Embracing the Thai lifestyle inevitably involves sun exposure, a daily reality for office workers commuting or enjoying lunch outdoors. Yet, are you aware that sunlight contributes to skin cancer? Today, our goal is to deepen your understanding of skin cancer, empowering you to safeguard your skin effectively and minimize the risk of this condition.
Skin Cancer Insights:
Skin cancer originates from skin cells dividing abnormally due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. It can emerge anywhere on the skin, particularly in sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, arms, hands, and even delicate areas such as the lips, oral tissues, nose, eyelids, and nails. The primary types are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Excessive UV radiation from sunlight is the primary cause of skin cancer. UV radiation harms skin cell DNA, prompting changes that lead to rapid cell growth and the formation of cancerous cells. Contributing factors include:
• Fair skin: Individuals with fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes are more vulnerable to UV damage and skin cancer due to lower melanin levels, which normally protects against UV radiation.
• UV exposure: Occasional intense sun exposure or cumulative exposure over time, especially with a history of sunburn, elevates the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, we do not recommend sunbathing.
• Presence of moles or atypical moles.
• Family history of skin cancer: Since skin cancer can be hereditary.
• Some genetic diseases cannot be managed with DNA damage caused by sunlight.
• People with weakened immune systems or those taking immunosuppressive medications are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. This is because their body's immune defenses are low, reducing their ability to fight and manage cancer cells compared to the general population.
• Prolonged exposure to dangerous radiation, such as in radiation therapy.
• History of exposure to chemicals like arsenic, insecticides, road tar, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or prolonged contact with certain chemicals.
• Smoking.
• Infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), contributing to skin cancer development.
• Having chronic wounds.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Be vigilant for signs such as:
• New or changing moles: Changes in size, shape, color, bleeding, or ulceration.
• Abnormal skin growths: Red patches, nodules, or lesions that don't heal.
• Wounds resembling sores or non-healing ulcers.
• Hardened scales or lumps on the skin with bleeding.
• Persistent wounds that do not heal.
Characteristics of Different Skin Cancer Types:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):
o Common in Thais, often found on the face, neck, and hands.
o Characterized by pink, red, or black lesions with a central depression, sometimes accompanied by small blood vessels. May also have a scaly or ulcerated appearance.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):
o Type of skin cancer that originates from basal cells
o Develops from squamous cells, with varied appearances, including red patches, nodules, or ulcerations. Can be painful and bleed easily upon contact. In addition, the sore gradually expands and eventually becomes a chronic wound.
o This type of skin cancer grows more rapidly than basal cell carcinoma and can metastasize to other organs.
Melanoma:
o The most dangerous type, arising from melanocytes responsible for skin pigmentation.
o It is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, with the potential to spread to other organs, leading to a life-threatening condition. Melanoma is increasingly prevalent in the Thai population, particularly among the elderly.
o Initially may resemble new moles or existing freckles but often exhibits rapid and abnormal growth. Irregular borders, uneven color, and the potential for bleeding or ulceration are key signs.
Understanding these signs and risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention of skin cancer. Regular self-examination and professional check-ups are essential for maintaining skin health in the face of sun exposure. Stay informed, stay protected!
Preventing Skin Cancer
To ward off skin cancer, the emphasis is on safeguarding against sun exposure and minimizing risk. Follow these guidelines:
• Don snug-fitting attire and items offering UV protection, like UV-blocking umbrellas, hats, long-sleeved shirts, sun sleeves, and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 PA+++ before stepping out or spending time in the sun, reapplying every 2 hours if continuous exposure occurs.
• Steer clear of sun exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when UV radiation is most potent and harmful.
• Avoiding contact with or consuming foods contaminated with carcinogenic substances can be challenging. It is recommended to steer clear of pesticides in fruits and vegetables, seafood, foods wrapped in printed paper, repeatedly fried menu items in reused oil, foam-packaged foods, and fruits from the Citrus or orange family.
• Kick the smoking habit.
• Regularly inspect your body and conduct self-examinations. Seek medical advice if any abnormal skin changes are observed.
Skin Cancer Detection
• Self-examine for irregularities on the skin, such as unusual growths, persistent sores, or sun-exposed areas. Additionally, it's important to notice any rapid expansion of abnormal features. If any abnormalities are detected, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further examination.
• Medical diagnosis involves a thorough examination of moles, freckles, birthmarks, or other skin spots. A thorough examination of the skin is conducted, covering the entire body, including the scalp, ears, palms, soles, spaces between the toes, and around the genital area. If any abnormalities are detected, the physician may perform a biopsy by removing a suspicious piece of tissue for further analysis to determine whether it is skin cancer or not.
Treatment of Skin Cancer
The approach to treating skin cancer depends on its type, size, location, and stage, considering factors like age, overall health, and existing medical conditions. Common treatment methods include:
o Surgery:
Surgery is the primary and most commonly used treatment for all types of skin cancer because of its high effectiveness in completely removing cancer. The surgeon removes the cancerous growth and surrounding tissue from the skin. Afterward, the wound is either stitched closed or covered with skin from another area to promote faster healing.
o Mohs Micrographic Surgery:
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique that aims to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. During the surgery, tissue samples are immediately examined in real-time until all cancer cells are removed. This procedure requires a specialized medical team and is suitable for cancers with a high risk of spreading, especially in delicate areas like the face, nose, mouth, ears, or areas with a high chance of recurrence.
o Electrosurgery and Curettage:
This method is suitable for patients with low-risk skin cancers that are relatively small and superficial. The physician uses a looped-edge tool to scrape away the cancerous tissue and then applies an electrical current to treat the area.
o Radiation Therapy:
This treatment uses high-energy radiation to destroy large cancerous areas that cannot be completely removed through surgery. It is also used as a preventive measure against recurrence, often applied to elderly patients or those with underlying conditions that increase the risks of surgical procedures.
o Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy involves the use of anti-cancer drugs, either individually or in combination, to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This treatment is often employed for cancers that cannot be easily removed through surgery.
o Photodynamic Therapy:
This treatment involves shining light on the cancerous area after applying a photosensitizing agent. The light activates the agent, leading to a reaction that destroys cancer cells. It is commonly used for basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, especially when there are multiple lesions or lesions in challenging locations on the body.
Skin cancer is closer to us than we think and can become more severe if not prevented. Therefore, we should make an effort to protect our skin from UV radiation. Understanding the causes, factors, and proper preventive measures can keep us away from skin cancer. For customers of Krungthai-AXA Life who are interested in health care, you can read more health articles at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories.
The article was reviewed by
Jantanut Witthawaschaikul, M.D.,
a specialist in Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery and Skin Cancer at Sukumvit Hospital.
Source of Information
• World Health Organization
https://bit.ly/44ugpB8
• Skin Cancer Foundation
https://bit.ly/3QX7zsz
• National Cancer Institute
https://bit.ly/3KXWOCi
• Mayo Clinic
https://mayocl.in/3KZM1aC
• Pobpad
https://bit.ly/45CVMDM
https://bit.ly/3OR6L5P
• Bangkok Hospital Pattaya
https://bit.ly/45oKaoj
• American Cancer Society.
https://bit.ly/3YQK9a5
