How Sunlight Causes Skin Cancer
Sunlight is a significant contributor to the development of various types of skin cancer, with the most common form being solar keratosis, also known as actinic keratosis. The term "solar" or "actinic" refers to the sun, highlighting the primary role of sunlight in causing this condition. Sunlight induces skin cancer by damaging the DNA within skin cells. This damage is primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, specifically UVB rays.
Sunlight is a significant contributor to the development of various types of skin cancer, with the most common form being solar keratosis, also known as actinic keratosis. The term "solar" or "actinic" refers to the sun, highlighting the primary role of sunlight in causing this condition. Sunlight induces skin cancer by damaging the DNA within skin cells. This damage is primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, specifically UVB rays.
DNA within the cell nucleus is particularly susceptible to absorbing ultraviolet radiation at wavelengths between 220nm and 300nm, which include UVC and UVB. While UVC radiation does not typically reach the Earth's surface, UVB is the primary DNA-damaging agent. Repeated exposure to UVB radiation from sunlight causes cumulative damage to the DNA in skin cells. Over time, this damage can become irreparable, leading to the development of solar keratosis.
Solar keratosis is considered the earliest manifestation of squamous cell carcinoma, a more advanced and potentially dangerous form of skin cancer. The primary difference between solar keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma is the extent of skin involvement. Solar keratosis is confined to the lower layers of the epidermis, while squamous cell carcinoma penetrates deeper, involving the second layer of the skin, the dermis.
It is crucial to treat solar keratosis promptly to prevent its progression to squamous cell carcinoma. Unlike solar keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma poses a greater threat as it has the potential to spread throughout the body, making it more dangerous. Early intervention and treatment of solar keratosis can significantly reduce the risk of developing more severe skin cancers and help protect overall skin health.
