Your skin, your health: exploring different cancer types.

Basal cells are found at the bottom of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). They produce new skin cells and push older cells toward the outer surface of the skin when new cells develop. Basal cell carcinoma develops when DNA is damaged due to exposure to UV rays. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and does not metastasize, or spread to other parts of your body.

What to watch for

• Pinkish growths
• Open sores
• Shiny bumps
• Red patches, or dome-shaped lesions
• May crust, itch, ooze, or even bleed

Melanoma is connected to melanocytes, the cells that secrete melanin pigment and are responsible for skin colour. When the skin gets exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce more melanin. Genetic predisposition is still one of the most important risk factors for developing melanoma, especially if you have a lot of moles. While it can often be found on the neck, head, and back in men, it usually occurs on the lower part of the legs and the back in women. Melanoma’s danger can be attributed to the fact that it can spread to other body parts.

What to watch for

• Asymmetrical or unusual shapes, such as two very different-looking halves
• Changes in colour, such as many colours or unusual colour patterns
• New growth in a mole larger than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimetres)
• Changes in symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding
• Moles with unusual, notched or scalloped borders

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon type of non-melanoma skin cancer. It develops in Merkel cells that are located deep in the outer or top layer of the skin and in hair follicles. MCC generally develops on areas of the skin that often remain exposed to the sun, including the legs, head, arms, and neck. It is aggressive in nature and develops and spreads rapidly.

What to watch for

• Slightly raised spot or dome that looks like a sore or mass
• Can be red, pink, blue, or purple in colour

Squamous cells are one of three types of cells in the epidermis. They are flat and found near the skin’s surface. These squamous cells shed constantly with the formation of new ones. SCC happens when damage to the DNA occurs, usually due to exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays or any other agents that may trigger DNA damage.

What to watch for

• Fast-growing, red, firm nodule
• Flat sore with scaly crust
• Any new sore or raised region over an old ulcer or scar
• Any scaly, rough patch on the lips that could develop into an open sore
• A reddish rough sore or patch inside the mouth

The active ingredient is delivered topically by applying the chemotherapy cream to the area or field desiring treatment. In this manner, many undesirable side effects of systemic chemotherapy can be prevented. Topical chemotherapy is usually used to treat non-invasive basal cell carcinoma or precancerous lesions such as Bowen’s disease and actinic keratosis.

This treatment option is very affordable, but the longer treatment period and accompanying side effects make it less desirable.