Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of malignancy that develops when prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes abnormal growth and changes in skin cells. The most common warning signs include swelling, lesions, and alterations in the skin’s appearance or size. When detected at an early stage, skin cancer is treatable. Therapeutic options include Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a type of malignancy that occurs due to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma develops in the basal cells located at the lower part of the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin.
• Squamous cell carcinoma arises in the squamous cells found in the outer layer of the skin.
• Melanoma originates in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, a brown pigment that gives the skin its color and protects it against harmful UV radiation.

Other types of skin cancer include:

• Kaposi’s sarcoma
• Merkel cell carcinoma
• Sebaceous gland carcinoma
• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

What are The Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer?

The most common symptoms of skin cancer may present as noticeable changes on the skin. These include:

• A newly developed mole
• A mole that changes in size, shape, or color, or begins to bleed
• A lump appearing on the face, ears, or neck
• A flat patch of skin that is pink, red, or brown in color
• An itchy, bleeding, crusting, rough, or scaly lesion
• Areas of skin that resemble a scar
• Persistent sores that appear crusted or bleed frequently

What does skin cancer look like?

Skin cancer may appear on the skin’s surface as a non-healing sore or as lesions that bleed or crust. It can also present through changes in the shape, color, or size of an existing mole. Skin cancer presents in different ways depending on its type. One of the most reliable methods for early recognition is the ABCDE rule, which outlines the warning signs:

• Asymmetry: Irregular or uneven shape.
• Border: Blurred or uneven edges.
• Color: Presence of multiple colors within the same mole.
• Diameter: Larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
• Evolution: Noticeable changes in growth, shape, color, or size over time.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Among the primary causes of skin cancer are ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, cellular structures become damaged. This damage often first appears as sunburn, but over time it may contribute to more serious changes in the skin.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

• Experiencing sunburn as a result of prolonged sun exposure
• Living in high-altitude climates
• Tanning naturally or using tanning beds
• Having light-colored eyes, blonde or red hair
• Possessing a large number of moles
• Having a family history of skin cancer
• Using medications that suppress the immune system

How is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

During a dermatological examination, the patient’s moles, freckles, and skin lesions are carefully evaluated to identify any irregularities. The scalp, ears, palms, and soles of the feet are also examined. To confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer, a biopsy may be performed. In this procedure, a tissue sample is taken and sent to a laboratory, where a pathologist examines it under a microscope.

How is Skin Cancer Treated?

The treatment of skin cancer varies depending on the stage of the disease. In some cases, when the cancer is small and limited to the surface of the skin, it may be completely removed through biopsy alone. Other treatment methods include:

• Cryotherapy: Destruction of cancer cells by freezing them with liquid nitrogen.
• Excisional surgery: Removal of the tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy skin.
• Mohs surgery: Removal of only the diseased tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. This method is often preferred for cancers on the face and other sensitive areas.
• Curettage and electrodessication: Scraping off the tumor and destroying any remaining cancer cells with electric current.
• Chemotherapy: Use of cancer-killing drugs, applied directly to the skin or administered orally/intravenously if the cancer has spread.
• Immunotherapy: Medications that stimulate the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy: Use of high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
• Photodynamic therapy: Application of light-activated drugs to eliminate precancerous cells without harming normal tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer

How can I lower my risk of developing skin cancer?

Ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer include protecting the skin from sunlight, avoiding tanning beds, wearing protective clothing, and undergoing regular dermatological check-ups.

What do skin cancer pictures in the early stages look like?

An early-stage skin cancer lesion often appears as a mole or spot with irregular borders, varying color tones, and changes in size.

How does sun protection help prevent skin cancer?

Using sunscreen, wearing hats, and protective clothing helps block UV radiation from damaging skin cells, thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer.

What are the different types of skin cancer?

The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

What is melanoma in skin cancer?

Melanoma is considered the most aggressive type of skin cancer. It develops from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes and can spread rapidly.

What are the common signs of skin cancer?

The signs of skin cancer include irregularly shaped moles, changes in color, rapid growth, bleeding, and non-healing sores.

How does skin cancer appear on the face?

Skin cancer on the face often appears as raised nodules, non-healing sores, or discolored patches.