Skin cancer – cause, diagnosis and treatment
There are different kinds of skin cancer: black skin cancer (melanoma) and white skin cancer (basalioma and spinalioma). 90% of those affected have white skin cancer, while 10% have black skin cancer. White skin cancer grows locally into the tissue, but does not spread into the body. Black skin cancer, on the other hand, produces offshoots throughout the body and is the most dangerous skin cancer. If it is not discovered early, patients can die from it. The main cause of skin cancer is damage from UV light. That is why the most important measure in terms of prevention is protection from the sun.
What are the differences between the various forms of skin cancer?
The skin is made up of various cells. Depending on the cell type affected, a different skin cancer will develop. White blood cancer originates in the keratinocyte cells. Basalioma develops in the deeper layers of the skin and is the most common skin cancer. Spinalioma grows from prickle cells in the upper layers of the skin. Black skin cancer consists of degenerate cells with pigment, known as melanocytes. It grows very aggressively into the surrounding tissue and makes offshoots early on into other organs such as the lungs, liver, bones or brain.
What are the tell-tale signs of skin cancer?
Early detection of skin cancer is a decisive factor for the chances of recovery. Therefore, it is worth monitoring changes in the skin very closely. A basalioma appears as a shiny, shimmering nodule. Blood vessels may be visible on the surface. Poorly healing wounds or an ulcer that is open in the middle also indicate a basalioma. The melanoma is recognisable as an irregularly pigmented mole that changes colour or shape. The boundaries of the malignant skin change are fuzzy, and it may be slightly raised.
What treatments are available for skin cancer?
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type of cancer and when it was discovered. All three types of skin cancer are removed in an operation, and the open area is then sewn up. If the wound is very large, a skin graft will be required. Chemotherapy or immunotherapy is never necessary for basalioma and only rarely necessary for spinalioma. With a melanoma, the closest lymph nodes are also removed and examined for cancerous cells. Metastases in the body are shown through computer tomography or magnetic resonance tomography. The oncologist will then decide on treatment with radiation or chemotherapy.