CONDITIONS
Skin Cancer
One of the most common cancers in the world, skin cancer occurs due to abnormal cell changes in the outer layer of skin. This form of cancer may also occur in areas that are not exposed to sunlight and are of 3 major types –
- basal cell carcinoma,
- squamous cell carcinoma and
- melanoma
The first 2 types are nonmelanoma skin cancers and rarely life-threatening. Melanoma is a potentially aggressive, life-threatening cancer. It can start in either dark skin tissue, such as a mole or birthmark, or even in normally appearing skin.
What are the symptoms of Skin Cancer?
Symptoms are based on the type of cancer and where cancer develops but the common warning signs of any skin cancer are:
- Any change in size, color, shape, or texture of a mole or other skin growth
- An open or inflamed skin wound that won’t heal
Basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms
Usually develops in sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the neck or face and may appear as:
- A pearly or waxy bump oval shaped
- A flat, flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesion
- A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns.
Squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms
Squamous cell carcinoma most frequently occurs on sun-exposed areas of your body, such as face, ears and hands and may appear as:
- A firm, red nodule (wart-like bump) growing gradually
- A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
Melanoma signs and symptoms
Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, can develop anywhere on the body and signs include:
- A large brownish spot with darker speckles
- A mole changing in color, size or feel or one that bleeds.
- A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue or blue-black.
- A painful lesion that itches or burns
- Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, vagina or anus
How to remember the signs of melanoma?
An easy way to remember the signs of melanoma is the ABCDEs of melanoma:
Asymmetry, irregular Borders, changes in Color, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, Evolution of a mole’s characteristics, be it size, shape, color, elevation
What are the causes and risk factors of Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when there is an error (mutations) in the DNA of skin cells, and this causes the cells to grow out of control and form cancer cells.
A major factor of skin cancer is spending too much time in the sun, because ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in sunlight causes most of the damage to DNA in skin cells. Sunlamps, tanning booths, and X-rays also make these UV rays that damage skin.
Some factors may increase the chances of Skin Cancer. These are:
- Fair skin. Anyone, regardless of skin color, may get skin cancer but having less pigment (melanin) in the skin provides less protection from damaging UV radiation.
- Blond or red hair and light-colored eyes
- Someone with a pigment disorder, such as albinism
- A history of sunburns.
- Excessive sun exposure.
- Sunny or high-altitude climates
- People who have many moles or abnormal moles
- Precancerous skin lesions (Skin lesions appearing as rough, scaly patches ranging from brown to dark pink colour.
- A family history of skin cancer.
- A personal history of skin cancer.
- A weakened immune system (people living with HIV/AIDS and those taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant).
- Exposure to radiation.
- Exposure to certain substances (such as arsenic)
How is Skin Cancer diagnosed?
The doctor refers a patient to the dermatologist if skin cancer is suspected and the dermatologist examines any moles and, in many cases, the entire skin surface.
Tests for skin cancer may include:
Examining the skin – Using a handheld device (dermatoscope), lesion is scanned and further testing is conducted.
Biopsy – A sample of skin (biopsy) is taken so that the suspicious area of skin can be examined under a microscope.
Further tests may be required depending on the type of cancer. Superficial skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma rarely spread, and hence a biopsy removing the entire growth often is the only test needed to determine the cancer stage. But in case of large squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma or melanoma, the doctor may recommend further tests to determine the extent of the cancer.
Doctors analyze the stage of skin cancer as it helps in determining the effective treatment options.
Skin Cancer Stages
The stages range from 0–IV, and typically the higher the number, the more the cancer has spread. Cancer in higher stages is usually harder to treat.
What are the treatment options for Skin Cancer?
Treatment options for skin cancer and precancerous skin lesions vary, depending on the size, type, depth, and location of the lesions. Small skin cancers may not require treatment beyond an initial skin biopsy that removes the entire growth. One or more different ways to remove, kill, or stop the cancer cells from growing may be employed. These are –
- Surgery
- Cryotherapy
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy or photochemotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Biologic or immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
Can Skin Cancer be prevented?
Most skin cancers are preventable and following tips may help in prevention:
- Avoid the sun during the middle of the day
- Wear sunscreen year-round.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days:
- Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours —
- Apply more often if a person is swimming or perspiring.
- Use a generous amount of sunscreen on all exposed skin, including lips, the tips of ears, and the backs of the hands and neck.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Don’t forget sunglasses.
- Avoid tanning beds.
- Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications. Some drugs, including antibiotics, may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- Some medications may increase sensitivity to sunlight, and taking extra precautions to stay out of the sun to protect skin is mandatory.
- Check the skin regularly and report changes to the doctor. Examine following areas:
- Examine the skin for new skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, bumps, and birthmarks.
- Examine the chest and trunk, and the tops and undersides of the arms and hands.
- Examine both the front and back of legs, and feet, including the soles and the spaces between toes.
- Also check genital area and between the buttocks.
References
- Skin Cancer. Mayo Clinic. April 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377608
- Skin Cancer. WebMD. April 2024. https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/skin-cancer
