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Patient ReportsUnderstanding Skin Cancer and Its Effects on the Skin
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Kovvuru Bhaskar Reddy , Oncologists
Table of Contents
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, usually caused by DNA damage that allows cells to grow and divide abnormally. Most skin cancers begin in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. The three main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Early detection and treatment are important because some skin cancers can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
What Are the Types of Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer includes several types that differ in the cells they originate from, how quickly they grow, and their potential to spread. The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma develops from basal cells in the epidermis and is the most common type of skin cancer.
- It commonly develops on areas exposed to sunlight, including the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, hands, and back.
- BCC can also develop on areas that receive little or no sun exposure.
- Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major risk factor.
- BCC usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to distant parts of the body, but untreated tumors can invade nearby tissues.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma develops from squamous cells in the epidermis and is the second most common type of skin cancer.
- It commonly develops on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, hands, and arms.
- Long-term UV exposure, including exposure from tanning beds, increases the risk.
- SCC can grow more quickly than BCC and may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Melanoma
Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It is less common than BCC or SCC but is more likely to spread if not detected early.
- Melanoma can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new pigmented growth.
- It can occur on any area of the body, including areas that receive little sun exposure.
- Intense UV exposure and repeated sunburns can increase the risk.
- Changes in the size, shape, color, or appearance of a mole can be an early warning sign.
Other, less common types of skin cancer include:
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Sebaceous carcinoma
- Kaposi sarcoma
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer can appear differently depending on its type. A new skin growth, a sore that does not heal, or a change in an existing mole should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
- A smooth, pearly, flesh-colored, or waxy bump
- A flat, brown, or flesh-colored lesion
- A sore that repeatedly heals and returns
- A lesion that bleeds or develops a crust
- A scar-like area of skin without a clear history of injury
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
- A firm, red nodule
- A rough or scaly patch of skin
- A lesion that becomes crusted or bleeds
- A sore that does not heal
- A growth that becomes tender or painful
Melanoma Symptoms
- A new mole or pigmented growth
- A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
- An irregular or uneven border
- Multiple colors within the same lesion
- A mole that bleeds, itches, or changes over time
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops when DNA damage causes skin cells to grow and divide abnormally. Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight is the most important environmental risk factor, although several other factors can contribute to the development of skin cancer.
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Repeated or prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage the DNA of skin cells.
- Tanning Beds: Artificial UV radiation from tanning devices can increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Fair Skin: People with less melanin have less natural protection against UV-related skin damage.
- Frequent Sunburns: Repeated sunburns, particularly during childhood, can increase the long-term risk of skin cancer.
- Family History: Having close relatives with skin cancer can increase the risk, particularly for melanoma.
- Weakened Immune System: Immunosuppression can increase the risk of developing certain skin cancers.
- Harmful Chemical Exposure: Long-term exposure to substances such as arsenic and certain industrial chemicals can increase the risk.
- Previous Radiation Exposure: Radiation exposure can increase the risk of developing skin cancer in the treated area.
When Should You See a Doctor for Skin Cancer?
Consult an oncologist or healthcare professional if you notice a new or changing skin growth, a sore that does not heal, or any unusual change in an existing mole. Not every skin change is cancerous, but suspicious lesions should be examined promptly.
- A new mole or skin growth appears.
- An existing mole changes in size, shape, color, or appearance.
- A skin lesion repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or does not heal.
- A growth becomes painful, itchy, or tender.
- A lesion has an irregular border or multiple colors.
- A skin growth increases in size over a short period.
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How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?
Skin cancer diagnosis usually begins with a detailed examination of the skin. A dermatologist may ask about changes in moles or other skin lesions and review personal and family history. If a lesion appears suspicious, a biopsy is usually performed to determine whether cancer cells are present and identify the specific type of skin cancer.
Skin Examination
The dermatologist examines the size, shape, color, borders, and surface characteristics of suspicious lesions. Dermoscopy may also be used to view structures beneath the skin surface more clearly.
Skin Biopsy
A biopsy involves removing part or all of a suspicious lesion and examining the tissue under a microscope. It is the definitive method for confirming most skin cancers.
Additional Tests
For certain skin cancers, particularly when there is concern that the cancer has spread, additional imaging or laboratory tests may be recommended based on the type and stage of the disease.
What Are the Treatment Options for Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer treatment depends on the type, size, location, depth, stage, and overall health of the patient. Early-stage cancers can often be treated with local procedures, while advanced cancers may require systemic treatment.
Freezing or Cryotherapy
Liquid nitrogen can be used to destroy certain precancerous lesions and selected small, early skin cancers.
Excisional Surgery
The surgeon removes the cancerous lesion along with an appropriate margin of surrounding healthy tissue to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery removes cancerous tissue layer by layer while examining each layer under a microscope. It may be recommended for certain skin cancers in areas where preserving healthy tissue is particularly important, or for cancers with a higher risk of recurrence.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation
The cancerous tissue is scraped away using a curette, followed by the use of electrical energy to destroy remaining abnormal cells. This approach may be suitable for selected superficial skin cancers.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be considered when surgery is not appropriate, when cancer cannot be completely removed surgically, or for certain advanced cancers.
Chemotherapy
Topical chemotherapy may be used for selected superficial skin cancers or precancerous lesions. Systemic chemotherapy may be considered for some advanced skin cancers.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy uses a light-sensitive medication followed by exposure to a specific light source to destroy selected abnormal or cancerous cells.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, while targeted therapy acts on specific molecular changes involved in cancer growth. These treatments may be used for certain advanced or high-risk skin cancers.
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How Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented?
Although not all cases of skin cancer can be prevented, reducing UV exposure and regularly checking the skin can lower the risk and support early detection.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly when UV levels are high.
- Seek shade when spending time outdoors.
- Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on exposed skin.
- Reapply sunscreen as directed, particularly after swimming or sweating.
- Avoid tanning beds and other artificial UV tanning devices.
- Check your skin regularly for new or changing lesions.
- Arrange regular skin examinations when recommended by a healthcare professional.
What Are the Risk Factors for Skin Cancer?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will develop cancer, but it can make regular skin monitoring more important.
- Fair or light skin
- History of frequent sunburns
- Excessive or long-term UV exposure
- Living in sunny or high-altitude locations
- Large numbers of moles or atypical moles
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Family history of skin cancer
- Precancerous skin lesions
- Weakened immune system
- Previous radiation exposure
- Long-term exposure to arsenic or certain chemicals
- Increasing age
What Is the Outlook for Skin Cancer?
The outlook for skin cancer depends mainly on the type of cancer, its stage, location, size, and whether it has spread. Basal cell carcinoma and most early-stage squamous cell carcinomas are highly treatable when detected early. Melanoma can be more serious, particularly after it spreads, which makes early detection and treatment especially important.
Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, a multidisciplinary team of dermatologists, oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists evaluates and manages skin cancer according to the type and stage of the disease. Treatment plans are tailored to the patient's condition and may include diagnostic evaluation, surgery, radiation therapy, systemic treatment, and ongoing follow-up. The team also focuses on patient education, monitoring, and supportive care throughout treatment and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is early-stage skin cancer?
Early-stage skin cancer refers to abnormal skin cell growth that is confined to the outer layers of the skin. It is often treatable with minimal procedures if detected early.
2. Is skin cancer treatable?
Yes, skin cancer is treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted medications, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
3. Are skin cancers painful?
In the early stages, skin cancer is usually painless. However, as it progresses, it may cause itching, tenderness, bleeding, or discomfort, especially if it spreads deeper into the skin.
4. Can skin cancer cause death?
Yes, if left untreated, skin cancer can spread to other organs and become life-threatening. However, early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates.
5. What is the final stage of skin cancer?
The final stage, known as Stage 4 skin cancer, occurs when cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain. At this stage, treatment focuses on slowing progression and managing symptoms.
