What do you know about skin cancer? What would you do if you discovered multiple pigments on your body? How can you prevent it? The 10 answers below will help you understand better.
1. Why should we check for skin cancer even in areas that may never be exposed to sunlight?
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(Photo: lorihart) |
Over 90% of pigments are caused by exposure to sunlight. However, some skin cancers are not related to ultraviolet rays. Therefore, you may have many pigments in areas that do not typically “see the sun” such as the soles of your feet or under your nails.
Head skin lesions in women, which are relatively rare, are also not caused by sun exposure.
2. Is sunbathing in a greenhouse safer than direct sunlight?
Currently, there is no data comparing the safety of these two methods. As we know, UVA and UVB rays from the sun can both cause skin cancer, depending on each person’s level of absorption. Therefore, we cannot definitively say which method is better. However, both methods are not entirely safe.
3. Can treatment with medications or hormone replacement increase the risk of pigmentation? What is the truth?
There is no evidence or specific signs that either discourage or encourage patients to undergo these treatments. They could potentially increase the risk of developing pigmentation.
4. For pregnant women, can their children develop rickets if they always avoid or do not get sun exposure?
Rickets is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D, which is primarily absorbed through sunlight. You should only sunbathe between 7 – 8 AM for 15 – 30 minutes at a time, avoiding intense sunlight.
In mid-summer, just 5 minutes of sun exposure is sufficient. Studies show that children’s bodies synthesize Vitamin D better than adults. You can also supplement Vitamin D through foods containing this nutrient.
5. How does pigmentation differ from skin cancer?
Pigmentation always arises from pigment-forming cells, also known as melanocytes. These cells typically appear on the skin.
Among the three types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma is the most common but least deadly. Squamous cell carcinoma is less common with a mortality rate of 1 in 100.
Melanoma is less common but more deadly. When melanoma is 4mm thick, the chance of survival drops to only 50%. However, the key factor for curing this disease is early detection (95%).
6. Where should you go for a skin check?
If you have concerns about your skin, a dermatologist is the first person you should contact. This is especially important if you suddenly notice new freckles, moles, or if someone in your family has had skin cancer. Regular check-ups every four months are recommended. Older adults (over 50) should be checked more frequently.
Skin cancer rarely appears during adolescence, but young people can still be affected. The risk increases as people age. Therefore, if you notice any changes such as freckles or moles growing larger or spreading, you should get checked immediately.
Check-up locations: Dermatology Hospital, 79B Nguyen Khuyen, Hanoi; 2 Nguyen Thong, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
7. Do pigmented lesions cause any pain?
No, only about 10% of cases experience itching. Like most cancers in their early stages, pigmented lesions are not painful.
They only become painful when they spread to areas of the body with nerve endings. However, the first signs of this pigmentation always change. In the late stages, patients may experience bleeding.
8. What do pigmented lesions look like?
They typically appear in shades of yellow-brown, dark brown, black, or as red or pink spots on the skin. These lesions are flat, gradually spreading, and can develop very quickly. They vary in color and shape but share characteristics of changing color, shape, and size.
9. Can you get skin cancer if you never go outside?
The biggest risk factor for developing pigmented lesions is having many moles. If you have more than 100 moles, your risk is 10 times higher than others.
If you have previously had other types of skin cancer, your risk of melanoma is four times higher. The risk doubles if someone in your family has had melanoma.
Even for those who spend little time outdoors, pigmented lesions can still “check in.” Therefore, regular check-ups should not be neglected.
10. What are the latest studies on pigmentation?
Recent research has focused on specialized treatments for skin cancer, including some successful cancer medications.
However, melanoma is one of the drug-resistant diseases. Therefore, if you notice any unusual signs on your skin, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
