How Skin Cancer Spreads
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Types of Skin Cancers
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According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 1.3 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed yearly. Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, which are called non-melanomas, make up most skin cancers. They develop where the skin is most exposed to sun such as the ear, face, neck, lips and hands. Whether or not they grow quickly or slowly depends on the size and type. However, non-melanoma skin cancers usually don't spread to other body parts. The most dangerous skin cancer, melanoma, is the malignant skin cancer, developing in the cells called melanocytes that produce skin pigment (melanin). Although melanoma typically occurs in adults, children and teens can also have it.
Thickness and Location Factors
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A research team from Eberhands Karls University in Tubingen, Germany, found that the thicker lesions, as found in squamous cell carcinomas, were five times more at risk to spread than thinner abrasions. A larger horizontal size also doubles the likelihood of cancer spreading or reoccurring. The study also showed that tumors on the ears are four times more prone to spread as those located in other areas of the body.
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How Melanomas Spread
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Cancerous cells spread or metastasize when they pull away from their original tumor and enter the bloodstream to other areas of the body. Excluding some exceptional skin cancers, melanoma can multiply quickly. It's much more likely to spread to internal organs and lymph nodes than other skin cancers. After melanoma cells spread from the main tumor, they go through the lymph channel that is closest to the original melanoma. Upon spreading to the lymph nodes near the tumor, it's probable they'll continue to multiply to other lymph nodes and organs.
Stage IV Melanoma
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Once the melanoma cells have spread past the original tumor, the skin cancer enters stage IV of the disease. At stage IV, the cancerous cells can spread to almost any organ. However, as with most types of cancers, melanoma cancer cells spread to particular parts of the body, rather than aimlessly traveling in any direction. For example, while there's a 50 to 75 percent chance of melanoma spreading to the lungs, there's only a 25 to 39 percent chance of it reaching the thyroid.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Alice Herden
