Types of skin cancer- a cancer doctor explained

 

Overview

The skin is the largest organ of our body. It protects our bodies from injuries and infections. It also helps regulate our body temperature. According to the best skin cancer doctor in Kolkata, water and fat are stored by our skin, and this organ produces vitamin D.

Cancer that begins in the skin cells is known as skin cancer. In this condition, the healthy cells of our skin change; they start to grow uncontrollably and finally form cancerous tumors. The tumor can also be benign or non-cancerous; if so, then the tumor may grow but will not spread or affect other body parts. But if the tumor is malignant, it grows and spreads to other body parts.

 

 

Types

Mainly there are 4 types of skin cancer and an oncologist based in Kolkata describes them vastly. Those are as follows:

• Squamous cell carcinoma: The epidermis is the outer layer of human skin. It is made up of scale-like flat cells, which are known as squamous cells. This type of cancer takes place in these cells. Sun exposure is the main cause behind developing this skin cancer. Places that are burnt or have been damaged by chemicals may also develop squamous cell carcinoma. It is commonly found on the sites of long-standing scars, lips, outside of the mouth, vagina and anus.

• Basal cell carcinoma: Round cells that are found in the lower epidermis are known as basal cells. In most cases, basal cell carcinoma is found on skin of the neck or head. This cancer also develops due to sun exposure and radiation therapy. It rarely spreads to other body parts.

• Melanoma: Melanocytes are cells that give our skin its colour. These types of cells are found scattered in our skin. Melanoma takes place in these cells. It is a serious type of skin cancer, says a famous cancer doctor in Kolkata.

• Merkel cell cancer: It is a rare type of skin cancer that grows aggressively. It usually takes place on the skin of head and neck.