skin cancer. People who live closer to the equator or at higher altitudes, where the sun's rays are stronger, are at a higher risk.
- Sunlamps and tanning booths- These artificial UV light sources can also harm the skin, and the risk of cancer is especially significant if used before the age of 30. •Certain skin, hair, and eye hues- Individuals with fair complexion, red or blond hair, and green, blue, or grey eyes are more likely to develop skin cancer. Having a lot of freckles also raises your risk. However, even persons with darker skin can develop skin cancer.
- Background of cancer- Individuals who have had skin cancer in the past are more likely to develop it again. The same is true for persons who have experienced skin precancers, such as actinic keratosis.
- Aging- While skin cancer can appear anytime, the risk increases with age.
- Previous radiation therapy- Radiation therapy patients are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer in the treated region.
- Scars, burns, or skin inflammation- Skin malignancies are more common in areas with damaged skin.