How to recognize skin cancer?

Introduction

Skin cancer is the term used to describe malignant neoplasms and diseases in the skin area, which can occur in various forms. A distinction is made between different forms of skin cancer, which differ not only in their growth and spread, but above all in their prognosis. The frequency of new cases has increased significantly in Germany over the last ten years.

The most common form of skin cancer is the so-called white skin cancer. It occurs primarily in patients around the age of 60, grows rather slowly and does not form daughter formations (metastases) that can settle in other parts of the body. The tumor types that are counted as white skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and spinalioma.

Black skin cancer occurs less frequently, but is much more dreaded. It is also known as “malignant melanoma“. Since the cells of the malignant melanoma are able to spread through the body’s own lymphatic system, it can lead to metastases in other organs and therefore has a much worse prognosis.

In addition to white and black skin cancer, there are even rarer forms such as the so-called Kaposi’s sarcoma, which occurs in patients with a pronounced immune deficiency. The greatest risk factor for the development of skin cancer is long-term excessive exposure of the skin to solar radiation. The sun or artificial radiation, such as in a solarium, emits so-called UV rays, which damage the genetic material in the skin cells.

Over the years, the damaged cells can degenerate and lead to malignant neoplasms. Since more and more and especially young people are becoming ill, it is particularly important to pay attention to early detection as part of a skin cancer prevention program. New changes in the skin, such as spots, discolorations or structural irregularities occur almost daily.

Black skin cancer is often noticed as a structure resembling a birthmark. It is flat, can be blurred from the surrounding skin and is sometimes nodular. It is often located on the back or extremities and appears brownish to black. In an advanced stage, blood may be secreted. The white skin cancer is mainly localized in the area of the head and face and presents itself as a light nodule with a horny, scaly surface or with a smooth surface interspersed with small veins.