Skin Cancer – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Skin cancer develops when skin cells grow abnormally. It commonly appears on sun-exposed areas but can affect any part of the body. The three main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Limiting ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure helps reduce skin cancer risk. Regular skin checks play a crucial role in early detection, which significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Key facts about skin cancer:

  • Most commonly affects sun-exposed skin
  • Can appear on unexposed areas
  • Three major types with different characteristics
  • Early detection improves treatment success

Being aware of skin changes and protecting yourself from UV radiation are important steps in skin cancer prevention and management.

Types

Skin cancer comes in several forms. The main types include:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The second most common skin cancer.
  • Melanoma: Less common but more dangerous.
  • Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: A category that includes basal and squamous cell types.

Each type affects different skin cells and has distinct characteristics. Some grow slowly while others can spread quickly to other body parts.

Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer commonly appears on sun-exposed areas like the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, and hands. Women also develop it on their legs.

However, it can also form in areas rarely exposed to sunlight, such as palms, under nails, and genital areas.

People of all skin tones can develop skin cancer. In darker-skinned individuals, melanoma tends to appear in areas with minimal sun exposure, like the palms and soles.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Indicators

Basal cell carcinoma typically develops on sun-exposed body parts, especially the neck and face.

Signs include:

  • Waxy or pearly bumps
  • Flat, brown, or flesh-colored lesions resembling scars
  • Sores that bleed or scab, heal, then return

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Indicators

This cancer frequently appears on parts of the body exposed to sunlight, such as the face, ears, and hands. People with darker skin more commonly develop it in areas with minimal sun exposure.

Look for:

  • Firm, red nodules
  • Flat lesions with scaly or crusted surfaces

Melanoma Indicators

Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, either in normal skin or in a mole that becomes cancerous.

In men, it often appears on the face or trunk, while in women, it commonly develops on the lower legs. Melanoma affects people of all skin tones and can occur in areas without sun exposure.

For darker-skinned individuals, melanoma typically appears on the palms, soles, or under fingernails or toenails.

Common signs include:

  • Large brownish spots with darker speckles
  • Moles that change in color, size, or texture, or that bleed
  • Small lesions with irregular borders showing red, pink, white, blue, or blue-black areas
  • Painful lesions that itch or burn
  • Dark lesions on palms, soles, fingertips, toes, or mucous membranes

Less Common Skin Cancer Signs

Kaposi Sarcoma:

This rare cancer develops in blood vessels, creating red or purple skin patches. It primarily affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications.

Young men in Africa and older men of Italian or Eastern European Jewish heritage also face higher risks.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

This presents as firm, shiny nodules on or under the skin and in hair follicles, most commonly on the head, neck, and trunk.

Sebaceous gland carcinoma

This aggressive cancer starts in the skin’s oil glands. It appears as hard, painless nodules anywhere on the body, but most often on the eyelids, where it’s frequently mistaken for other eyelid conditions.

When to Consult a Doctor

See your doctor if you notice concerning skin changes. Not all skin changes indicate cancer, but a medical professional should evaluate them to determine the cause.

What Causes Skin Cancer

Skin cancer starts when skin cells develop DNA errors or mutations. These mutations cause the cells to multiply too quickly, forming tumors.

The top layer of skin (epidermis) contains three main cell types that can develop into different skin cancers:

  • Squamous cells – These cells form the inner lining of the epidermis, just below the skin’s surface.
  • Basal cells – Located beneath the squamous cells, these cells constantly make new skin cells.
  • Melanocytes – These cells make melanin, which gives skin its color. When you’re in the sun, melanocytes produce more melanin to protect deeper skin layers.

The specific type of skin cancer depends on which of these cells contains the mutations.

Sun Exposure and Other Risk Factors

UV (ultraviolet) radiation is the main cause of DNA damage in skin cells. This radiation comes from:

  • Sunlight
  • Tanning beds
  • Tanning lamps

However, some skin cancers develop on parts of the body rarely exposed to sunlight. This suggests other factors may increase skin cancer risk, including:

  • Exposure to harmful chemicals
  • Weakened immune system
  • Certain medical conditions

These factors can make skin cells more likely to develop mutations that lead to cancer, even without significant sun exposure.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise your chances of getting skin cancer. Knowing these risks helps you take steps to protect yourself.

Skin Type and Coloring

People with fair skin have a higher risk because they have less melanin (skin pigment) to protect against harmful UV rays.

Those with blond or red hair, light-colored eyes, and who burn or freckle easily face greater danger than people with darker skin. However, skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of skin color.

Sun Exposure History

  • Having one or more blistering sunburns during childhood or teenage years significantly increases the risk of adult skin cancer.
  • Sunburns during adulthood also raise the risk
  • Regular tanning (outdoors or using tanning beds) damages skin and increases cancer risk

Environmental Factors

Living in places with more sun exposure puts you at higher risk:

  • Warm, sunny climates where sun exposure is constant
  • High-altitude locations where sunlight is more intense

Skin Characteristics

Risk Factor Description
Many moles Having numerous moles increases risk
Abnormal moles (dysplastic nevi) Irregular-looking, often larger moles with higher cancer potential
Precancerous growths Rough, scaly patches called actinic keratoses that appear on sun-damaged skin

Medical and Family History

Your personal and family medical background matters:

  • Family history of skin cancer (parents or siblings)
  • Personal history of previous skin cancer
  • Weakened immune systems from conditions like HIV/AIDS or from taking immunosuppressant medications after organ transplants

Other Risk Factors

Some additional factors that can increase risk include:

  • Past radiation treatments for skin conditions like eczema or acne
  • Exposure to certain chemicals, particularly arsenic

Monitoring Your Risk

If you have abnormal moles or a history of skin cancer, regular monitoring is important. Watch for changes in existing moles and have regular skin examinations by a healthcare provider.

Remember that having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop skin cancer.

Many people with multiple risk factors never get skin cancer, while some people with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk helps you take appropriate preventive measures.

Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

Most skin cancers can be avoided with proper protection. Here are several effective prevention strategies to keep your skin safe:

  • Limit sun exposure during peak hours. The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in North America. Whenever feasible, schedule outdoor activities outside of these hours. Remember that UV radiation affects you year-round, even on cloudy days.
  • Use sunscreen daily. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, regardless of weather conditions. Put on a thick layer to all exposed skin, including:
    • Lips
    • Ears
    • Neck
    • Hands

Reapply every two hours, or more often when swimming or sweating.

  • Dress for protection. Sunscreen alone isn’t enough. Wear:
    • Dark, tightly woven clothing covering arms and legs
    • Broad-brimmed hats (better than baseball caps)
    • Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays

Some brands make special clothing designed for sun protection. Ask a skin doctor for good options.

  • Stay away from tanning beds. The lights in these devices emit harmful UV radiation that increases skin cancer risk.
  • Know your medications. Many common drugs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, including some:
    • Antibiotics
    • Over-the-counter medications
    • Prescription drugs

Ask your healthcare provider about any sun sensitivity risks with medications you are taking.

  • Check your skin regularly. Look for new growths or changes in existing:
    • Moles
    • Freckles
    • Bumps
    • Birthmarks

Use mirrors to examine hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, and between your toes. Report any concerning changes to your doctor promptly.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.