Skin is the largest organ of our body, spreading from head to toes. Skin is the part that is exposed to harsh rays of sunlight. Problems in skin can occur in any form like psoriasis, rashes, eczema and tumors. Skin tumor can develop in any part of the skin that is overly exposed and for some people it can occur on the scalp. Over exposure of the skin to the sunlight and using tanning beds for long duration is the major cause for getting skin cancer. Fair complexioned people and those who live in high intensity sunlight regions are at risk of developing skin cancer.
Skin cancer on scalp cannot be easily detected in early stages like cancer on other body parts. The first sign of skin cancer is formation of small bumps on your head or development of scaly rough patches on the scalp. You should understand your skin thoroughly in order to detect any changes. It is quite normal for most of us to inspect our body while bathing or applying make-up but we seldom detect any changes in the scalp since it is covered by layer of hair.
Causes And Risk Factors :
Sunlight exposure and using indoor tanning is considered to be the major causes of skin cancer. Anybody can get skin cancer but is more prone to develop on fair complexioned people. People with light skin, people with plenty of moles, people who spend plenty of time in the sun and those who live in areas of high intensity sunlight are at high risk of getting skin cancer.
The individual’s skin type and number of moles on the body can also increase the risk. People with blue/green eyes and those with sunburns are at high risk of getting skin cancer. An individual undergoing radiation therapy for long duration has increased risk. Likewise people who underwent organ transplant recently may develop skin cancer since it may lower the immunity of the body.