Normally, skin cells mature and die, and new skin cells form. When this process gets impacted, there is rapid, quick growth of skin cells leading to the formation of benign or malignant tumors. If not caught and treated early, skin cancer can spread.
By having skin cancer awareness including knowledge about skin cancer causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options, as discussed in this post by dermatologist in Bangalore Dr. Rasya Dixit, we make sure that the readers take preventive measures and go for regular skin check-ups for early detection of skin cancer, ultimately receiving prompt, appropriate skin cancer treatment.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a serious dermatological condition involving abnormal growth of cells in the skin tissues.
Types of Skin Cancer
Mainly, there are three types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell cancer is the most common skin cancer type that develops in the basal cell of the epidermis. It manifests as a painless, raised, shiny skin area; a slightly transparent skin bump; a sore that easily bleeds, and doesn’t heal; a scar-like sore; and irregular blood vessels in or around the spot. - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell cancer develops in the squamous cells of the epidermis. It presents as a firm bump, scaly patch, flat sore, or wart-like skin growth on areas like the face, neck, ears, lips, back of the hands, and sun-exposed areas. - Melanoma
This is a severe type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes- melanin-producing cells. It can occur anywhere on the skin, mostly in sun-exposed areas.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
The common signs of skin cancer pointing to the need for skin cancer consultation include:
- Unusual moles or freckles
- Skin cancer rash (red, itchy skin patches)
- A skin sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal within 4 weeks
- A small, slow-growing, shiny, pink or red lump
- Changes in skin appearance/ evolving skin lesions
- An area of skin that itch, bleed, scabs, or crusts for more than a month.
Dermatologists recommend that everyone should see a dermatologist for a skin cancer medical checkup, every year.
Causes and Risk Factors of Skin Cancer
The major reason behind skin cancer occurrence is UV exposure, specifically when there is sunburn and skin blistering. The UV rays can damage the skin cells' genetic material making them abnormally divide and form a cancer growth.
Anyone can develop a mass of cancer cells, regardless of s-ex, ethnicity, or race. However, some individuals are at high risk, like non-Hispanic people, young women, and elderly men.
The risk factors of skin cancer include:
- Dark complexion
- Actinic keratosis
- Use of tanning beds
- Skin with multiple moles
- Residence in high-altitude, sunny climate
- History of sunburn or skin easily being sunburnt
- Medications that suppress immune system functioning
- Light-colored eyes, red or blonde hair, and freckles, fair skin
- UV light therapy for the treatment of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Skin cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage. It involves the removal of the mass of cancer cells. If the cancer growth is small and limited to the skin, a skin biopsy can help the skin cancer. There are even other options available. Based on the complexity of the skin cancer treatment, a dermatologist may need to team up with a surgical or radiation oncologist.
Non-Invasive Skin Cancer Treatments
The different approaches for early-stage skin cancer treatment include:
- Topical treatments- A medicated skin product like a cream that can destroy the cancer cells or an Imiquimod cream that stimulates the immune system and the body’s immune response is recommended by dermatologists to treat early-stage skin cancer.
- Light-based therapies- Dermatologists may use photodynamic therapy or laser therapy which can help heat destroy the cancer cells.
- Curettage and Electrodesiccation- A dermatologist uses an instrument with a sharp, looped edge to scrape the tumor and get rid of skin cancer cells. The remaining cancer mass is burnt using an electric needle. This is preferred for the treatment of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma and even precancerous skin tumors.
- Cryotherapy- A liquid nitrogen when applied by the dermatologist to the cancer growth can help freeze and kill the cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy- High energy radiation is utilized by a radiation oncologist to heat kill the cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy- Doctors may prescribe immune-related medications to help kill the cancer cells.
Skin cancer surgery
The different surgical approaches for treating advanced-stage skin cancer include:
- Excisional surgery- A dermato-surgeon can excise the skin tumor along with some healthy nearby tissues to ensure skin cancer is cured.
- Moh’s surgery- A dermato-surgeon uses this approach to cut out only the cancer mass and not the surrounding healthy tissues that develop in or near the sensitive or aesthetically important areas.
These are performed under the effect of local anesthesia.
Preventing Skin Cancer
The risk of skin cancer can be lowered by following proper UV protection. Here are the sun-protection and skin cancer prevention measures:
- Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 and above. Apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours thereafter
- Cover the sun-exposed skin as much as possible. For extra UV protection, wear clothing with an extra UV protection factor label
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV A and UV B rays
- Wear a hat to UV-protect the face, head, ears, and neck
- Avoid medications that make the skin UV-sensitive
- Seek shade during peak hours of the daytime
- Avoid the use of tanning beds
- Use lip balm with SPF.
Besides, an individual can prevent late-stage skin cancer or cancer spread by regularly going for skin examinations, especially if there are sudden changes in the skin's appearance like new spots occurring or changes in their shape, size, or color.
Time To Take Action!
Anyone can develop a cancerous mass of cells on their skin. A small cosmetic skin imperfection may become cancerous and threaten one’s life. Therefore, dermatologists advise to UV-protect your skin and go for regular skin check-ups to prevent skin cancer. Skin cancer awareness, including learning about the symptoms, types, causes, risk factors, and treatment for skin cancer, is a must for survival.
FAQs on Skin Cancer Treatment
Is skin cancer treatable?
Yes. Skin cancer in its early stages can even be cured by a dermatologist with expertise in handling skin cancer cases. A dermatologist may refer the cancer patient to an oncologist for treatment in severe cases.
Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Dangerous?
No. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other healthy tissues. It is almost curable if detected early but if left untreated it can be life-threatening, which is rare.
Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented?
Yes, sun-protecting the skin and avoiding exposure to potential carcinogens can help avoid skin cancer.
What Is the Survival Rate for Skin Cancer?
The survival rate for skin cancer is generally higher if detected early and appropriately treated before the spread. The treatment success and the patient’s life expectancy directly depend on the depth/stage of cancer growth.
For any details on skin cancer and related issues, book a visit with the skin expert, Dr. Rasya Dixit today!
