Skin cancer is responsible for less than 1% of all cancer deaths. But it is diagnosed in more than 3 million Americans each year, making it the most common type of 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:
• Basal cell Skin Cancer
• Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
• Merkel Cell Skin Cancer
• Melanoma

Basal cell carcinoma: About 80% of skin cancers develop from basal cells found in the lower epidermis. Basal cell carcinoma most often develops on the head and neck, although it can be found anywhere on the skin. It is mainly caused by sun exposure or develops in people who received radiation therapy as children.

Squamous cell carcinoma: Around 20% of skin cancers develop from squamous cells of the epidermis cells. Squamous cell carcinoma is also caused by sun exposure, so it may be diagnosed in many regions of the skin. It can also develop on skin that has been burned, damaged by chemicals, or exposed to x-rays.

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.

Melanoma. There are scattered cells called melanocytes where the epidermis meets the dermis. These cells produce the pigment melanin, which gives skin its color. Melanoma starts in melanocytes, and it is the most serious type of skin cancer.

• 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 of 10 pounds or more 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 Sunburn/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, and 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 of 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 of 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 or Bowen's disease, 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 the disease has a higher risk of skin cancer.

Previous treatment with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy to treat cancer has 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 Vamana, Virechana and Basti. There are formulations like Nalpamradi tailam, Kumkumadi tailam , Shatdhaut ghrutam which 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.

The best way to protect yourself 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.

• 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, the 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.

Screening 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.
• Skin Biopsy