Skin cancer
Human skin, in truth, is a unique organ responsible for various functions, the main of which is protective. It is the skin that prevents the effects of external adverse factors, including toxic effects and radiation. Therefore, skin cancer is no longer uncommon.
Types
The type of cancer depends on the type of cells from which the cancer was formed, the rate of spread, the presence of metastases, the area of growth. All these factors form the specific symptoms of each of certain types of skin cancer.
The most common:
basal cell carcinoma (develops in the deep layers of the skin);
squamous cell carcinoma (develops in the surface layers of the skin): superficial and infiltrating.
Symptoms
Superficial cancer (squamous cell) is characterized by non-aggressive tumor development, it develops slowly, giving the patient the opportunity to consult a doctor in time.
The main features are:
the formation of small spots on the skin, nodules of gray-yellow color;
as the tumor grows, itching and burning may begin. Discomfort and slight tingling may appear;
In the middle of the neoplasm, a small ulcer may appear, which may bleed and become covered with a crust;
when pressed, a small seal can be found under the fingers, although the inflammatory process is not visible.
Infiltrating cancer has a higher growth rate and a greater tendency to form metastases. It is characterized by a large area of localization of dense nodules, in place of which a crater-like ulcer appears with a black or gray mass at the bottom. Without the necessary treatment, an unpleasant odor begins to emanate from the ulcer.
The papillary form is characterized by the formation of a tumor in the form of a voluminous mushroom, which can be covered with crusts, bleed easily and looks like inflorescences of cauliflower.
The basal cell type is characterized by a less pronounced degree of aggressiveness: the tumor grows slowly, does not form metastases and very rarely develops into deep layers of the skin. These are small formations on the surface of the skin, somewhat swollen. You can even consider a thin grid of blood vessels. As the tumor cells grow, small ulcers appear.
Symptoms depend on the type of disease:
the nodular form is a small seal (nodules), around which the vessels are visible;
the ulcerative form is characterized by the appearance of small ulcers that can bleed;
pigmented form – tumor cells change their color to a darker one.
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of cancer. Its danger lies in the accelerated growth and spread of metastases, which, penetrating into the blood and lymphatic system, spread to other tissues and organs. Most often develops from moles, which after some time begin to get wet, bleed and itch. Along with this, the lymph nodes increase. Therefore, if you notice that the mole has changed its color or shape, started to itch and bleed, it is better to consult a specialist.
Diagnostics
To diagnose cancer, a doctor sometimes only needs one examination to make the correct diagnosis. To confirm it, the patient is sent for a biopsy, which determines the type of cancer.
Treatment
For the treatment of skin cancers use:
laser;
surgical intervention;
cryogenic and radiation exposure (usually used for small diameter tumors).
The therapeutic method using some medications is used taking into account the shape, location, stage and form of tumor growth
