The increased exposure of skin to the sun leads to the abnormal growth of skin cells. As a result, this leads to skin cancer. However, in some cases, cancerous situations can develop even when the skin is not exposed to sunlight. Basically, there are types of skin cancer, namely, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Limiting the exposure of skin to ultraviolet rays can reduce the chances of skin cancer. However, if the skin cancer is diagnosed at an initial stage, one can come across the successful treatment. 

In addition, it is worth an assessment that most of the skin cancers are malignant which implicates their destructive nature. The formation of cancerous cells can develop on the scalp, legs, chest, ears, fingernails, toenails and genital area. There is no exception of skin tone for skin cancer, people of all skin tones can experience the symptoms. In the case of Melanoma, people whose skin is not normally exposed to sun, dark-complexioned people can undergo the changes in their skin cells. 

Besides, there are some skin cancers which have an impact on the overall body and can be life-threatening. Let’s take a look at some of the risk factors of skin cancer in a detailed manner:

• Ultraviolet light exposure: People with a light complexion, blue or hazel eyes and red or blond hair are more likely to get affected by UV rays leading to skin cancer. In the areas near the equator, the sunlight exposure is high which in turn causes enhanced chances of individuals getting affected by skin cancer.
• Skin’s exposure to chemicals or ionizing radiations: Some chemicals and radiations are believed to predispose skin cancer.
• The immune system which is suppressed chronically: People who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or consuming medications like prednisone are likely to come in contact with skin cancer symptoms. Chemotherapy is another risk factor for skin cancer. 
• People with a previous history of skin cancer: Individuals who have already suffered from cancer in the past are susceptible to risk factors for two years.
• Elderly patients are often prone to skin cancer
• Sexually acquired wart infections

According to a report, melanoma accounted for about 22% of skin cancer in 2018. On the other hand, non-melanoma tumours accounted for over 78% of skin cancer cases. 

In addition, this report stated that basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were the major non-melanoma tumours diagnosed in the same year. 

Can Skin Cancer Be Hereditary?

Most of the skin cancers develop in the skin cells due to the exposure to the sunlight. Hence, there is no such reasoning that it gets inherited. On the contrary, there are very rare genetic syndromes which can cause skin cancer in people who have been affected.

Why Does Skin Cancer Develop?

In most cases, skin cancer develops due to the DNA mutations caused by ultraviolet light. This has a direct impact on the epidermis. If the condition is controlled timely, then, one can feel at ease. In such a scenario, natural immune surveillance is implemented. Nevertheless, if timely medical help is not taken then cancerous cells tend to become malignant. Consequently, the grave condition may also turn into a tumour if unattended.

Symptoms Of Skin Cancer

Even though all forms of cancer show their signs of development with a bump on the skin, there are few symptoms to be noticed:

• Pink lesions with raised borders which are crusted in the centre
• Pink, pearl-like and red translucent bump on the skin 
• Waxy area of white or yellow coloured indicating a scar
• An itchy patch of reddish colour though it is not painful
• Open sores which last for weeks
• A wart-like formation

How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

In order to give a validated statement, the physician or dermatologist has to examine the skin before identifying its condition. Whether a person is suffering from skin cancer or not, this gets clear when skin biopsy is conducted. However, in some cases, the appearance of the skin solely proves to be sufficient for the diagnosis of skin cancer. Generally, the skin biopsy clarifies the suspicion of skin cancer and lets a patient know everything about his/her condition in the given scenario. 

On a whole, skin cancer comes with numerous symptoms and signs. One has to recognize them before the condition becomes malignant. Lastly, seeking professional assistance and dermatologist consultation is highly essential to obtain the relevant details about skin cancer.