What kind of disease is skin cancer

Skin cancer is a malignant tumor caused by abnormal proliferation of skin cells. It is mainly divided into three types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Early detection and standardized treatment can improve the cure rate. The occurrence of skin cancer is closely related to a combination of factors such as genetics, ultraviolet exposure, decreased immune function, certain viral infections and environmental factors.

1 Causes of Skin Cancer

① Genetic factors: Some people are born with a susceptibility to skin cancer due to family genes, including genetic genes for melanoma such as the CDKN2A gene mutation.

② Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to strong ultraviolet rays is one of the main causes, especially excessive sun exposure, which can cause DNA damage in skin cells. Exposure to chemicals such as arsenic and coal tar also increases the risk.

③ Physiological factors: Abnormal or low function of the immune system will reduce the body's ability to eliminate abnormal cells, thereby increasing the risk of cancer. Aging will also cause skin cells to lose their ability to repair, making them a high-risk group.

④ Traumatic induction: Some chronic ulcers and burn scars that have not healed for a long time may also stimulate excessive proliferation of local cells and eventually develop into malignant lesions.

⑤Disease factors: Certain long-term lesions, especially skin diseases such as leukoplakia and certain cumulative radiation damage lesions, may potentially develop into cancer if not treated in time.

2Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Symptoms of skin cancer are often manifested as abnormal changes on the skin: ① Ulcers or nodules without obvious causes, especially skin lesions that do not heal for a long time; ② Irregular, rapidly growing moles or plaques; ③ Local pain, itching or exudation. Regardless of changes in appearance or abnormal body sensations, it is recommended to go to a specialist hospital for treatment as soon as possible.

3 Treatments for skin cancer

①Surgical resection: For most skin cancer patients, especially those that have not spread or metastasized, complete local resection of the lesion is the preferred treatment.

②Radiotherapy: Suitable for patients who cannot undergo surgery or to prevent recurrence after surgery, it kills cancer cells through precise radiation.

③Drug treatment: Advanced patients can try targeted therapy or immunotherapy, such as PD-1/PD-L1 drugs or CTLA-4 inhibitors.

④Prevention and treatment measures: Reduce exposure to ultraviolet rays in daily life, use sunscreen with SPF30 or above, and use parasols. Any abnormal changes on the skin should be screened as soon as possible and intervene early.

Skin cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, but it should not be taken lightly. Take good care of yourself in your daily life and develop the habit of regular checkups. If you find suspicious skin lesions, you should seek medical attention in time for a clear diagnosis, so that health management can come before disease.