Skin cancer is a malignant tumor of the skin caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the German Cancer Information Service said.
She explained that skin cancer is divided into two main types: black and white. Black marks are represented by the appearance of a dark, irregular, flat or nodular spot on the skin, while white marks are represented by the appearance of a waxy nodule that bleeds and heals alternately.
The service stressed the need to consult a doctor immediately upon noticing these symptoms to undergo timely treatment, as early diagnosis of skin cancer increases the chances of recovery.
Depending on the form and stage of the disease, treatment includes surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Prevention methods
The skin should be protected from harmful ultraviolet rays as much as possible, by avoiding direct exposure to them, especially during times when the sun’s rays are at their peak.
It is also advisable to wear long clothing as much as possible and to apply sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 to the parts of the body exposed to the sun.
In general, a periodic skin cancer examination should be performed once a year starting at the age of 35, and a doctor should be consulted immediately if any sudden changes in the moles are noticed in terms of shape, color or size.