Skin Cancer

Overview 

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide but also among the most preventable. Skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, not just in areas exposed to the sun. The most common forms include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—the deadliest form. Detecting it early improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Types of Skin Cancer         

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Most common, slow-growing, rarely spreads. Often appears as a pearly bump or pinkish patch.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): May look like a red, scaly patch or a sore that heals and reopens.
• Melanoma: The most dangerous type; can develop from existing moles or suddenly appear as a dark, irregular lesion.
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Rare but aggressive cancer that presents as painless, firm nodules.
• Cutaneous Lymphoma: Affects immune cells in the skin and may look like eczema or psoriasis.
• Kaposi Sarcoma: Linked with weakened immunity and often appears as purple patches or lesions.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer         

• New or changing moles with irregular borders or color variation
• Sores that don’t heal or return after healing
• Itchy, tender, or painful skin lesions
• Red or scaly patches, especially on sun-exposed areas
• Shiny, pearly bumps (commonly in BCC)
• Firm, red nodules (commonly in SCC)
• Black or brown spots that grow or change rapidly (melanoma)
• Crusting or bleeding skin bumps

Causes of Skin Cancer         

• Overexposure to UV rays from sunlight or tanning beds
• Weakened immune system
• Genetic predisposition or family history of skin cancer
• Radiation exposure from prior treatments
• Chronic skin inflammation or scars
• Exposure to certain chemicals, for example arsenic

Complications in Skin Cancer         

• Local tissue destruction leading to disfigurement
• Spread to lymph nodes or other organs (metastasis), especially in melanoma
• Recurrence of cancer after treatment
• Infections in ulcerated or bleeding tumors
• Emotional distress and anxiety due to visible skin changes
• Need for multiple surgeries or reconstructive procedures

Risk Factors of Skin Cancer         

• Fair skin, light eyes, and hair
• History of sunburns, especially blistering sunburns in youth
• Excessive exposure to UV radiation
• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Numerous or atypical moles
• Living in high-altitude or sunny climates
• Exposure to industrial chemicals
• Compromised immune function

Preventions of Skin Cancer         

• Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses outdoors
• Avoid tanning beds and direct midday sun
• Perform monthly self-examinations of your skin
• Schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist
• Be extra cautious near reflective surfaces like water, sand, and snow
• Protect children’s skin from early UV exposure

Diagnosis of Skin Cancer         

• Physical examination: Dermatologist checks for suspicious moles or lesions
• Dermatoscopy: Hand-held tool to examine skin lesions more closely
• Skin biopsy: Removing a sample or entire lesion to check for cancer cells
• Imaging tests: If melanoma is suspected to have spread, scans like CT or PET may be used
• Lymph node biopsy: For melanomas that may have metastasized