Skin cancer is primarily caused by damage to the DNA of skin cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. The main causes include:
1. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation:
- Sun exposure: UV rays from the sun damage skin cells, leading to mutations.
- Tanning beds: Artificial UV light is just as harmful, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
2. Genetic Factors:
- A family history of skin cancer increases susceptibility.
- People with fair skin, freckles, or light-colored eyes are at higher risk due to less melanin protection.
3. Environmental & Lifestyle Factors:
- Exposure to chemicals: Arsenic, coal tar, and other carcinogens can contribute.
- Weakened immune system: People with compromised immunity (e.g., due to organ transplants or diseases like HIV) have a higher risk.
- Radiation exposure: Prior radiation treatments can increase skin cancer risk.
4. Other Contributing Factors:
- Frequent sunburns, especially in childhood.
- Chronic wounds or scars, which can sometimes develop into skin cancer.
- Age: Risk increases as you get older due to cumulative sun exposure.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, usually due to DNA damage caused by environmental and genetic factors. This leads to mutations that trigger uncontrolled cell division. Below are the primary causes in detail:
1. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation – The Leading Cause
UV radiation is the biggest risk factor for skin cancer, and it primarily comes from:
- The Sun: Prolonged exposure to sunlight increases the chances of skin damage.
- Tanning Beds & Sunlamps: These artificial sources of UV light can be just as harmful, if not worse, than natural sunlight.
How UV Radiation Causes Damage:
- UV rays penetrate the skin and alter the DNA of skin cells.
- This damage affects the way cells grow and divide, increasing the risk of cancerous mutations.
- Repeated exposure over time can lead to irreversible DNA damage, especially in fair-skinned individuals who have less melanin to protect them.
Sunburns & Skin Cancer
Severe sunburns, especially in childhood or adolescence, significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Blistering sunburns are particularly dangerous, as they indicate extensive DNA damage.
2. Genetic & Skin Type Factors
Some people are genetically predisposed to skin cancer due to inherited mutations or natural traits:
- Fair Skin, Red or Blonde Hair, and Light Eyes: These individuals produce less melanin, which provides some protection against UV rays.
- Freckling and Tendency to Burn Easily: This indicates lower resistance to UV damage.
- Family History: A history of skin cancer in close relatives (parents, siblings) increases risk, as DNA mutations can be inherited.
- Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP): A rare genetic disorder where the body cannot repair UV-induced DNA damage, leading to extreme sensitivity to sunlight and early skin cancer.
3. Environmental & Occupational Exposure
Certain environmental factors can contribute to skin cancer risk:
Chemicals & Carcinogens
- Arsenic (found in well water or industrial exposure)
- Coal tar, paraffin, and petroleum products (common in industrial work)
- Certain pesticides
Radiation Exposure
- Previous radiation therapy (for conditions like acne or other cancers) can increase the risk of basal and squamous cell carcinoma in the treated areas.
Immune System Suppression
People with weakened immune systems (due to organ transplants, chemotherapy, or diseases like HIV/AIDS) are more prone to skin cancer. The immune system normally helps prevent abnormal cell growth, so when it’s compromised, the risk increases.
4. Chronic Skin Conditions & Injuries
- Chronic wounds, burns, or scars can sometimes develop into squamous cell carcinoma over time.
- Long-standing inflammatory skin conditions, like lupus or severe eczema, may create an environment for cancerous changes.
5. Age & Cumulative Exposure
- Skin cancer is more common in older adults due to lifelong UV exposure.
- However, rates in young people are rising, largely due to tanning beds and increased outdoor activities without sun protection.
Final Thoughts: Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented?
Yes, while some risk factors (like genetics) cannot be changed, many causes of skin cancer are preventable. Avoiding excessive sun exposure, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can significantly lower the risk.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
The treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. The main treatments include surgical procedures, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
1. Surgery (Most Common Treatment)
Surgical removal is the primary treatment for most skin cancers, especially basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Types of Surgical Procedures:
✅ Excisional Surgery:
- The tumor and a margin of healthy skin around it are cut out.
- Used for most BCCs and SCCs.
✅ Mohs Surgery (Micrographic Surgery):
- Best for high-risk or facial skin cancers.
- The doctor removes thin layers of skin, checking each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.
- Minimizes scarring and is effective for cancers with irregular borders.
✅ Curettage and Electrodessication:
- The cancerous area is scraped away with a curette, and an electric needle destroys remaining cancer cells.
- Common for small, superficial BCCs and SCCs.
✅ Cryotherapy (Freezing with Liquid Nitrogen):
- Used for precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) and small superficial skin cancers.
- The freezing destroys cancer cells, causing them to peel off.
✅ Lymph Node Dissection:
- If the skin cancer has spread to lymph nodes, these may be surgically removed.
2. Radiation Therapy
- Used when surgery isn’t an option (e.g., for large tumors or elderly patients).
- High-energy X-rays target and kill cancer cells.
- Sometimes used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Often applied to melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in delicate areas (like the nose, lips, or eyelids).
3. Chemotherapy (Less Common for Skin Cancer)
- Typically used if skin cancer has spread beyond the skin.
- Can be applied in two ways:
✅ Topical chemotherapy (cream or lotion applied to the skin) for early-stage BCC and SCC (e.g., 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod).
✅ Systemic chemotherapy (pills or IV treatment) for advanced skin cancers.
4. Immunotherapy (Boosting the Body’s Defense Against Cancer)
- Helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
- Mainly used for advanced melanoma.
- Common immunotherapy drugs include:
✅ Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab) – these block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer.
5. Targeted Therapy (For Advanced Skin Cancer Cases)
- For melanoma with specific genetic mutations (e.g., BRAF mutation).
- These drugs attack cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
- Examples: Vemurafenib, Dabrafenib, Trametinib.
6. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
- Used for superficial skin cancers and precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses).
- A special light-sensitive drug is applied to the skin and activated with a laser to destroy cancer cells.
What Happens After Treatment?
- Regular Follow-Ups: Skin cancer can return, so checkups are needed every 3 to 12 months, depending on the risk.
- Self-Skin Exams: Patients should monitor their skin for new or recurring spots.
- Sun Protection: Prevent future skin cancer by wearing sunscreen (SPF 30+), protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds.👉 Enjoy videos for more detail :