Summary

The two most frequent kinds of skin cancer are basal and squamous cell. They begin in the epidermis, or top layer of skin, and are frequently linked to sun exposure. When the body’s cells start to grow out of control, cancer develops. Cancer can arise from cells in almost any place of the body. In the epidermis, there are three main types of cells in this layer: squamous, basal, and melanocytes. Squamous cells are flat cells that form in the epidermis’ upper (outer) layer and are constantly lost as new ones form. Squamous cell skin cancer can develop when these cells grow out of control. Basal cells are found in the basal cell layer of the epidermis, which is located at the bottom of the epidermis. These cells divide often in order to replace the squamous cells that wear away at the skin’s surface. These cells get flatter as they progress up the epidermis, eventually becoming squamous cells. Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, a brown pigment that gives the skin its tan or brown hue. Melanin functions as the body’s natural sunscreen, shielding the skin’s deeper layers from the sun’s detrimental effects. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in these cells.

Description

The most commonly diagnosed type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (also known as basal cell skin cancer). According to Cancer.org basal cell carcinomas account for about 80% of all skin malignancies (also called basal cell cancers). These malignancies begin in the basal cell layer, which is the epidermis’ bottom layer. Sun-exposed areas, such as the face, head, and neck, are the most common sites for these malignancies to develop. They have a modest growth rate. A basal cell cancer that has spread to other places of the body is extremely unusual. In some cases, it can spread to surrounding locations and infect the bone or other tissues beneath the skin if left untreated.Basal cell carcinoma can return in the same location on the skin if it is not entirely eradicated. People who have experienced basal cell skin malignancies are more prone to develop new ones in other parts of their bodies.

According to Cancer.org squamous cell carcinomas account for about two out of every ten skin malignancies (also called squamous cell cancers). These malignancies begin in the flat cells of the epidermis’ upper (outer) layer. Sun-exposed parts of the body, such as the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands, are common sites for these cancers. They can also appear in scars or chronic skin lesions on other parts of the body. They form less frequently in the pelvic area’s skin. Squamous cell cancers can typically be entirely treated, but they are more prone than basal cell cancers to spread to other parts of the body and grow into deeper layers of skin.

Most skin cancers are believed to be caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are mostly produced by sunlight. In addition, UV rays can also be found in tanning beds.While UV rays make up a minor percentage of the sun’s rays, they are the primary cause of the sun’s harmful effects on the skin. UV rays cause DNA damage in skin cells. When the DNA of genes that drive skin cell growth is damaged, skin cancer can develop. There is no certainty that all basal and squamous cell skin cancers may be avoided. You can’t control some risk factors including your age, gender, color, or family history. However, there are several things you can do to reduce your chances of developing this and other skin cancer such as limiting exposure to UV light, avoiding tanning beds, and check skin regularly!

News Articles

In an article posted by BestLife.com, a recent study has found that if you fly often, you may be at a greater risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, which include basal and squamous cell cancer. Experts have two main possible explanations for this: cosmic ionizing radiation, and compromised air quality within the cabin.

According to the Cleveland Clinic in an article posted by Eatthis.com, you are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma by regularly using tanning beds. Tanning beds are so harmful to the skin because they use high unnatural levels of UV light that you’re never exposed to in nature.

In an article posted by Curetoday.com, the first patient has been dosed in a phase 2 trial investigating the novel drug LTX-315 in patients with basal cell carcinoma. Right now, many patients with basal cell carcinoma are treated with surgery, though that can lead to scarring and other complications. LTX-315 is a chemotherapeutic oncolytic peptide, meaning that it targets cancer cells based on certain properties that they exhibit, that is delivered directly to the tumor and activates T-cell responses to kill the cancer cells.

Reference List

Gray, Lauren. “If You Fly Often, Get Checked for These Kinds of Cancer.” Best Life, 14 Apr. 2022, https://bestlifeonline.com/fly-often-cancer-news/.

“Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Prevention: Skin Cancer Prevention.” American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html.

Mast, Ferozan. “These Popular Things Increase Your Cancer Risk, Experts Warn.” Eat This Not That, 14 Apr. 2022, https://www.eatthis.com/news-increasing-your-cancer-risk/.

Benyon, Brielle. “Trial of Direct-to-Tumor Skin Cancer Drug Doses First Patient.” Cure Today, Cure Today, 6 Apr. 2022, https://www.curetoday.com/view/trial-of-direct-to-tumor-skin-cancer-drug-doses-first-patient.