Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow in an abnormal, uncontrolled way. It usually develops in areas that get a lot of sun exposure, like the face, scalp, neck, arms, and hands. Many skin cancers can be successfully treated when detected early, which is why regular skin checks are important.

Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

The most common type. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads, but it can damage nearby skin if ignored.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

It can grow faster than BCC and may spread in some cases if not treated early.

Melanoma

The most serious type. It can spread to other parts of the body if not found early.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Skin cancer can look different in different people. Watch for:

Changes in the skin

• A new growth or a sore that does not heal
• A lump that grows slowly
• A scaly, rough, or crusted patch
• A spot that bleeds easily or keeps coming back
• A wart-like growth that changes over time

ABCDE warning signs for melanoma

• A: Asymmetry (one half looks different)
• B: Border (irregular or blurred edges)
• C: Color (multiple colors or uneven color)
• D: Diameter (bigger than about 6 mm, or growing)
• E: Evolving (changing in size, shape, color, itching, or bleeding)

Risk Factors

Skin cancer risk is higher with:

• Too much sun exposure or frequent sunburns
• Tanning beds or artificial UV light
• Fair skin, light eyes, or light hair (but it can happen to any skin tone)
• Many moles or unusual moles
• Family history of skin cancer
• Weak immune system (for example, after a transplant or certain long-term medicines)
• Older age (risk increases over time)

How Skin Cancer is Diagnosed

Doctors usually diagnose skin cancer by:

Skin examination

A close look at the spot and surrounding skin.

Dermoscopy (in many clinics)

A special tool to see skin patterns more clearly.

Biopsy

A small sample is taken and tested in a lab to confirm the type of cancer.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on cancer type, size, location, and stage.

Surgical removal

Often the main treatment for many skin cancers.

Mohs surgery (selected cases)

Used for certain areas like the face or for cancers with a higher risk of coming back.

Local treatments (early/small cancers)

May include topical medicines, freezing (cryotherapy), or other clinic procedures, depending on the case.

Radiation therapy

Used in selected cases when surgery is not suitable.

Advanced treatment (if cancer spreads)

Some cases may require targeted therapy or immunotherapy under specialist care.

Prevention Tips

• Use sunscreen daily (especially on exposed skin)
• Wear protective clothing, caps, and sunglasses
• Avoid peak sun hours when possible
• Do not use tanning beds
• Check your skin once a month for new or changing spots
• Get regular skin check-ups if you are at high risk

When to Seek Medical Help Quickly

Get medical help urgently if you have:

• A mole or spot that changes fast
• A bleeding sore that does not heal
• A dark or irregular patch that is growing
• Swelling of nearby lymph nodes
• Any skin growth with pain, ulceration, or repeated bleeding

Specialists to Consult

Dermatologist

For diagnosis and early treatment.

Surgical oncologist / Plastic surgeon (selected cases)

For removal, especially in sensitive areas.

Medical oncologist (advanced cases)

For cancer that has spread or needs systemic treatment.