15818 Skin Cancer

Overview

Skin cancer is a disease where abnormal skin cells grow out of control. It usually develops on skin that has been exposed to the sun, but it can also appear on skin that is rarely in the sun. The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are called non-melanoma skin cancers and are usually very treatable. Melanoma is less common but more serious because it can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early.

Yes, skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. The number of cases has been rising over the past few decades, mostly because of sun exposure and tanning bed use.

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. However, people with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are at higher risk. Other factors include a history of sunburns, many moles, a family history of skin cancer, and a weakened immune system. It becomes more common as people get older, but younger people can also develop it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A new growth or sore that does not heal within a few weeks
• A spot or mole that changes in size, shape, or color
• A mole with irregular edges or multiple colors
• An itchy, painful, or bleeding skin lesion
• A waxy bump or a flat, scaly patch
• A firm red lump that bleeds or crusts

Symptoms in children

• Skin cancer is rare in children, but the same warning signs apply: any new or changing mole, a sore that does not heal, or a bump that bleeds.
• Most skin damage happens before age 18, so protecting children from the sun is very important.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults often develop skin cancer on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, scalp, and hands.
• They may have many growths and spots, so it can be easy to overlook a problem spot.
• A non-healing sore or a new bump that bleeds should never be ignored, even if it does not hurt.

Causes

Main causes

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the leading cause of skin cancer.
• UV rays damage the DNA inside skin cells, causing them to grow abnormally.
• Rarely, skin cancer can run in families or be linked to certain genetic conditions.

Risk factors

• Having fair skin, light hair, and light eyes
• A history of sunburns, especially blistering sunburns as a child
• Using indoor tanning beds or sun lamps
• Having many moles or unusual-looking moles
• A personal or family history of skin cancer
• A weakened immune system due to illness or certain medications
• Living in sunny or high-altitude climates

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice a new mole or spot that is growing, changing, bleeding, or itching
• If a sore does not heal within 3 to 4 weeks
• If you have a mole that is tender or painful

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have risk factors like fair skin or many moles, ask about a yearly skin check.
• If you are unsure about any spot on your skin, it is always a good idea to have it checked during your regular appointments.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will first examine your skin and ask about any changes you have noticed. If they find a spot that looks suspicious, they will usually refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) or perform a biopsy themselves.

Tests that may be done

• Skin biopsy: a small piece of the suspicious area is removed and sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope.
• If melanoma is found, you may need further tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or blood tests to see whether the cancer has spread.

What to expect at your appointment

A skin biopsy is usually quick and done in the office with a local numbing injection. You will likely get the results within one to two weeks. If the biopsy shows cancer, your doctor will explain what type it is, how deep it is, and what the next steps are.

Treatment

Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size, location, and how deep the cancer has grown. Most non-melanoma skin cancers are treated with surgery and have a very high cure rate. Melanoma may need more extensive surgery and possibly additional treatments if it has spread. Your healthcare team will plan a treatment tailored to you.

Self-care at home

• Keep any treated area clean and dry as instructed by your doctor.
• Wear loose clothing to avoid rubbing the affected area.
• Use bandages or dressings as directed.
• Stay out of the sun while the skin is healing.
• Attend all follow-up appointments and show your doctor any new spots.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments range from creams applied to the skin for very early superficial cancers, to cutting out the tumor with surgery, to freezing or scraping off abnormal cells. Other options include photodynamic therapy (using special light to destroy cancer cells), radiation therapy, and for advanced cases, immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Your doctor will explain which approach is best for your situation and why.

When is surgery considered?

For the majority of skin cancers, surgery is the main treatment. The doctor removes the growth together with a small margin of healthy skin to make sure no cancer cells are left behind. Sometimes skin grafts or a small operation to rebuild the wound are needed.

Living with this condition

After treatment, you will need to take good care of your skin. Do a monthly self-exam to check for new or changing spots. Protect your skin from the sun every day, even in winter. Regular follow-up visits are important to catch any recurrence early.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin, even on cloudy days.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses for extra protection.
• Avoid the sun during peak intensity hours (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Never use tanning beds or tanning lamps.
• Check your skin once a month using a mirror to see your back, scalp, and other hard-to-see areas.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying physically active can help your body heal and keep your immune system strong. There is no special diet that treats skin cancer, but a healthy lifestyle supports your overall well-being.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel anxious or worried after a skin cancer diagnosis. You may be concerned about the future or about scars and appearance. Give yourself time to process your feelings. Many people find comfort in talking to loved ones, a counselor, or a support group for people with skin cancer.

Prevention

Most skin cancers can be prevented by protecting your skin from UV radiation. Simple habits like using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds, and staying in the shade during peak sun hours offer strong protection. This is especially important for children and teenagers.

Screening programmes

Regular self-exams are the simplest way to spot changes early. If you have a high risk, your doctor may recommend periodic full-body skin exams by a dermatologist. These exams do not require any special equipment and are quick.

Complications

If left untreated

• The cancer can grow deeper into the skin and damage surrounding tissue.
• It can become more difficult to remove and may leave a larger scar.
• Melanoma and some other types can spread through the bloodstream or lymph system to other organs, which can become life-threatening.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for skin cancer is very good when it is found early. Even melanoma, the most serious type, is often cured if it is caught early and treated promptly. Non-melanoma skin cancers are almost always curable with proper treatment. After successful treatment, you can still have a full, active life—just with a little more sun care and regular skin checks.

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