A brief exposure to sunlight can benefit our health, but it is always important to take protective measures to avoid skin damage such as burns, spots, or skin cancer.
What You Should Know About Skin Cancer
It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, resulting in malignant tumors, mainly caused by UV exposure and genetic factors.
Main Types:
- Melanoma: the most serious type of skin cancer due to its potential to spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. It develops in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
- Basal cell carcinoma: the most common type of skin cancer, as it develops in the basal cells of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin and the most exposed to the sun. It generally does not spread to other parts of the body but can cause local destruction if untreated.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: the second most common type of skin cancer, more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma due to its potential to spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. It develops in the squamous cells of the epidermis.
- Merkel cell carcinoma: a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that develops in Merkel cells located in the deepest layer of the epidermis.
Common Symptoms That May Indicate Skin Cancer:
- Changes in the color, size, or shape of moles.
- Asymmetric spots with blurred edges that may sometimes itch, bleed, or hurt.
- Irritations or burns that take longer than usual to heal or do not heal at all.
- Pigmentation around moles or spots that begin to spread to adjacent skin.
Simple Measures to Protect Your Skin from the Sun:
- Avoid or limit sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Preferably, choose one labeled as broad spectrum.
- Wear clothing that protects your neck, ears, eyes, and head, as well as sunglasses with UV filters.
- Avoid tanning, whether outdoors or in tanning beds.
It is important to examine your skin for suspicious changes, as early detection can help identify skin cancer in its initial stages. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.
At Clínica CES, we offer mole mapping and oncological dermatology services. If you notice any changes in your skin, consult our dermatology specialists.
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(604) 322 93 03
citas@clinicaces.edu.co
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