Skin Cancer - Stages, Symptoms, Signs And Treatment. Squamous, Basal And Cellular Skin Cancers

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Skin cancer: stages, symptoms and treatment

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a disease that develops from stratified squamous epithelium, which is a malignant tumor. Most often it appears on open areas of the skin, the appearance of a tumor on the face is very high, the nose and forehead, as well as the corners of the eyes and ears, are most susceptible. The body "does not like" such formations and is formed there quite rarely, on the trunk, arms and legs, tumors are found no more often in 10% of cases. It is worth noting that the disease does not appear instantly, before that it is necessarily preceded by some skin changes.

It is customary to isolate basaliomas, squamous cell carcinoma, that is, melanoma or spinalioma, adenocarcinoma, and such forms of the disease that develop from the appendages of the skin. Any person is at risk, but, nevertheless, most often the disease affects the elderly over 60 years of age, who have fair skin and spend a lot of time in the sun. This is a fairly common pathology and, based on statistics, it ranks third among all types of oncology.

Content:

• Signs and symptoms of skin cancer
• Skin Cancer Causes
• Stages of skin cancer
• Types of skin cancer
• Skin cancer diagnostics
• Skin cancer treatment
• Prevention of skin cancer

Signs and symptoms of skin cancer

When diagnosing skin cancer, it is customary to distinguish the following characteristic criteria that doctors are guided by:

• If the formation has a characteristic asymmetric shape, that is, when a possible tumor is divided in half, both halves have different sizes and structures.
• Most often, it is possible to suspect a pathology by such a sign as blurred boundaries. If ordinary moles have an even borderline, then cancerous tumors are most often intermittent, "jagged".
• The color of the affected area is different from normal skin color and is not typical of normal lesions. The color can be either too dark, or, on the contrary, too light, as well as red, with blue, or even black.
• Too large education should also alert the doctor. All the so-called "moles", which are more than 6 mm in diameter, are a reason for additional research.

The following general symptoms can be distinguished that characterize all types of skin cancer:

• Significant weight loss that is not associated with increased exercise or changes in diet.
• Chronic tiredness despite regular rest.
• Decreased appetite, without concomitant gastrointestinal diseases.
• The temperature rises within insignificant limits - up to 37.2 ° C, which is constant.
• Significant enlargement of lymph nodes, which are easily detected by palpation.
• All advanced stages are characterized by severe pain syndrome, which is present on an ongoing basis.

Also, doctors identify certain signs that are very characteristic of malignant formations from squamous epithelium:

• If the wound or sore does not heal for a long time or bleeds.
• If one or more spots with a reddish tint suddenly appear on any part of the skin.
• If any build-up is covered with a crust or scales, its upper layers come off and growth does not stop.
• If nodules are found on the body or face that have a shiny surface and differ in color from the skin. In their shade, such nodules resemble scars.

Depending on which of the subtypes of the tumor affected the skin, the corresponding symptoms will also differ, so they must be distinguished.

Basalioma

Basalioma is characterized by the following symptoms:

• The appearance of a solitary formation in the form of a hemisphere.
• The tumor slightly rises above the skin, has a color either grayish or pink, giving off mother-of-pearl. But in some cases, although not often, basaliomas are indistinguishable from natural skin color.
• The formation itself is smooth, and scales are located in its center. If you remove them, then erosion will open.
• The tumor does not manifest itself for a long time, only gradually increases over the years.
• Sometimes the formations are multiple, if they are opened, then droplets of blood appear.
• Basaliomas rarely metastasize.
• Mostly this pathology occurs on the face and causes a violation of those organs next to which it is located.

Melanoma

As for melanoma, this is one of the most dangerous types of cancer, as it gives a large number of metastases and spreads very quickly.

Melanoma has the following symptoms:

• Education does not appear by itself. It is necessarily preceded by any formation on the skin. This can be a mole, freckle, or any other area that actively produces melanin. It is called a nevus.
• You should pay attention to symptoms such as discoloration of the nevus and its significant increase in size. That is, it turns blue, white, or red, but not brown.
• The density of education increases significantly.
• The site of the lesion may itch, be edematous and swollen. Sometimes these signs are so pronounced that they force the patient to immediately consult a doctor.
• After some time, ulcers may form on the surface of the former freckle or mole.

Squamous cell neoplasm

Squamous cell neoplasm has its own distinctive symptoms, the main one of which is a rapid increase in size. This type of cancer appears only in those places where the sun's rays fall.

You can also highlight the following signs:

• The formation of a small in size, but rather dense nodule, which has a rather dense structure and an outer bumpy surface.
• The plaque is colored red or any shade of brown, sometimes it can peel off, and sometimes crusts form on its surface.
• Many doctors often draw a parallel between the appearance of this neoplasm and cauliflower, since they have some similarities.
• Developing, the nodule turns into an untidy-looking wart, on the surface of which ulcers and discharge form, having an unpleasant putrid odor.
• A characteristic symptom for this type of cancer is a rapid increase in size and the capture of new areas.

Adenocarcinoma

Another type of cancer that affects the skin is adenocarcinoma.

Although it is quite rare, it is worth knowing its main symptoms:

• The place of localization is the armpits, folds under the breast, that is, those parts of the body where there are accumulations of sebaceous glands.
• The appearance is a small bump or nodule.
• Growth is slow, but as it enters the active phase, adenocarcinoma affects the muscles and grows to a very impressive size.

Skin Cancer Causes

There are quite a large number of reasons causing the appearance of formations on the skin, but among oncologists it is customary to distinguish the following:

• Exposure to the upper layers of the skin of various substances that have a carcinogenic effect. These most often include tar, tobacco smoke, arsenic, any heavy metals.
• An irrational approach to nutrition, the predominance of foods containing nitrates and nitrites in food. All types of smoked products, fried foods, as well as canned food and marinades are dangerous.
• Radioactive and thermal radiation.
• Any mechanical injury to the mole. This could be a cut from a careless shave or a scratch.
• Radiation dermatitis. Then skin cancer is a complication of the previous illness.
• Burns of any degree.
• Exposure to UV rays on unprotected skin layers.
• Application of tattoos, both on intact skin areas, and on those with moles or freckles. This is due not only to trauma to the upper layers of the epidermis, but also to the presence of carcinogenic substances in the paint, in particular arsenic, aluminum, nickel or titanium.
• Hereditary factors, so often there is cancer that occurs in family members who are related by consanguinity.
• Excessively light skin with a clear lack of melanin.
• Retirement age. So, this type of cancer often affects people who have crossed the 60-year mark, regardless of gender.
• People who are genetically predisposed to the formation of any type of tumor.
• The presence of the human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis in the body.
• Cutaneous horn. This formation is typical for elderly people who spend a lot of time under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
• Alcohol abuse and even more prolonged smoking.
• Senile keratoma.
• Bowen's disease. It is also a kind of cancer, but it does not penetrate deep into the tissues.
• The presence of nevi. More often, these formations are benign, but under the influence of a number of factors they can be reborn.
• Any chronic skin disease.
• Outdoor work, for example, among fishermen or villagers engaged in agricultural labor, is much more likely to have skin cancer than in other occupations.
• Accommodation in the southern regions of the country. Thus, a comparative analysis shows that residents of the Krasnodar Territory suffer from this pathology almost five times more often than residents of Tyumen.

Solarium increases the risk of skin cancer

A special place among the causes of skin cancer can be attributed to the solarium. So, ultraviolet rays most often lead to the fact that a person develops the most dangerous type of this pathology, which is malignant in nature - this is melanoma, which is distinguished by its aggressiveness.

So, in 2009, a study was conducted by scientists from several countries, the data of which showed that ultraviolet rays, which are used in tanning salons, lead to an increase in the occurrence of skin cancer. People who visit such rooms have a 75% higher risk of melanoma. This is especially true for the age category of people under 30 years old.

Naturally, this group mainly includes young women, since this procedure is very popular among them.

Scientists noted that there are no safe rooms, although many manufacturers claim that it is in their rooms, where type A rays are used, that you can spend quite a long time. It has been scientifically proven that regardless of the nature of the radiation, there is still a high risk of developing melanoma.

In addition, a link has been established between visiting such rooms and the occurrence of retinal melanoma. That is why doctors unanimously urge all tanning enthusiasts to completely abandon this harmful procedure and not be led by manufacturers who only strive to obtain benefits.

Stages of skin cancer

Like all types of cancer, this type of cancer is usually subdivided into certain stages. In order to diagnose what stage the disease has reached, doctors use a variety of methods, which include: MRI, X-ray and computed tomography, blood sampling for analysis, and endoscopic ultrasound. If you need to clarify the diagnosis, then a biopsy is performed. The condition of the lymph nodes is also studied for the detection of cancer cells in them.

You should be aware that melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma are characterized by different stages. So for the first, a zero stage is distinguished, which is characterized simply by the presence of a formation on the skin. Cancer detected precisely at the zero phase of its development responds very successfully to treatment. This is due to the fact that only the top layer of the skin is affected, so the survival rate for such patients is equal to 100%.

Initial 1 stage

The initial stage is characterized by the fact that the formation does not exceed more than 2 cm in diameter. It perfectly moves with the skin and does not have metastases. Nevertheless, the lower layers of the epidermis are affected, but the tumor is located in one place. Treatment at this stage is very effective and often leads to a complete recovery of the patient.

Stage 2 skin cancer

If we talk about the size, then at this stage the malignant neoplasm reaches 4 mm. But the most important thing is that cancer cells did not reach the lymph nodes and did not begin to exert their destructive effect on the entire body. But sometimes doctors discover the presence of one metastasis, which is located in the lymph node next to the tumor. Patients often experience unpleasant painful sensations that are localized at the site of the tumor.

If the patient notices this pathology on time and adequate treatment for the disease is prescribed, then the prognosis is very comforting and the percentage of five-year survival is 50% of the total number of people.

Stage 3 skin cancer

The third stage is characterized by the defeat of the lymphatic system, but at the same time there are no metastases in the organs. As for the neoplasm itself, it has a bumpy appearance and causes the patient to feel very uncomfortable. At the same time, mobility is already limited, since the tumor has grown not only into the skin, but also into the tissues located under it.

Quite often, an increase in body temperature is observed at this stage. The survival rate is no more than 30% of the total number of patients.

Stage 4 skin cancer

The tumor or ulceration is large, captures large areas of the skin. Education grows deep inside and often affects the skeleton, cartilage tissue. Most often it bleeds and poisons the entire body.

Metastases spread to many organs, most often the liver is affected at the beginning, and then the patient's pulmonary system. The survival rate is extremely low and does not exceed 20% of the number of cases.

Types of skin cancer

Since the skin consists of cells that belong to a large number of tissues, there are significant differences in the tumors that affect them. Therefore, the concept of cancer in this case is very collective and defines all pathologies of a malignant nature.

However, experts identify the most common types, which include basaliomas, melanomas, squamous cell masses, lymphomas, carcinomas and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

This type of pathological process on the skin has several synonyms; it can also be called squamous cell epithelioma or spinalioma. It occurs regardless of the area of the body and can be located anywhere. But the open parts of the body, as well as the lower lip, are most susceptible to this lesion. Sometimes doctors find squamous cell carcinoma localized on the genitals.

This tumor is not selective for people on the basis of gender, but as for age, pensioners are more likely to suffer. As the reasons provoking its appearance, experts indicate tissue scarring after burns or mechanical damage, which are systematic. Also, actinic keratosis, chronic dermatitis, lichen, tuberculous lupus and other diseases can provoke the appearance of squamous cell carcinoma.

It should be noted that cancer resulting from damage to the skin by the sun's rays rarely gives metastases, but formed as a result of scarring of the skin in 30% of cases.

This type of cancer is a nodular formation that can be either single or multiple. As it develops, it becomes less and less mobile and more painful, begins to bleed even from a light touch, especially for the warty variety.

When the disease is caused by the presence of the papilloma virus in the body, then it is characterized by active growth and shape, which in its structure resembles a tomato. Ulcers appear six months after the formation of the tumor.

The ulcerative type of squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by similar formations that have an irregular shape and clear boundaries. A distinctive feature is the growth of cancer not deep into the tissue, but an increase in size along the periphery. Its color is red, and a yellowish bloom is found on the surface.

Basal skin cancer

This type of cancer has such synonyms as basalioma or basal epithelioma. It occurs quite often, is prone to relapse, but in most cases does not give metastasis.

As the main causes of this type of cancer, scientists identify hereditary factors due to a genetic predisposition, as well as malfunctions in the immune system. It is often possible to meet opinions that basalioma develops against the background of exposure to carcinogens or insolation. In this case, skin changes may not be present, but they may also take place. For example, this applies to lesions such as psoriasis, nevi, tuberculous lupus and other pathologies. Ultraviolet radiation should not be discarded as a provoking factor for the growth of basal cell carcinoma, as well as thermal burns and the intake of arsenic. It is also important that formations of this type are often found in those people who spent a lot of time in the sun in childhood.

Basalioma most often grows relatively slowly, arises in the epidermis or on the scalp, in their follicles. Doctors consider this pathology from the point of view of a kind of tumor, and not as cancer or benign formation.

The formations can be both single and multiple, have round outlines from pink to dark red and rise somewhat above the level of the skin. There are several forms of basaliomas: superficial, pigmentary, tumor, ulcerative, cicatricial-atrophic and fibroepithelial.

More often, the appearance of basaliomas affects people who have crossed the threshold of 40 years, regardless of gender. In adolescents and young children, such neoplasms practically do not occur, the exception may be its congenital form, which is called the Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.

Cellular skin cancer

Cellular skin cancer is one of the synonyms for basalioma. Therefore, it proceeds according to the same type as the above-described disease. It is worth noting that, despite the rather rare metastasis, this variety can still sprout. In such cases, the survival prognosis is extremely low and people suffering from metastatic cell cancer live no more than a year.

Skin cancer diagnostics

Diagnosis of any skin cancer is almost straightforward. If a patient discovers in himself any formation that arouses the slightest suspicion, then it is imperative to consult an oncologist.

• First, the doctor will perform a visual examination. Also for this purpose, specialized centers have a device called an epiluminescent microscope, which reveals the internal structure of any formation thanks to fluorescent illumination.
• If the doctor suspects, then he prescribes a biopsy, for this a small area of skin is taken, his laboratory examination is carried out for the presence of cancer cells. The biopsy can be puncture, incisional, excisional, or cut. To carry it out, a scalpel or a thin blade is used, depending on the type of research chosen.
• When the study gives a positive result and cancer cells are found in the patient, it is necessary to take a number of further actions aimed at determining the stage of the tumor. For this, blood is taken, computed tomography, MRI, chest X-ray and sometimes ultrasound are done. When there is a suspicion that the lymph nodes are already involved in the pathological process, the doctor prescribes a study called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Skin cancer treatment

The therapeutic effect is prescribed only by a doctor and directly depends on how far the pathological process has gone, and what type of cancer has struck a person:

• The most common method is surgery. In this case, both the tumor itself and the lymph nodes, if they have been affected, are removed.
• For the treatment of skin cancer, radiation therapy is also used, that is, they affect the affected areas of the skin with ionizing radiation. One of the modern methods of eliminating skin cancer is cryogenic therapy or nitrogen therapy. In this case, the tumor is affected by low temperatures. Also, doctors use laser and drug therapy in their practice.
• One of the most effective methods is micrographic surgery according to MOHS, the essence of which lies in the direct impact on the affected area, due to the fact that the surgical intervention is carried out under a microscope. The prognosis for recovery in this case is very favorable, and after the operation on the skin, there are practically no defects visible to the eye.

Naturally, if there are indications, the methods can be combined and applied in a complex. The main thing is to prevent the transition of the disease to one of the last stages.

See also: Other treatments

Prevention of skin cancer

Doctors recommend the following as preventive measures to reduce the number of skin cancer patients:

• Protect skin areas as much as possible from sun exposure, especially long-term and intense. This rule applies to all people without exception, but it is especially true for pensioners and young children. And also those who have fair skin from birth.
• Use of sunscreen and moisturizers.
• Any ulcers and fistulas that do not heal for a long time must be shown to a doctor and treated with radical methods.
• Try to protect scars and burns from mechanical stress and injury.
• Strictly use personal hygiene measures when in contact with potentially hazardous substances.
• Conduct regular examinations of your body and, if any suspicious growths are found, immediately report this to your doctor.

It should be remembered that the sooner a disease is discovered, the more chances in the near future are to forget about it forever.

The author of the article: Bykov Evgeny Pavlovich | Oncologist, surgeon

Education: graduated from residency at the Russian Scientific Oncological Center. N. N. Blokhin "and received a diploma in the specialty" Oncologist"