Skin cancer refers to various, mostly malignant, tumors of the skin. The best known forms are melanoma (black skin cancer) and actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma and spinalioma (light skin cancer). The cause of skin cancer is mostly strong sunburns in the youth of a person. However, other skin exposures and carcinogens can also trigger skin cancer.
What is skin cancer?
Malignant melanoma or black skin cancer is a highly malignant tumor of pigment cells (melanocytes). Skin cancer is the term used to describe all malignant tumors that affect the largest organ of the human body, the skin. A distinction is made between black and white skin cancer. These two types differ not only in their pigmentation, but also in their shape and the place of their occurrence. The so-called light skin cancer is divided into three types: basal cell carcinoma, spinalioma and actinic keratosis. Light skin cancer occurs more frequently in older people, preferably on the face. Often this is surgically removed; metastasis is significantly less common in light skin cancer than in black skin cancer.
Causes
As the main cause of the disease skin cancer is generally considered too long or too strong sun exposure. Especially if you have had frequent sunburns in childhood, you are susceptible to black skin cancer. People with fair skin and blond or reddish hair are much more likely to develop skin cancer. Furthermore, skin cancer can develop if one is exposed to carcinogenic sources. This can be asbestos as well as tar or radioactive substances. Furthermore, skin cancer can be genetically determined. Those who have corresponding predispositions in their genetic makeup are often more at risk.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy and structure of the skin with black skin cancer. Click to enlarge. The insidious thing about skin cancer is that it remains without concrete symptoms for a long time. An alarm sign are always strongly itching or bleeding moles. Especially in the case of bleeding from a mole, this should be immediately clarified by a dermatologist. Possible signs of skin cancer can best be detected in the early stages if the moles themselves are observed regularly and systematically. Here the ABCDE rule can give the layman a first clue. Asymmetrical moles can be suspicious as well as those that are not clearly defined. Both characteristics taken for themselves are no clear indications for skin cancer and accordingly no reason for panic, if something is noticeable with the self-observation. However, fuzzy, very asymmetrical moles should be presented to a specialist promptly. The same applies to unclear coloring. Most moles have a uniform hue. A first sign of skin cancer in many patients is that the mole has changed color. The diameter can also provide clues. Moles larger than five millimeters should be checked regularly, as should those that suddenly appear larger. The aspect of raisedness can also be a symptom of cancer. Most healthy moles lie evenly and not raised in the skin. If a mole suddenly rises, it may be a sign of a malignant change.
History
Untreated black skin cancer almost always leads to death. Therefore, a dermatologist should always be consulted immediately in case of skin abnormalities and strange moles or liver spots. But even without abnormalities, it is advisable to have your skin examined once a year for possible tumors. The earlier the skin cancer is detected, the higher the chances of cure. If the skin cancer was detected late, it is quite likely that metastases have already formed throughout the body. Then, unfortunately, the chance of survival from skin cancer is very low.
Complications
In the course of a skin cancer disease, various complications can occur. First, there is a risk that the cancer will metastasize. If the tumors spread to the internal organs, severe secondary diseases and functional deficiencies may occur, which must be treated independently. The respective complications depend on the stage of the cancer. In the second stage, for example, lymph node involvement occurs, usually associated with exhaustion, weight loss and other complaints. Skin cancer in the third stage affects the liver, kidneys, lungs and brain, associated among other things with nausea, vomiting, gait disorders and fatigue.As the disease progresses, it usually leads to functional failure of the affected organs and ultimately to the death of the patient. Complications can also arise during the treatment of skin cancer. During surgery, for example, there is a risk that surrounding structures may be damaged. Depending on the location of the finding, this can result in significant functional limitations and cosmetic problems. If nerves are injured, numbness and paralysis may occur. In addition, bleeding, bruising, wound healing disorders and excessive scarring may occur. The prescribed medications and alternative therapy methods may cause further side effects and physical as well as psychological discomfort.
When should you see a doctor?
Early visit to the specialist significantly improves the prospects of cure for skin cancer. In this respect, in principle, any skin area that appears changed should be shown very promptly to a dermatologist. Changes that make a visit to the dermatologist necessary can be, for example, an increase in size or change in color of individual moles. Even newly added moles that are visually different from others should be presented to a specialist if there is the slightest doubt. Basically, a monthly self-monitoring of the skin should take place. Here, one should pay attention to size, shape, elevation and aspects such as itching of moles. Since the earliest possible detection of a melanoma is of great importance in terms of removal and healing prospects, any change that appears conspicuous and causes concern should be quickly shown to the dermatologist. The dermatologist can make an initial assessment within a few minutes as to whether further examinations are indicated or whether the appearance is harmless. Melanoma can also grow undetected for a long time, depending on the body site. Symptoms such as poorly healing lesions, bleeding from moles, and painful areas of skin that look altered often do not appear until skin cancer is in an advanced stage. Bleeding from moles in particular should be promptly evaluated by a specialist.
Treatment and therapy
The diagnosis of skin cancer is usually made quickly and unequivocally by a dermatologist, as this is already present when looking at the affected areas of the skin. An additional tissue sampling brings additional certainty, but is not even necessary in most cases. The treatment of skin cancer depends on the stage in which the disease is located. As a rule, the doctor will remove the affected area of skin in a surgical procedure. Nowadays, this is usually done under local anesthesia. However, if the cancer is already more advanced, radiation therapy or chemotherapy is used. Immunotherapy has also already achieved good results against this disease. The chances of healing so-called black skin cancer are better, the earlier it is detected. After removal of the melanoma, regular follow-up is indispensable. However, if metastases have already formed in the advanced stage, the chances of survival are usually low. The white or also light skin cancer usually has better healing chances than the black skin cancer.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of skin cancer depends on the progress of the disease and the timing of the start of treatment. If detected early, skin cancer is completely curable in most cases thanks to medical advances. The further the cancer cells have spread in the organism, the worse the chance of cure. If the skin cancer is limited to a localized area of the body, there is a good chance of recovery. The affected region is removed, followed by cancer therapy. After successful therapy, the patient should attend regular check-ups and protect himself adequately from direct exposure to the sun. If several sites of skin cancer have already formed on the body, the chances of cure decrease immensely. If metastases have formed in different parts of the body, there is a poor prognosis for the patient. If the skin cancer has already spread to the dermis, there is a risk that it will multiply throughout the body via the blood and lymph vessels. Despite a cured skin cancer, a new outbreak of the disease may occur in the course of life.In these cases, early detection is also essential for survival, as only prompt treatment will provide a good prognosis in the event of a recurrence.
Prevention
To prevent skin cancer, one should not spend too much time in the sun, if possible. Of course, it is important to always protect yourself sufficiently – sunscreens are available in all pharmacies and drugstores. Small children in particular should be protected – a cap is a must. Visiting solariums has also become increasingly popular in recent times, because after all, anyone who is tanned is considered beautiful. But this artificially produced sunlight is extremely harmful to the body. It is not for nothing that the number of skin cancer cases has increased significantly in recent years. To prevent this disease or to detect skin cancer in time, you should examine your body regularly. Especially people with many moles should examine them for possible changes. If these moles become larger or change their structure, a dermatologist should be consulted as a precaution. Here the so-called ABCDE rule helps well (asymmetry, border, colorit, diameter, elevation should be considered according to this – so harmless moles can be well distinguished from the dangerous melanomas of black skin cancer).
Aftercare
For patients who have developed skin cancer, careful aftercare is essential. Even after successful therapy, affected individuals are at high risk for recurrence. Since the majority of recurrences occur within the first five years, follow-up examinations take place particularly regularly during this period. The intervals and scope of these examinations depend on the type and extent of the removed tumor. In the case of melanoma, follow-up examinations at short intervals are advisable, as metastases often form. For this reason, close medical control (every three to six months) is recommended during the first five years. Follow-up care should be maintained throughout life. Some forms of skin cancer have a relatively high tendency to recur. Affected individuals should have regular dermatological examinations of the entire skin following surgery or alternative therapy. If there is no new tumor formation in the first year after removal of the tumor, annual follow-up checks are sufficient. Conscientious follow-up care can detect pathological changes in the skin or secondarily affected organs in good time. Regular self-examination is also an important part of aftercare. Affected individuals should avoid strong sun exposure in the future and ensure adequate UV protection.
What you can do yourself
Skin cancer is a serious disease, but it can be treated well if detected early. The physical and mental stress associated with the diagnosis of skin cancer can be reduced by various self-help measures. Physical stress is initially countered by rest and bed rest, always depending on the patient’s individual condition. The psychological stress can be counteracted by therapeutic measures. The doctor may recommend that the patient attend a self-help group or suggest physical exercise. In particular, measures such as yoga or physiotherapy reduce the stress level without overloading the body during the disease. Patients with “black” skin cancer may also need to change their diet. Here, individual nutritional counseling by specialists can be useful. In less severe cases, it is sufficient to pay attention to a healthy and balanced diet with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. The diet should be supplemented above all with antioxidant foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. For example, nuts, various types of fish, cauliflower, figs, oranges, and linseed oil are said to have an effect that destroys carcinogenic substances and inhibits cancer cells. Affected persons should always discuss which measures to take in detail with their doctor.
