SYMPTOMS
The first manifestations of the disease often go unnoticed. The majority of skin cancers do not cause any pain or itching, or bleeding.
Basal cell carcinoma
It is manifested by either of the following signs:
* A lump or pinkish flesh-colored, waxy appearance or “pearl” on the face, ears or neck;
* A pink plate and smooth on the chest or back;
* A sore that does not heal.
The squamous cell carcinoma
It is manifested by either of the following signs:
* A plate of pink or whitish skin, rough or dry;
* A nodule or pinkish-white, firm, verrucous;
* A sore that does not heal.
Melanoma
A normal mole is brown, beige or pink. It is flat or raised. It is round or oval, and its contour is valid. It measures, most of the time, less than 6 mm in diameter.
It is manifested by either of the following signs, most often on the back or legs:
* A mole that changes color or size, or whose contour is irregular;
* A black lesion on the skin or mucous membrane (the mouth, nose, genitals or anus).
People at risk
* The Caucasian people, especially those with fair skin, blue eyes or green hair blond or red.
* People who have many moles.
* Persons who have actinic keratoses.
* People who live at high altitudes or near the South Pole. The highest incidence of melanoma is observed in Australie.
* People who have suffered severe sunburn or have been exposed to strong sunlight during childhood or adolescence.
* People who work outdoors (farmers, construction workers, etc.)..
* People who have a family history of melanoma.
* People who have a weakened immune system (eg human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, cancer or another by an organ transplant).
* Persons who have received treatment phototherapy or radiotherapy.
* People who have had a severe lesion of the skin, including burns.
* Welders in the arc, the Boilermakers and printers.
* Persons suffering from certain genetic diseases that achieve the protection mechanisms of the skin (eg, albinism and xeroderma pigmentosa).
Risk Factors
* Sun exposure. Sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancer. If UVA and UVB (ultraviolet radiation) are harmful to the skin differently, both cause skin changes that can lead to cancer2, 3. Body parts commonly exposed to the sun are most at risk (the face, neck, hands, arms). However, skin cancer can occur anywhere.
Did you know?
Behind glass, we are not immune to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. In fact, UVA rays go through glass, but not UVB4.
* The use of sunlamps for tanning. Sunlamps give tanned with UVA rays they emit. According to Health Canada, they can emit up to five times more UVA rays that soleil5. Also emit some UVB. Health Canada stresses that “there is no way to tan safely.” 5 UV lamps are also harmful to the skin than the sun. These, moreover, that the majority of tanning lamps do not contribute to the production of vitamin D, which is rather under the influence of UVB. Health Canada suggests to fill its needs for vitamin D through diet during winter. In addition, the agency recommends that people over 50 years to take a supplement of 10 mcg (400 IU) of vitamin D each day.
* Chronic exposure to certain chemicals. Some herbicides, arsenic and certain petroleum-based products can cause skin cancer among people exposed regularly and long term.