Understanding Skin Cancer: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

02 December,2024

Cancer is a word that terrifies everyone. But is it really that scary? Well, the answer is both yes and no. When detected early, cancer can be beaten with medications and surgery. However, in the late stages, it becomes difficult to cure cancer, and the treatment revolves around palliative care and improving the patient's quality of life. This goes for all cancers, including skin cancer.

According to the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), over 1.5 million new cases of skin cancer were detected globally in 2022. With skin cancer cases growing at an alarming rate, it is important to raise awareness of the importance of early detection. In this blog, we will learn all about skin cancer, including its types, signs, treatment options, and prevention.

What is Skin Cancer?

Have you ever wondered why doctors emphasize sunscreen and limit sun exposure? Skin cancer is a disease condition in which skin cells grow uncontrollably due to damage, usually caused by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Skin cells grow old and die naturally but are replaced by new cells. When this normal functioning is hampered, they can grow more quickly and form a cluster that can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Skin cancer has become one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. While it often develops on body parts exposed to the sun—like the face, arms, and legs—it can appear anywhere, even on areas rarely exposed, like the soles of your feet or under your nails. Skin cancer can affect anyone, but early detection and proper care can make a difference.

What are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?

Did you know there are multiple types of skin cancer, each with different warning signs and levels of severity? Here are the main ones:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type and grows slowly. It rarely spreads, which makes it less dangerous if treated early. BCC often appears as a shiny bump, a scar-like patch, or a sore that doesn't heal. It typically shows up on sun-exposed areas like the face or neck.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCC is the second most common type and can spread if left untreated. It usually resembles a red, scaly patch, a crusted sore, or a wart-like growth. SCC often develops in areas with frequent sun exposure, such as the scalp, ears, and hands.
• Melanoma: Melanoma is less common but far more dangerous because it spreads quickly if not caught early. It starts in melanocytes, a type of cells that produce melanin.  Melanoma begins as a new mole or changes in an existing one. Look for irregular shapes, uneven colors, or a mole that grows or bleeds.
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Other Rare Types: These are much rarer and more aggressive. Merkel cell carcinoma appears as a painless, firm, red or purple nodule. Other rare skin cancers, like Kaposi sarcoma, are usually associated with weakened immune systems.

What do all Types of Skin Cancer Have in Common?

All types of skin cancer share a common factor: abnormal cell growth triggered by DNA damage. Regardless of the type, skin cancer can cause permanent damage if left untreated. In advanced stages, it may spread to other parts of the body. The good news? Early detection saves lives. Regular skin checks and awareness of changes are your best defenses.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Skin Cancer?

Have you ever wondered why some people get skin cancer while others don't? It is because there are a number of risks and causes of the disease. The foremost cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV light from tanning beds or directly from the sun. The radiation damages the DNA in your skin cells, leading to uncontrolled growth.

Certain factors increase your risk:

• Skin Type: Fair-skinned people with light hair and eyes are more prone to UV damage.
• History of Sunburns: Severe sunburns, especially during childhood, increase your lifetime risk.
• Family History: If close relatives have had skin cancer, your risk may be higher.
• Immune Suppression: Conditions like HIV or medications after organ transplants can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight abnormal cell growth.
• Sun Exposure: People who work or spend much time outdoors without sun protection are at greater risk.
• Radiation Exposure: Men and women who have received radiation therapy for issues like eczema have a higher chance of developing basal cell carcinoma.
• Moles: People with abnormal moles called dysplastic nevi have a higher risk of skin cancer. These moles are usually larger than normal and are more likely to become cancerous.
• Precancerous Skin Lesions: Skin lesions (actinic keratoses) can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. They're most common on the face, head, and hands of fair-skinned people and appear as scaly patches ranging from brown to dark pink.

Does any of this sound familiar? If so, taking extra precautions is essential.

What do the Early Stages of Skin Cancer Look Like?

Have you ever noticed a spot on your skin that didn't seem right? Early skin cancer can be subtle and easy to overlook. You must know the signs to watch out for to detect skin cancer early. Look for:

• BCC: A shiny bump, often pink, or a scar-like area that might feel waxy.
• SCC: A rough, red patch, an open sore, or a wart-like bump.
• Melanoma: Moles with irregular edges, uneven coloring, or a diameter larger than a pencil eraser.

Skin cancer looks different based on the type of cancer. To recognize warning signs, use the ABCDE rule:

• Asymmetry: The mole or a spot that has an irregular shape.
• Border: The edges are blurry or uneven.
• Color: The mole/spot has more than one color.
• Diameter: It is larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters).
• Evolution: The most important sign is if the spot grows or changes in shape, color, or size.

If something doesn't look or feel normal, it's time to visit a dermatologist.

What are the Signs of Skin Cancer?

The common signs and symptoms associated with skin cancer are:

• A new growth or sore that doesn't heal in 4 weeks or that heals but comes back.
• A mole that changes in color, size, structure, or bleeds.
• A red, scaly patch or a bump that itches, bleeds, or crusts over.
• A waxy or pearly spot on your face, ears, or neck.
• Areas that look like scars.
• A flat patch or bump that is pink, red, or brown.

How Skin Cancer is Diagnosed: Tests and Procedure?

What happens during a skin cancer check? A dermatologist might ask you if you have noticed any changes in your existing moles, freckles, or other skin spots or if you have seen any new growths on your skin. They will examine your skin carefully and may use a special tool to look at suspicious spots. If they suspect cancer, they'll perform a biopsy, taking a small sample of the affected skin. This sample is then tested in a lab to confirm whether it's cancer and determine its type.

What is the Treatment of Skin Cancer?

What happens if you're diagnosed with skin cancer? Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, but here's what you might expect:

1. Surgical Options:
   • Excisional Surgery: A common method in which the surgeon removes the cancerous area along with a small margin of healthy skin.
   • Mohs Surgery: A precise technique that removes thin layers of skin one at a time, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It suits larger, recurring, difficult-to-treat skin cancers, including basal and squamous cell carcinomas. 
2. Topical Treatments:
   • Dermatologists can sometimes treat early-stage cancers with creams containing imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). These stimulate your immune system or kill abnormal cells.
3. Non-Surgical Methods:
   • Cryotherapy: After surgically removing most cancerous cells, freezing the remaining area with liquid nitrogen ensures no abnormal cells are left. It is often used for very small lesions.
   • Radiation Therapy: Useful for hard-to-reach areas or cases where surgery isn't an option.
   • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Doctors apply a light-sensitive medication (photosensitizers)  to the skin and then activate it with light of a specific wavelength to destroy cancer cells.
4. Advanced Treatments:
   • Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system fight cancer. Medications like pembrolizumab are often used for advanced melanoma.
   • Targeted Therapy: These drugs attack specific mutations in cancer cells.

How to Avoid Skin Cancer?

Isn't it amazing to know that you can remarkably reduce your risk of developing skin cancer with a few simple steps? Here's how to protect your skin and avoid skin cancer:

• Use high-quality sunscreen daily with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
• When going out, wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses.
• Avoid the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Never use tanning beds.
• Check your skin monthly for any new or unusual spots.

Preventing skin cancer is easier than treating it, so why not start today?

What is the Best Cream for Skin Cancer?

Did you know doctors can treat some types of skin cancer without surgery? Prescription creams containing chemo drugs like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are often used for early-stage cancers. Imiquimod is a type of immunotherapy that you can apply topically. These creams work by boosting your immune system or directly killing abnormal cells.

Diclofenac is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that can be applied as a 3% gel. It is prescribed for superficial or low-risk BCCs. Ingenol mebutate gel is also indicated for the treatment of low-risk BCCs. It Induces cell death and local immune response.

However, these creams aren't suitable for every type of cancer, so always consult a dermatologist before starting treatment.

Who Dies from Skin Cancer the Most?

Here's something to think about: older men with fair skin, especially those over 50, are most at risk of dying from skin cancer. Why? They often spend years exposed to the sun and may delay seeking treatment for suspicious spots. Early detection is crucial—no matter your age or gender.

How Much Does Skin Cancer Treatment Cost in India?

The cost of skin cancer treatment in India ranges between USD 3,000 and USD 6,000. It is 50-70% lower than in developed nations such as the USA and the UK. Below are the average prices of various treatments available for skin cancer:

• A consultation with renowned oncologists in India costs around USD 25-50.
• A biopsy might cost USD 50-110.
• In India, cryosurgery for skin cancer treatment costs USD 200 to USD 500.
• Mohs surgery ranges from USD 1,200-2,400.
• Photodynamic therapy is available for USD 200 to USD 2,000.
• The cost of chemotherapy averages around USD 700 per cycle.
• Advanced therapies like immunotherapy or radiation therapy can cost USD 1,200 or more per session.

To Conclude

Skin cancer may look like a mole or a spot on your skin. Knowing the risk factors and recognizing the symptoms can help you catch them early. If detected early, skin cancer can be treated and often cured. So, how will you protect your skin today? Remember, being aware can help keep you safe and healthy.