Medical Description Non-melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common forms of non-melanoma. They are progressing slowly and are rarely fatal. They usually occur in people older than 50 years.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common: in itself, it is about 90% of skin cancers. His name is linked to the fact that it forms in the deepest layer of the epidermis. There are several types of basal cell carcinoma. The most frequently infects the face: it forms a lesion of a few millimeters in diameter, flesh-colored or pink, which does not heal.
As for squamous cell carcinoma, it sometimes generates metastasis, but this is rare (less than 1% of cases). Metastases are secondary tumors that form away from the original tumor, after cancer cells were separated from it.
Other types of non-melanoma include cell carcinoma Merkel, carcinoma of sweat and sebaceous glands, sarcomas and lymphomas. They are much more rare and it will not matter in this document. Melanoma It gives the name of malignant melanoma tumors that form in the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (pigment) and are in the skin, eyes, inner ear and the meninges. Melanoma can occur at any age. They are usually a dark spot. They are rather rare, but they are among the cancers that may progress rapidly and generate metastases. They are responsible for 75% of deaths caused by skin cancer. Fortunately, if detected early, they can be treated successfully.
Note. Formerly, it was believed that there could be benign melanoma (well-defined tumors that are unlikely to invade the body) and malignant melanoma. We now know that all are malignant melanomas.
Causes
Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation (sunlamps in tanning salons) are also involved. Body parts commonly exposed to the sun are most at risk (the face, neck, hands, arms). However, skin cancer can form anywhere.
To a lesser extent, prolonged contact of skin with chemicals, especially in the context of work can increase the risk of suffering from skin cancer.
Sunburn and exhibitions frequent attention!Exposure to ultraviolet radiation has a cumulative effect, ie that adds or combines over time. The damage to the skin begins in infancy and, although they are not visible, they grow throughout life. Carcinomas are mostly caused by frequent and repeated exposure to the sun. Melanoma, for against, seem rather caused by intense exposure and short-lived, especially those that cause sunburn.
- In countries where the majority of the population is white, cases of skin cancer are likely to double between 2000 and 2015, according to a report by the United Nations (UN) 1 .
- An estimated 50% of people over 65 will have at least one skin cancer during their lifetime.
- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer secondary: it meant that a person having or having had cancer was more likely to develop another, usually a skin cancer.
DiagnosisIt is primarily a clinical examination that allows the physician to determine whether the lesion may be cancerous or not.
Biopsy. If the doctor suspects cancer, he takes a sample of skin at the location of the suspicious event in order to submit a lab analysis. This will help determine if the tissues are indeed cancerous and this will give an idea of the progress of the disease.