Skin cancer | What you need to know

Skin cancer is a disease that affects normal skin cells. Aged skin cells are constantly being replaced by new cells. Various factors (such as ultraviolet radiation) can disrupt this process and cause uncontrolled cell growth. Such cells can be benign or malignant. Early detection and timely treatment of malignant skin tumors allows for a complete cure.

Ultraviolet radiation and DNA mutation

There are numerous studies that confirm the influence of ultraviolet radiation on the development of skin cancer.

UV radiation exposure begins with a photon – a unit of light energy – that hits DNA. Two of the four types of nucleotides in DNA – cytosine and thiamine – are pyrimidines. When a photon hits two adjacent pyrimidines, they (pyrimidines) join together to form a dimeric structure. UV radiation also causes other types of changes in DNA, but the formation of pyrimidine dimeric structures is central to the development of skin cancer. These dimers alter cell signaling systems, causing uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, which ultimately leads to cancer.

Types of skin cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma – develops from cells in the lower layer of the epidermis (outer layer of skin)
• Squamous cell carcinoma – develops from the flat cells of the epidermis.
• Melanoma – arises from melanocytes in the skin. Melanocytes are cells that contain the pigment melanin. The production of the pigment is stimulated by sunlight and has a protective function against ultraviolet radiation. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because it spreads easily to other tissues.

Other forms of skin cancer include:

• Kaposi's sarcoma
• Merkel cell carcinoma
• Sebaceous gland carcinoma
• Dermatofibrosarcoma

Symptoms

The most typical sign of skin cancer is changes in the skin's surface.

• A new growth, or a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing growth
• Soft, waxy growths on the face, ears, or neck
• A flat, reddish-pink, or brown spot forms on the surface of the lesion
• Scar-like areas on the skin
• Peeling ulcers, with a depression in the middle and frequent bleeding
• A wound or ulcer that does not heal or that ulcerates soon after healing
• A crusted area on the skin that is characterized by severe itching, bleeding, and a tendency to break

Depending on the type of tissue from which they arise, the characteristics of skin tumors differ.

• Asymmetry – uneven shape
• Boundaries – can be clear or blurred
• Coloration – often a transitional color
• Diameter – usually exceeds 5-6 millimeters
• Development – ​​grows in size, changes shape and color

reasons

The main cause of skin cancer is excessive exposure to sunlight, especially when sunburn and skin damage occur. The sun's ultraviolet rays cause DNA damage in skin cells, which results in abnormal cell growth. The abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably, leading to the formation of cancerous tissue. The damaging effects of sunlight are further increased when there is a genetic predisposition to hereditary skin cancers.

Risk factors for cancer development

Skin cancer can develop in anyone, regardless of race or gender. However, it is more common in certain groups.

Skin cancer is more common in women under the age of 50, and in men over the age of 50. Skin cancer is 30 times more common in white people. People with dark skin often develop skin cancer in stages, which makes it more difficult to treat.

In addition to the above, there are risk factors for developing skin cancer:

• Prolonged sun exposure to the skin
• Proneness to sunburn
• Living in a region with high solar radiation or mountainous terrain
• Frequent use of solarium
• Light-colored hair and eyes and/or freckled skin
• Presence of a large number of moles and other growths on the skin
• Actinic (solar) keratosis – precancerous rough, dark pink-brown areas on the skin
• Family history of skin cancer
• History of organ transplantation
• Treatment with medications that reduce immune status (immunosuppressants, steroids)
• History of ultraviolet light treatment for eczema or psoriasis

Is it possible to prevent skin cancer?

In most cases, skin cancer can be prevented. The best way to prevent it is to avoid excessive sun exposure and sunburn.

Ways to protect yourself from developing skin cancer include:

• Using broad-spectrum – SPF 30 and above – sunscreen (face cream, lip balm, etc.) in all seasons
• Protecting the skin of the face and body with appropriate clothing
• Wearing sunglasses that protect the eyes from both UV-B and UV-A rays

• Limit exposure to the sun during periods of active radiation
• Avoiding solariums and quick tanning products
• Regularly checking skin growths – to note changes in size, shape, and color

When does skin cancer become life-threatening?

Despite being located on the surface of the skin, delayed detection of skin cancer often leads to life-threatening complications. Skin cancer cells grow in the direction of deeper tissues, and tumor cells also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph, causing the development of metastases. For example, malignant melanoma of the skin can cause metastases to the lungs, which is a life-threatening disease.

People with darker skin tones are more likely to develop skin cancer on parts of their bodies that are less exposed to the sun. The mechanism behind this process is not clear, as most cases of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Skin cancer diagnostics

Diagnosis begins with the collection of patient history data: whether new formations have appeared on the skin, whether existing formations have changed. The attending physician necessarily takes into account information about the family history of skin cancer. This is followed by an examination of all areas of the skin. If necessary, a biopsy of specific areas is performed. Based on the information obtained from the study of the material, the attending physician determines the need for further diagnostic and treatment measures.

Laboratory "Synevo" offers genetic research for skin cancer

 Laboratory  "Synevo" We offer diagnostics of genetic skin tumors:

Resources

https://www.eular.org/world-arthritis-day-general-information

https://www.yalescientific.org/2020/03/how-sun-damage-really-causes-cancer-the-effect-of-uv-radiation-on-cancer-causing-dna-mutations/

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n.manjaparashvili@synevo.ge