Skin Cancer : Which Types There Are, How to Protect Yourself

Skin Cancer is treacherous, it causes no complaints initially. Sunscreen and go to the doctor at the very first sign is crucial - so that lighter and black skin cancer have no chance.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a malignant growth of skin cells. The UV light of the sun is the main cause. It damages the DNA, but the cells do not die but degenerate and start to proliferate. Every cell can in principle become vicious.

Which Types are there?

Skin cancer is differentiated into two types: black and light skin cancer. The black skin cancer is also called melanoma (from the Greek: melanomas, black) and is formed when the so-called melanocytes, the pigment cells of the skin, degenerate. Bright skin cancers include two other subcategories: basal cell carcinoma or basalioma, which often shows small veins on a shiny skin surface, and squamous cell carcinoma for which a rough, wart-like surface is sometimes characteristic of scaling.

Basalioma: Skin Cancer with a Thousand Faces

Although he is not quite as dangerous as black skin cancer. But white skin cancer occurs more often, especially basaliomas. At first, they are often unimpressive »

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Spinalioma, Skin Cancer)

The bright skin cancer is mainly caused by too much UV radiation. It can destroy the surrounding tissue and also form tumor deposits (metastases) »

Malignant Melanoma (Black Skin Cancer)

Black skin cancer is a malignant tumor that predominantly occurs on the skin. All about Symptoms, Causes, Therapy, and Prevention of Malignant Melanoma »

Actinic keratosis (solar keratosis, actinic precancerosis)

An actinic keratosis is an early form of pale skin cancer. Reddish spots on the skin with tight scales are a typical symptom »

Who is Particularly Vulnerable?

Everyone should actually protect themselves from the harmful effects of sunlight. Some risk groups, however, must be extra careful and pay particular attention to the sunscreen:

• If you are particularly sensitive to ultraviolet light (UV), the sun is best avoided as much as possible. The same applies to people with many liver spots: a typical Central European has an average of 20 of the dark times.

•  Although liver spots are not bad per se. But certain species can be precursors to skin cancer. Especially if you have a lot of nevi, it is better to check them regularly by a doctor.

• In addition, people with weakened immune systems may also be at risk. These include, in particular, HIV-infected persons and persons with a transplanted organ.

Which Body Parts are Particularly Affected?

The more frequently and longer you expose yourself to UV radiation, the greater your personal risk. In men, melanoma is often found on the back and in women on the legs. In the case of light skin cancer, it is especially those areas of the body that are more exposed to sunlight, such as the nose, forehead, and ears. Anyone who suffers from hair loss among men should also protect their heads from the sun. Of course, the same may also apply to women.

Can You Get Skin Cancer Without Going to the Sun?

Yes, because sunlight is not the only explanation for the development of skin cancer. Hereditary factors also play a role, for example. Just as lung cancer can hit even a lifelong non-smoker, it is possible to get skin cancer even though you are avoiding the sun as much as possible.

How Harmful are Solarium Aisles?

For young people under 18 years has been a solarium ban for some time. The reason: the UV rays emitted in the solarium can cause cancer just as much as the natural rays of the sun.

How can Skin Cancer be identified?

Black skin cancer develops only in a certain percentage of cases from pre-existing birthmarks that change color and size. The majority arises however completely new on the previously unchanged skin. A good indication of melanoma is provided by the rule of "ugly duckling": the stain, which is different from all others, is considered conspicuous. A doctor should definitely investigate.

Another Possibility is the Application of the ABCDE Rule:

A - Asymmetry: Does the spot have a non-circular, asymmetrical shape?

B - Limitation: Does the stain have a "blurry" edge?

C - Color: Does the stain have an unusual or irregular color?

D - Diameter: Does the stain have an unusually large diameter?

E - Sublimity/evolution: Does the stain lift up from the skin level? Is he palpable?

The more of these criteria are present, the more prominent the site. Conversely, a birthmark does not necessarily have to be malignant if all points are met.

Brown Spots

Freckles, liver spots, moles - brown spots are often harmless, but can also have morbid causes. How it happens and when it gets dangerous »

How Fast Can Skin Cancer Develop?

Skin cancer can arise within a short time. In principle, people of all ages can be affected. Black skin cancer often occurs in middle age (50 to 60 years). In childhood, both skin cancers almost never occur.

I have Skin Cancer, What is my Prognosis?

As with all cancers, the healing success always depends on how early the cancer is detected. For non-metastatic black skin cancer, the prognosis is very favorable if it is detected before it has reached a thickness of one millimeter in the skin layer. The area of the affected area is less important. If a doctor removes black skin cancer at this stage, the chances of a complete cure are very good. However, if cancer already has metastases (settlements), for example, in the skin, lymph nodes or bones, the prognosis worsens significantly. In the case of the basal cell carcinoma, the chances of recovery are even better as it rarely causes metastases.

Is Skin Cancer Painful?

No. And that is the treacherous nature of all types of skin cancer. They are usually not painful and are therefore often misjudged as harmless.

Who Pays the Costs if a Liver Spot has to be Removed?

Statutory health insurance companies pay a skin cancer screening every two years from their 35th birthday. For some patients, a detailed examination of a dermal scope is more useful. If necessary, talk to your doctor about it.

Because melanoma can occur earlier, some funds have lower age limits for skin cancer screening. How your health insurance company handles this, you have to ask individually. If the dermatologist suspects a mole is suspicious, removal from the health insurance is usually always paid. Liver stains that patients wish to have removed for purely cosmetic or aesthetic reasons are considered as individual health benefits. Patients have to pay for this themselves.

Skin Cancer Screening

"Screening" refers to one

Early detection. Skin cancer screening is designed to detect early stages and precursors of malignant skin diseases and to educate them about risks »

How can I Protect Myself From Skin Cancer?

Beware of the sun. Basically, every person should be aware that he cannot change his genes: Lighter skin types must be more careful with the sunlight than darker ones. Always think about the right sunscreen. These include not only sun creams, but also the appropriate clothing and headgear. The midday sun should always be avoided.

How Reliable are Sunscreens?

Skin cancer can be triggered by both UVA and UVB radiation. Most sun creams now protect against both types of radiation. However, sunscreens do not immunize against radiation damage. It is important to apply the sun cream sufficiently thick. After creaming, it is best not to put clothes on immediately, but let it sink. In addition, you should always adjust the sun protection factor to your individual skin type. In addition, the effect only lasts for a certain time.

Also Read: Skin Cancer Treatments