Incidence of skin cancers has been increasing since the last few decades globally. Indian Council of Medical Research’s latest report found that skin cancer incidence is low in proportion to all other cancers in India, in comparison with other regions of the world.

Researchers believe the higher incidence of skin cancer in North and East India is due to arsenic exposure along the Ganges basin.

What is Skin Cancer?

The abnormal growth of skin cells is termed as Skin Cancer which most often develops due to exposure to the sun.

Types of Skin Cancer:

1. Melanoma Skin Cancer

It is the most serious type of skin cancer that grows in the cells that produce melanin that gives your skin its color. It can be formed in eyes and sometimes inside your body, such as in your nose or throat.

The cause of melanoma is not clear, but exposure to UV radiation from sunlight and tanning increases the risk of developing melanoma. Melanoma spreads quickly in 6 weeks and if untreated can spread to other parts of the body. It appears on the skin that is not even exposed to the sun.

2. Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer 

It refers to all types of skin cancer that occur in the skin that are not melanoma. The most popular types of non-melanoma cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

a. Basal Cell Carcinoma

It is a type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells – a type of cell in the skin that produces new skin as the old ones die.

Basal cell carcinoma often appears on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun such as the head and neck. Most of them are thought to be caused by long-term exposure to UV radiation from sunlight.

b. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It is a form of skin cancer that grows in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. Though it is not life-threatening, it can be aggressive causing serious complications if left untreated.

 It results from prolonged exposure to UV radiation from sunlight hence avoiding UV light exposure reduces the risk of the disease. It can be found in many places in your body wherever squamous cells are found in the skin.

3. Merkel Cell Skin Cancer

Merkel cell cancer is a highly aggressive, or fast-growing, rare cancer. It starts in hormone-producing cells just beneath the skin and in the hair follicles. It is usually found in the head and neck region.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer:

·       Rough or scaly red patches.

·       Raised growths or lumps.

·       Open sores, which don't heal, or heal and then come back.

·       Wart-like growths.

·       Fatigue or extreme tiredness.

·       Weight loss or gain for no known reason.

·       Loss of appetite, trouble swallowing, belly pain, or nausea and vomiting.

 Risk Factors of Skin Cancer

·       Sun exposure

·       Weakened Immunity System

·       Tanning

·       Fair skin

·       Race/Ethnicity

·       Precancerous skin conditions

·       History of Sun burn/fragile skin

·       Previous treatment with Radiation therapy

·       HPV infection

Sun exposure. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun plays a major role in the development of skin cancer. People who live at high altitudes or in areas with bright sunlight year-round have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. People who spend a lot of time outside during the midday hours also have a higher risk. Exposure to ultraviolet type B (UVB) radiation appears to be more closely linked with skin cancer, but ultraviolet type A (UVA) may also play a role in the development of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma.

Weakened or suppressed immune system. People with a weakened immune system due to a bone marrow/stem cell transplant, organ transplant, or diseases such as HIV/AIDS and certain types of leukemia have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

Tanning. People who use tanning beds, tanning parlors, or sun lamps have an increased risk of developing all types of skin cancer.

Fair skin. People with a fair complexion, blond or red hair, blue eyes, and freckles are at increased risk for developing skin cancer. People whose skin has a tendency to burn rather than tan also have an increased risk. Despite this, all people, regardless of skin color, are at risk for developing skin cancer.

Race/ethnicity. White people are most likely to develop Merkel cell cancer; however, some Black people and people of Polynesian descent develop the disease.

Precancerous skin conditions. Rough, red, or brown scaly patches on the skin, called actinic keratoses are usually more common in areas exposed to the sun. These areas can change into squamous cell cancers in a small number of people. The more actinic keratoses a person has, the higher the risk that they will develop a squamous cell carcinoma

A history of sunburns or fragile skin. Skin that has been burned, sunburned, or injured from disease has a higher risk of skin cancer.

Previous treatments with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy to treat cancer have a higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.

Human papillomavirus (HPV).HPV is a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma, cause it suppresses the immune system.

Prevention of Skin Cancer

·       Panchkarma and other Ayurvedic methods.

·       Use Sunscreen.

·       Wear hats and cover your head, face and ears while going out.

·       Use sun protective clothing.

·       Check with your pharmacist for medications that cause sun sensitivity.

Description:

Skin health can be maintained by ayurvedic panchakarmas like Abhyangam, Snehan, Svedan, Vamana, Virechana and Basti. There are formulations like Nalpamradi tailam, Kumkumadi tailam, Manjisthadi Tailam, Karanj Tailam, Chandan Tailam, Shatdhaut Ghrutam can be used in preventing several skin diseases and also help in relieving skin related side effects of Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy during cancer treatment.

(Abhyangam)

The best way to protect your skin is to avoid too much sunlight and sunburns. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage your skin, and over time this may lead to skin cancer.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UV-A and UV-B rays. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside. Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days and during the winter months.
• Wear hats with wide brims to protect your face and ears. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect your arms and legs. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor label for extra protection.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Ask your pharmacist if any of the medications you take make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Caratenoids, Vit. A, C, D, Omega-3 fatty acids and potassium rich food helps prevent skin cancer.
• Check all the skin on your body and head for any changes in size, shape or color of skin growths or the development of new skin spots. Don’t forget to check your scalp, ears, palms of your hands, soles of your feet, between your toes, your genital area and between your buttocks. Consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes in a mole or other skin spot.

Tests for Skin Cancer:

·       A visual self-exam by the patient and a clinical examination by the health care provider may be used to screen for skin cancer. As part of the physical exam, dermatologists use a dermatoscope, a special magnifying lens and light source held near the skin.

·       Skin Biopsy

If you suspect any growth on your skin, it is recommended to make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist.