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Perspective - (2023) Volume 8, Issue 2

Understanding Skin Cancer: Types, Treatment and Prevention
Paolo Gianluca*
 
Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
 
*Correspondence: Paolo Gianluca, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy, Email:

Received: 23-May-2023, Manuscript No. IPJCEP-23-17697; Editor assigned: 26-May-2023, Pre QC No. IPJCEP-23-17697 (PQ); Reviewed: 09-Jun-2023, QC No. IPJCEP-23-17697; Revised: 01-Sep-2023, Manuscript No. IPJCEP-23-17697 (R); Published: 29-Sep-2023, DOI: 10.36648/IPJCEP.23.08.013

Introduction

The most prevalent malignant neoplasms in humans are nonmelanoma skin malignancies including basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Despite the fact that there are numerous environmental and genetic factors that affect the development of skin malignancies, prolonged sun exposure is the most significant. We now recognise that UV has a dual role in the emergence of nonmelanoma skin malignancies. First, UV radiation alters the DNA of living things. In the end, uncontrolled growth and tumour formation result from failure to correct these genetic abnormalities. The cutaneous immune system is greatly impacted by UV light and this leads to a condition of relative immunosuppression that hinders tumour rejection. The goal of this review is to inform clinical dermatologists about recent advances in molecular biology and immunology that have significantly improved our comprehension of the development of skin malignancies. This new information has broad therapeutic ramifications that will probably soon affect the identification, management and prevention of a number of benign and malignant skin disorders. To successfully use these novel therapeutic discoveries, the clinician will need to grasp the basic mechanisms underlying them.

Skin cancer is a common type of cancer that affects millions of people worldwide. There are several types of skin cancer, but the most common are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.

Description

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. The surgeon removes the cancerous tissue, along with a margin of healthy tissue around it, to ensure that all cancer cells are removed. If the cancer is small, surgery can often be done in a doctor's office using local anesthesia. However, larger tumors may require general anesthesia and more extensive surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. This treatment is often used in conjunction with surgery or as a standalone treatment for cancers that cannot be removed surgically. Radiation therapy is usually administered daily over several weeks.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment is rarely used for skin cancer because most skin cancers do not respond well to chemotherapy. However, it may be used if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. This treatment is often used for melanoma and other advanced skin cancers. Immunotherapy drugs work by blocking the proteins that allow cancer cells to evade the immune system. This helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that targets specific molecules that contribute to cancer growth. This treatment is often used for advanced melanoma and other skin cancers. Targeted therapy drugs work by blocking the activity of specific proteins that help cancer cells grow and divide.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is a type of treatment that uses a combination of light and drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment is often used for non-melanoma skin cancers that are confined to the surface of the skin. The patient is given a drug that makes cancer cells sensitive to light. The doctor then shines a special light on the area, which activates the drug and kills the cancer cells.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. This treatment is often used for small, early-stage skin cancers. The doctor applies liquid nitrogen to the cancerous tissue, which freezes and destroys it.

Conclusion

Several skin cancer therapies available, ranging from surgery to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy. The type of treatment used will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. It is important to note that early detection is crucial for successful treatment of skin cancer and regular skin checks with a dermatologist are recommended for individuals at high risk of developing skin cancer.

Citation: Gianluca P (2023) Understanding Skin Cancer: Types, Treatment and Prevention. J Cancer Epidemiol Prev. 08:013.

Copyright: © 2023 Gianluca P. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.