How Do You Get Skin Cancer?

There are several causes that can lead to skin cancer. The most common cause is excessive exposure to UV radiation. You are exposed to UV radiation from the sun, but also, for example, by using a tanning bed. When your skin is exposed to too much UV radiation, skin cells can become damaged. This can lead to the development of skin cancer. In addition to UV radiation, your skin type also plays a role. People with very fair skin who burn easily in the sun have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than those with darker skin. Hereditary conditions can also play a role in the development of skin cancer.

At Dermazoom, we focus on patients who are at increased risk of skin cancer. If you meet one of the following criteria, you are eligible for our 3D skin scan:

• You have a suspicious mole that may be a melanoma
• You have more than 100 moles
• You have at least 5 very atypical moles
• You have had at least 3 melanomas in the past
• You have at least 3 immediate family members diagnosed with melanoma
• You have at least 2 immediate family members with multiple melanomas

Recognizing skin cancer early is extremely important. Some forms of skin cancer can be aggressive and spread relatively quickly. The sooner skin cancer is discovered, the more treatment options are available. Skin cancer has certain characteristics that can distinguish it from harmless spots or blemishes. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, such as a rough spot that does not go away, a wound that does not heal, or a change in the color or size of an existing skin lesion, such as a mole. Skin cancer can appear as a shiny bump, or as a firm red nodule that may bleed or form a crust. Skin cancer can therefore appear in different ways. The most common types of skin cancer are:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: Initially, this type of skin cancer often resembles something else, such as a smooth lump or a wound. It may also look like eczema, a fungal infection, or a mole. A basal cell carcinoma almost never metastasizes.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of skin cancer can sometimes be hard to recognize. It can resemble something else, such as a pale pink bump with a rough texture. In some cases, there may be a flaky white spot in the center of the bump. A squamous cell carcinoma can also appear as a sore or ulcer, may bleed, and slowly or rapidly increase in size. It sometimes metastasizes.
• Melanoma: A melanoma appears as a mole or spot that is asymmetrical in color or shape. It often has an irregular, uneven border. The color may change and vary within the same spot. The diameter is often greater than 6 mm and the mole may appear suddenly, grow, itch, bleed, thicken, or change. A melanoma often metastasizes.

Skin cancer can range from relatively mild to severe, depending on the type and stage at which it is discovered. If detected early and without metastasis, the prognosis is very good. Patients with a basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma without metastasis are often successfully treated with surgery or radiation. Even the outlook for melanoma patients without metastasis is very positive, with a high chance of recovery.

If the cancer has spread, the prognosis is generally less favorable—though this depends on the type and extent of the spread. Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes, but if it does, treatment becomes more difficult. When squamous cell carcinoma spreads, it usually affects nearby lymph nodes or organs. Survival chances decline, but treatment with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery is still possible.

If a melanoma has metastasized, the prognosis is usually more serious. This also depends on where the cancer has spread. After five years, around 30% of patients with metastatic melanoma are still alive.

If you find a suspicious spot on your skin, it should be examined. Early detection of skin cancer can be life-saving. The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the better the treatment outcomes. You can always consult your general practitioner for an examination. If you are a high-risk patient, you can also have the spot examined at Dermazoom for a quick result.