Don’t make your skin crawl, just keep away from the sun.

Skin cancer incidences are rising at a phenomenal rate owing to the depletion in the ozone layer during to global warming. A disease that pre-empts a serious concern, it is important that we know to it and nip the problem at the bud. rnThe UV radiation from the sun is the predominant etiological factor followed by genetical factors and metastasis if cancer cells from a pre existing malignant condition elsewhere in the body. There are three main types of skin cancers- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Malignant melanoma with melanoma being the most aggressive followed by SCC and BCC respectively each showing a different type of manifestation. Malignant Melanoma:- It arises from the melanocytes (pigment cells of the skin). It can occur at any age but is rare before puberty. It has the ability to spread through blood and lymph and more common in those with a lighter skin color. Common site of occurrence are the trunk (in men), legs (in women), face, soles, palms and nail beds. Most of the time, these are de novo in origin rather than from a pre existing tumor. Symptoms: 1. Flat, slightly elevated structurern2. Variation in pigmentation of moles with irregular bordersrn3. Ulcerationrn4. Bleeding and increase in size Squamous Cell Carcinoma:- It may arise on any part of the skin but most commonly occurs in sun exposed parts in the older age groups. People with frequent ulcerations, osteomyelitis, old burn scars and those with chronic exposure to radiation and industrial effluents are at high risk. Most common sites are the face, pinna of the ears, back of hands, lips, anal canal and glans penis. Symptoms: 1. Ulcerated growth with elevated and indurated marginsrn2. Hard lump with a scaly top may be seen Basal Cell Carcinoma:- It is a locally invasive, slow growing tumor of the middle aged. It occurs exclusively on the hairy skin. More commonly seen in people with lighter skin shades and those who are chronically exposed to sunlight. Most common sites of occurrence is the face. It is also known as a rodent ulcer. Symptoms: 1. Ulceration with pearly rolled marginsrn2. Painless raised ulcer If you find any of these symptoms, you can consult some of the very best oncologist in Jaslok hospital and Research Centre or Wockhardt Hospital. Diagnosis:-rnYour physician may recommend a biopsy following physical examination of the site of lesion. Treatment:- rnBasis the biopsy report, your surgeon may suggest any one of the following surgical procedures to remove the cancerous growth. 1.Moh's Micrographic surgery: In this case, the surgeon removes the tumor layer by layer and examines the edges of the tumor for any cancer cells. This process is repeated until no more cancer cells are seen. This procedure results in lesser loss of healthy tissue. 2.Simple Excision: The tumor tissue is cut out with some amount of normal healthy tissue. 3.Shave Excision: The abnormal mass of tissue is cut off with a blade from the surface of skin. 4.Electrodessication and Curettage: The tumor is cut off from the skin using a curette- a spoon shaped tool. A needle shaped electrode is then kept at the cut ends of the tissue and an electric current is passed to stem the bleeding and kill the cancer cells. This procedure may be repeated one to three times during the surgery depending on the dimensions of the tumors. 5.Cryosurgery: This method uses an instrument to freeze and destroy the carcinoma in situ. This type of treatment is called cryotherapy. Risk Factors:- rn1. Blood clotting anomaliesrn3. Difficulty in wound closingrn3. Wound Infectionrn4. Suture reactionrn5. Unaesthetic result Post Operative Care:- rn1. Try to avoid exposure to sun between 10 A.M - 4 P.Mrn2. Avoid tanning under sun or tanning bedsrn3. Be covered with clothing and, including a broad rimmed hat, and UV protectant sunglasses.rn4. Use broad spectrum sunscreens (UVA/UVB) of SPF 15 or above before stepping out of the house. Re apply every two hours once immediately after swimming or heavy exercisern5. Examine your skin head to toe every monthrn6. Consult your physician every year for professional skin examinationrnCare with Newborns:- Keep away from sun as much as possible. To know more about your specific condition, please visit an Oncologiist in a trusted hospital close to you.