Melanoma: The Most Severe Skin Cancer

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to your skin. When these cells start to grow uncontrollably, they form melanoma. If not treated in time, it can spread to other parts of the body.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Melanoma commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the back, legs, arms, face, neck, and scalp.

It can also develop in less-exposed areas, including the soles of the feet, under the fingernails, and between the toes.

Main risk factors include:

• Family history of melanoma

• Weak or suppressed immune system

• Prolonged sun exposure and UV radiation

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Early Signs of Melanoma

In the early stages, melanoma may not show obvious symptoms. The most common warning sign is an unusual change in the skin, such as a new mole, a scaly patch, a rash, or a sore that doesn’t heal.

To easily identify suspicious moles, follow the ABCDE rule:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other.

• B – Border: The edges are uneven, irregular, or blurred.

• C – Colour: The mole has multiple or uneven shades.

• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

• E – Evolving: Any change in shape, size, or color; or new itching or bleeding.

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Stages of Melanoma

• Stage 0: Cancer is limited to the outer layer of the skin and can be cured with surgery.

• Stage 1: The tumor becomes thicker and may break the surface of the skin.

• Stage 2: Melanoma grows between 1.01mm and 4.0mm and might spread to nearby tissues.

• Stage 3: Cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or skin.

• Stage 4: Melanoma spreads to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain.

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Treatment Options

• Stage 0 & 1: Surgical removal of the cancerous area.

• Stage 2: Surgery with lymph node examination to check for cancer spread.

• Stage 3 & 4: Combination of surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to stop cancer cell growth and boost the immune system.

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Key Takeaway

Early detection saves lives. Examine your skin regularly, protect it from harmful UV rays, and consult a dermatologist if you notice any suspicious changes.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

1. What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, developing from the basal cells in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). These cells are responsible for producing new skin cells as old ones die off.

BCC usually appears as a small bump or patch on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, ears, and arms. Though it grows slowly, it can cause serious skin and tissue damage if untreated.

Severity

While BCC rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other organs, it can invade deeper tissues, including bones and nerves. Untreated cases may lead to disfigurement or functional loss in affected areas.

Historical Background

The first medical description of BCC dates back to the early 1800s, when doctors identified it as a form of “rodent ulcer.” Over time, medical research connected the disease to chronic sun exposure and DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Modern dermatology now recognizes it as a preventable and treatable cancer when detected early.

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2. Pre and Post Symptoms of BCC

Early (Pre) Symptoms:

• A small, shiny bump (pearly or waxy) on the skin

• Flat, flesh-colored, or brown scar-like lesion

• Small red or pink patches that don’t heal

• Itching or bleeding spots that return after healing

Advanced (Post) Symptoms:

• Ulcer-like open sores

• Raised edges with central crusting

• Pain, tenderness, or bleeding

• Visible blood vessels around the affected area

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3. How Basal Cell Carcinoma is Caused

BCC primarily results from long-term UV radiation exposure from the sun or tanning beds.

UV rays damage the DNA in basal cells, causing them to grow uncontrollably.

Other causes include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes

• Exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals

• Chronic skin inflammation or burns

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4. Do Internal or External Factors Trigger BCC?

Yes, both play a role:

External Factors:

☀️ UV radiation

☣️ Arsenic exposure

🧴 Prolonged use of tanning beds

Internal Factors:

🧬 Genetic mutations (e.g., PTCH1 gene)

💉 Weak immune system

🧠 Hormonal imbalances due to age or medication

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5. How a Layman Can Identify BCC

Anyone can notice suspicious skin changes by self-checking:

• A pimple-like bump that doesn’t heal for weeks

• Lesions with rolled edges

• Crusty or bleeding spots

• New growths that look shiny or pink

If such signs appear, it’s important to consult a dermatologist immediately.

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6. Medical or Blood Tests for Diagnosis

There’s no specific blood test for BCC.

Doctors use these diagnostic methods:

• Skin biopsy: A small skin sample is examined under a microscope to confirm cancer cells.

• Dermatoscopy: A magnifying tool to examine skin lesions in detail.

• Imaging tests (CT/MRI): Used only if deeper invasion is suspected.

✅ Normal result: No abnormal cell growth under microscopic examination.

✅ Positive result: Presence of abnormal basal cells in the skin layer.

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7. Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of cancer:

• Surgical excision: Removal of the cancerous lesion and surrounding tissue.

• Mohs surgery: Layer-by-layer removal for precision (best for face or neck).

• Cryotherapy: Freezing cancer cells using liquid nitrogen.

• Topical medications: 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod creams for small lesions.

• Radiation therapy: Used when surgery isn’t possible.

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8. Home & Natural Remedies (Supportive Only)

Natural methods can support healing, but not replace medical treatment:

🌿 Aloe vera: Soothes irritation and promotes healing.

🌿 Green tea extract: Contains antioxidants that protect skin cells.

🌿 Turmeric: Has anti-inflammatory properties.

💧 Stay hydrated: Helps cell repair and recovery.

(Always consult a doctor before using herbal remedies.)

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9. Diet During BCC

Recommended Foods:

• Fruits rich in antioxidants (berries, oranges, papaya)

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale)

• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds)

• Whole grains and legumes

Foods to Avoid:

• Processed and fried foods

• Red meat in excess

• Sugary beverages

• Alcohol and tobacco

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10. Medicines Used in BCC Treatment

• Imiquimod (Aldara): Boosts immune response to kill cancer cells.

• 5-Fluorouracil (Efudex): Topical cream that destroys abnormal cells.

• Vismodegib (Erivedge) and Sonidegib (Odomzo): Targeted oral drugs for advanced BCC.

• Pain relief & antibiotics may be prescribed post-surgery.

• You should use medicines only under a doctor’s prescription and supervision.

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🩵 Final Note

Basal Cell Carcinoma is highly treatable when caught early.

Regular self-checks, sun protection, and dermatologist visits are key to preventing recurrence.

Lupus

Lupus, medically known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues instead of harmful germs.
It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain, leading to widespread inflammation.

Severity

Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on which organs are affected.
If untreated, it may cause kidney failure, heart problems, or severe joint damage.

Historical Background

The word “Lupus” comes from the Latin word for “wolf”, used by medieval doctors who thought the facial rash resembled a wolf bite.
The disease was first documented in the 19th century by dermatologists, and later research in the 20th century revealed it as an autoimmune disorder caused by immune system malfunction.

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2. Pre and Post Symptoms of Lupus

Early (Pre) Symptoms:

• Extreme fatigue

• Joint pain or stiffness

• Low-grade fever

• Butterfly-shaped rash on the face

• Hair loss or skin sensitivity to sunlight

Advanced (Post) Symptoms:

• Kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis)

• Chest pain or shortness of breath

• Seizures or confusion

• Swelling in legs or around eyes

• Anemia or clotting problems

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3. How Lupus is Caused

Lupus occurs when the immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks healthy cells.
There’s no single cause — it’s a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

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4. Do Internal & External Factors Trigger Lupus?

Yes, both can play a role:

External Factors:
☀️ Overexposure to sunlight (UV rays)
💊 Certain medications (like antibiotics or blood pressure drugs)
🦠 Viral infections

Internal Factors:
🧬 Genetic predisposition
💉 Hormonal changes (more common in women)
🧠 Emotional or physical stress

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5. How a Layman Can Identify a Lupus-Affected Person

Common visible signs include:

• Butterfly-shaped rash on cheeks and nose

• Constant tiredness despite rest

• Swollen joints and fingers

• Skin rashes that worsen in sunlight

If such symptoms persist, it’s important to visit a rheumatologist or dermatologist.

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6. Medical & Blood Tests for Diagnosis

Doctors usually perform several tests together:

• ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test: Most lupus patients test positive.

• Anti-dsDNA & Anti-Smith antibody tests: Confirm autoimmune activity.

• CBC (Complete Blood Count): Detects anemia or low white cells.

• Urinalysis: Checks for kidney involvement.

• ESR / CRP: Measures inflammation levels.

✅ Normal ANA test: Negative result
❌ Lupus indication: Positive ANA + anti-dsDNA antibodies

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7. Treatment for Lupus

Lupus has no complete cure, but treatment helps control symptoms and prevent organ damage.

🩺 Treatment options include:

• NSAIDs: Reduce pain and swelling.

• Corticosteroids: Control inflammation quickly.

• Antimalarial drugs (Hydroxychloroquine): Used to prevent flare-ups.

• Immunosuppressants (Azathioprine, Methotrexate): Lower immune overactivity.

• Biologic therapies (Belimumab): Target specific immune cells.

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8. Home & Natural Remedies (Supportive Only)

These can ease discomfort but should not replace medical care:

🌿 Turmeric: Natural anti-inflammatory.
🌿 Ginger & garlic: Reduce joint stiffness.
🌿 Omega-3 fatty acids: Support heart and joint health.
💧 Stay hydrated: Flushes toxins and supports kidney function.
🧘 Meditation & rest: Helps reduce stress, which can trigger flares.

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9. Diet During Lupus

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains and lentils

• Fish rich in omega-3 (salmon, tuna)

• Olive oil and nuts

• Green tea for antioxidants

Foods to Avoid:

• Excess salt and sugar

• Processed meats

• Alcohol and caffeine

• Fried and high-fat foods

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10. Medicines Commonly Used for Lupus

• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) – reduces flares and protects organs

• Prednisone – fast inflammation relief

• Methotrexate / Azathioprine – suppress immune system

• Belimumab (Benlysta) – biologic therapy for moderate to severe lupus

⚕️ Medicines should only be used under a doctor’s prescription and supervision.

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💜 Final Note

Lupus can be controlled with early diagnosis, a healthy lifestyle, and consistent medical care.
Stay protected from sunlight, avoid stress, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan to live a balanced and healthy life.