International reality show star Khloe Kardashian had a horrifying brush with melanoma last year. The 38-year-old woman had a melanoma removed from her face in October 2022 and is back in the news with her first trailer. Officially for season 3 of the reality series The Kardashians, in the trailer, she talks about having her tumor removed and her scars clearly visible. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that more than 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma every day. Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that mostly develops on sun-exposed skin. It is essential that people become aware of this condition in order to be diagnosed early. or can be prevented As it happened, Khloe Kardashian developed acne, which turned out to be an early sign of skin cancer!
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells multiply and multiply out of control. The normal process of old skin cells dying and being replaced by new ones also fails. which results in skin cancer Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. but when compared Skin cancer is less dangerous because it is easier to treat. However, the level of risk increases with delays in diagnosis and treatment. So what exactly causes cancer in the body’s defenses? Let’s understand it in detail.
HealthShots spoke to Dr. Sunny Garg, HOD, and Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram, for her full understanding of skin cancer.
causes of skin cancer
Dr. Garg said, “Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially when sunlight causes sunburn and itching. Populations who live in high altitudes and spend a lot of time in the sun are more prone to skin cancer,” says Dr. Garg. Considered more likely to catch it than other groups. In addition to sources of artificial UV rays, they are also responsible for skin cancer. This exposes people who work in factories or in jobs that are directly exposed to UV rays or toxic chemicals. are more likely to contract the disease.”
Symptoms of skin cancer
The early symptoms of melanoma can be obvious. Therefore, it is easy to notice and see a doctor promptly. You may experience:
- Unidentified spots on the skin
- A sore or wound that does not heal naturally
- increased scarring on any part of the skin
by type, location and grade of skin cancer Skin cancer can have different symptoms.
Read more: 5 tips to protect your skin from sunburn in the summer
Types of Skin Cancer
There are 3 main types of skin cancer:
1. Basal cell carcinoma: This type of melanoma is found in areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight, such as the face, hands, legs, upper feet, etc.
2. Melanoma: It may break off from a mole on the body. And the mole may begin to appear differently or spread. People with darker skin may find it on their palms and soles. And dark or moist areas of the body may have symptoms such as the nose, vagina, anus, mouth, etc.
3. Squamous cell carcinoma: as mentioned Such cancers often appear in areas exposed to sunlight. But this type of cancer can appear on any part of the skin. People with darker skin colors are more at risk. It may look like a dry or itchy sore.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
As the main causes of skin cancer, it is enough to know how to take preventive actions:
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight.
- Use a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher.
- Seek medical advice if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Read more: Protect your skin from the sun: 5 reasons why SPF is essential in the summer.
skin cancer treatment
Treatment for melanoma can vary depending on the severity and area of the skin. There are a number of treatments that may keep you cancer-free, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological therapy. But when it comes to diagnosis A skin biopsy is important to confirm the presence of melanoma. This is the only way to know if your symptoms lead to skin cancer.
