Skin Cancer

Oncology is the branch of medical science that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer. Cancer occurs when normal cells grow abnormally and multiply without normal controls. Skin, with a total area of about 2 sqm is the largest organ of the body. The skin protects the body against harmful chemicals and extreme temperatures and also acts like an insulating shield and waterproof. It emits antibacterial substances that head off infection and produce vitamin D for transforming calcium into healthy bones. 

Skin cancers are cancers that occur from the skin. Sometimes, mutations arise in the DNA of skin cells and as a result, skin cancer is caused. The mutations cause the cells to grow in abnormal way, thereby forming a mass of cancer cells. Skin tumors are often termed as skin lesions. Epidermis provides a defensive cover of skin cells which the body constantly shed. It is the skin’s top and thin layer, where the skin cancer begins. There are 3 main types of cells which make up the Epidermis, namely the Basal cells, Squamous cells, and Melanocytes.  

The risk of Skin cancer increases when some of the areas of the skin such as face, ears, lips neck, chest, hands and legs are mainly exposed to sun. One should try and avoid the exposure to excessive ultraviolet radiation in order to prevent them from any type of skin cancer. Some of the areas such as skin under the finger or toe nails or the genital areas though not directly exposed to the sun are still at risk to skin cancers. Skin cancer can be diagnosed or tested by undergoing a biopsy. 

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Frequently asked questions about Skin Cancer

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancers are cancers that occur from the skin. Sometimes, mutations arise in the DNA of skin cells and as a result, skin cancer is caused. The mutations cause the cells to grow in abnormal way, thereby forming a mass of cancer cells.

What is oncology?

Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer.

Which are the types of Skin Cancer?

Below are the types of Skin Cancer: 

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
  • Merkel cell carcinoma
  • Kaposi sarcoma
  • Sebaceous gland carcinoma
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
  • Any new moles or any abnormal growths on skin
  • Moles or growths that have grown
  • Moles or growths that have changed significantly in another way
  • Lesions that change, itch, bleed or have not healed
What are the causes of Skin cancer?

Skin cancer is caused due to the mutations that arise in the DNA of skin cells. Mutations cause the cells to grow in abnormal way, thereby forming a mass of cancer cells. Excessive and long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can also increase the risk factor for skin cancer. 

What is the treatment of Skin cancer?

The treatment of skin cancer depends on the size, location, type, and stage of the skin cancer. Accordingly, the treatments are recommended. Options are: 

  • Cryotherapy 
  • Excisional surgery 
  • Mohs surgery
  • Curettage and electrodessication
  • Chemotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Radiation
  • Biological therapy
  • Immunotherapy
What are the risk factors of Skin Cancer?

Factors that may increase the risk of skin cancer are:

  • A history of sunburns and excessive sun exposure
  • Fair skin
  • Sunny or high-altitude climates
  • Abnormality seen in moles 
  • Precancerous skin lesions
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Weakened immune system
  • Exposure to radiation or some substances such as arsenic
What does skin cancer look like?

Skin cancer mostly appears as a unusual looking spot. It may also appear as an existing spot that has changed in colour, size or shape.

Where does skin cancer spread to first?

More often, the cancer of the skin affects only the skin and some of its surrounding tissue. But, if it is not treated timely, it may spread throughout the body and usually spreads first to nearby lymph nodes and can later spread to distant organs. 

Can skin cancer spread from one person to another?

Cancer is not contagious as it cannot spread from one person to another. Close contact or things like touching, sex, sharing meals, or breathing the same air cannot spread cancer as there is no evidence yet found for the same. 

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Which are the major Skin Cancers?
Below are three major types of Skin Cancers;

Basal Cell Carcinoma:

Basal cells produce new skin cells while the old ones die off. Basal cell carcinoma develops in these basal cells. Excessive and long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight causes basal cell carcinoma. It takes place on the skin of head and neck majorly, as they generally get exposed to sun.

The signs or symptoms that may appear are: 

  • Skin-colored, pearly white or pink bump
  • Black, brown or blue lesion
  • A flat, scaly, reddish patch
  • White, waxy, scar-like lesion


Squamous Cell Carcinoma:

Squamous cells comprise the middle and outer layers of the skin, where squamous cell carcinoma takes place. It is usually not life-threatening and is the common form of skin cancer. If not treated on time, it can cause severe complications as it spreads to other parts of the body. 

The factors that increase the risks of this cancer are exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or tanning beds and lamps. One should try and avoid the excessive exposure to sun. 

The signs or symptoms that may appear are: 

  • Red nodule which is firm in texture
  • Flat sore with a scaly crust
  • New sore that develops on an old scar or ulcer
  • Scaly patch appears on the lip that may evolve to an open sore
  • Rough patch or red sore inside your mouth
  • Wart like sore on or in the anus or on your genitals


Melanoma:

The color of the skin is due to the melanin. The cancer referred as Melanoma which is an aggressive type of a cancer forms in the cells that produce melanin. It can be developed in the eyes and, rarely in throat or nose.

The factors that increase the risks of this cancer are exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or tanning beds and lamps. If regular checkups are conducted and if Melanoma is detected earlier, it can be treated successfully.

The signs or symptoms that may appear are: 

  • Abnormality in existing mole 
  • If any unusual growth appears on skin


Less Common Skin Cancers:

  • Merkel cell carcinoma
  • Kaposi sarcoma
  • Sebaceous gland carcinoma


Risk factors:

Factors that may increase the risk of skin cancer are:

  • A history of sunburns and excessive sun exposure
  • Fair skin
  • Sunny or high-altitude climates
  • Abnormality seen in moles 
  • Precancerous skin lesions
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Weakened immune system
  • Exposure to radiation or some substances such as arsenic
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