Can skin cancer spread elsewhere?
Skin cancer cells can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, but this is not common. When cancer cells do this, it’s called metastasis. To doctors, the cancer cells in the new place look just like the ones from the skin. Cancer is always named based on the place where it starts.
Can skin cancer affect other parts of the body?
Most of the time, skin cancer affects only the skin and some of the surrounding tissue. However, if it is left untreated, skin cancer may metastasize, or spread throughout the body. If this happens, it usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and can later spread to distant organs.
What body systems are affected with skin cancer?
Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. But it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day — your palms, beneath your fingernails or toenails, and your genital area.
Can skin cancer be secondary to other cancers?
People who develop abnormally frequent cases of a skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma appear to be at significantly increased risk for developing of other cancers, including blood, breast, colon and prostate cancers, according to a preliminary study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
How does skin cancer affect the integumentary system?
When the DNA that controls the cells’ growth is damaged, it causes an overgrowth and buildup of skin cells. Eventually, this skin cell buildup forms a tumor, which results in the symptoms you see, such as irregular spots, red bumps, or scaly patches on your skin.
How long does it take skin cancer to spread?
Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as 6 weeks and, if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.
Do you feel ill with skin cancer?
They don’t feel ill. The only difference they notice is the suspicious-looking spot. That spot doesn’t have to itch, bleed, or feel painful. Although, skin cancer sometimes does.
What part of the integumentary system does skin cancer affect?
Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that affects the keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum and presents as lesions commonly found on the scalp, ears, and hands (Figure 2). It is the second most common skin cancer.
What body systems are affected by melanoma?
The most common places for melanoma metastasis to occur are the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones, brain, and abdomen.
Can you have two types of skin cancer at the same time?
It’s very rare for basal cell skin cancer to spread to another part of the body to form a secondary cancer. It’s possible to have more than one basal cell cancer at any one time and having had one does increase your risk of getting another.
How does skin cancer affect the body?
If it is not treated, it can grow larger and cause problems beneath the skin, sometimes damaging the muscles and bones. Basal cell carcinoma very rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body. After you have one basal cell carcinoma, you are more likely to have another one develop in a new place.
Why does skin cancer affect the body?
Skin cancer occurs when the body does not repair damage to the DNA inside skin cells, allowing the cells to divide and grow uncontrollably. Skin cell damage may be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and skin type.
What are the effects of untreated skin cancer?
Symptoms of skin cancer include the appearance of abnormal areas of skin or abnormal-looking moles. Left untreated, some forms of skin cancer can spread dangerously to nearby lymph nodes and then to other areas of the body.
What causes skin cancer?
Skin cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells. The malfunctioning DNA causes the cells to grow out of control and form a cancerous mass.
What is facial skin cancer?
Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are the most prevalent forms of skin cancer to appear on the face. They can be caused by a number of factors, such as cigarette smoke, unprotected interaction with the sun, age, genetics, and chemicals. Recognizing the early signs of skin cancer on your face can save your life.
What is the name of the skin cancer?
There are three main types of skin cancers: basal-cell skin cancer (BCC), squamous-cell skin cancer (SCC) and melanoma. The first two, along with a number of less common skin cancers, are known as nonmelanoma skin cancer ( NMSC ).