Madrid, June 11, 2024.- Sun-related skin tumours largely consist of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and occasionally melanoma. Skin carcinomas account for 90% of skin cancers, of which the most frequent are those known as basal cell. This is a slow-growing cancer that rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma is less common but more aggressive and likely to grow deep under the skin and spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma, although rarer, is more dangerous than any of the other carcinomas. It is estimated that around 8,000 new cases will be detected in 20242.
In light of the above, Dr. Pilar López Criado, Head of the Multidisciplinary Skin and Melanoma Unit at MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid – Hospiten, stresses the danger in delayed diagnosis and the need for greater awareness of the damage that the sun can cause to our skin. "The skin is the largest organ in the body and we are tremendously exposed, but if we detect melanoma early, we have an almost 97% chance of cure1."
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
However, there are other types of skin tumours and which are not always related to the sun. Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare type of cancer that affects the skin and is mostly associated with a virus (Merkel cell polyomavirus) that usually appears as a flesh-coloured or bluish-red nodule, especially on the face, head or neck.
Although it is still a matter of clinical debate whether this is really a skin tumour, therapeutically it does resemble melanoma. "It is a much more aggressive and rarer tumour than melanoma, but if detected in time, it can still be cured," explains Dr. López Criado. Even so, it is a very aggressive disease with a worse prognosis than melanoma.
Merkel's carcinoma usually manifests itself as a wart-like or insect-bite-like papule, making it common for it to be confused and dismissed as unimportant. "This is why it is so important, in the event of a skin alteration that lasts longer than normal, to consult with a specialist," says the doctor. It develops mainly in older people, and long-term sun exposure or a weak immune system can increase the risk of developing this condition.
When aesthetic concerns take priority over correct medical care
Overexposure to certain toxins can also cause skin conditions and lead to irreversible damage not attributable to the effects of the sun. These days, he adds, more and more people are resorting to uncontrolled aesthetic treatments that can cause lesions on our skin.
In this context, the specialist highlights the problems that can occur from treatments to the nails, eyebrows or even at barbershops, in the case of men. "We need to be aware of the risk we run and only go to centres that offer genuine guarantees," says the doctor.
However, aesthetics often prevail over proper medical care. One should only go to certified beauty centers, where hygiene guidelines are strictly enforced, and thus avoid the use of solvents or glues that do not comply with European health recommendations for example.
"We are seeing cases of squamous carcinomas affecting the face that could be effectively cured but where aesthetic considerations have taken priority, resulting in inappropriate treatment. This can even lead to life threatening complications,” she warns.
In addition, exposure to other known toxins such as tobacco can also cause significant damage to the skin, degenerating it and affecting the aging process.
These days influencers seem to have more power than doctors’ recommendations
Added to this situation is the growing impact of social media. We are increasingly bombarded by unattainable stereotypes of perfection, which affect our self-esteem. This can lead to an ever-increasing obsession with having the right image and always trying to look perfect.
"The influencer of the moment actually has more power than what the doctor might say," says Pilar López Criado. As an example, she cites the current fashion for gel nails and hair extensions with this quote: “In the case of my nails, I go to a centre and have them put on anyhow, using whatever material is available and always looking for the cheapest. The same goes for hair - I have extensions anywhere, without considering the effect that this might have in the short and, especially, in the medium and long term". The doctor goes on to explain that these practices can trigger problems such as alopecia, which is incurable because the hair follicles have become irreparably damaged, or carcinomas caused by inadequate aesthetic treatments on the nails.
References:
- https://mdanderson.es/elcancer/elcancerdelaaalaz/cancer-de-hueso
- SEOM (Spanish Society for Medical Oncology) Report: Cancer Figures 2024. Available on: https://www.seom.org/images/LAS_CIFRAS_2024.pdf.