Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, typically caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It is the most common form of cancer worldwide but is highly treatable when detected early. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, but it most often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, and hands.

Types of Skin Cancer:

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):

   • Most common and least aggressive.

   • Grows slowly and rarely spreads.

   • Appears as a pearly or waxy bump, often on the face.

     
     

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):

   • Second most common type.

   • Can spread if not treated.

   • Often appears as a red, scaly patch or sore that doesn't heal.

     
     

3. Melanoma:

   • Less common but more dangerous.

   • Can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

   • Appears as a new mole or changes in an existing mole (asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter >6mm, evolving).

     
     

4. Other Rare Types:

   • Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and others.

     
     

Diagnosis: Skin cancer is typically diagnosed through a skin examination and biopsy, where a small sample of skin is removed and examined under a microscope.

Treatment Options for Skin Cancer:

1. Surgical Removal:

   • Excisional Surgery: Removes the tumor and some surrounding tissue.

   • Mohs Surgery: Highly effective for BCC and SCC; removes cancer layer by layer while preserving healthy tissue.

     
     

2. Topical Treatments:

   • Creams or gels like imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for early-stage BCC or SCC in situ (confined to the surface).

     
     

3. Radiation Therapy:

   • Used for tumors that are hard to remove surgically or in patients who cannot undergo surgery.

     
     

4. Cryotherapy:

   • Freezing the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen, mostly for precancerous lesions or superficial cancers.

     
     

5. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):

   • Combines light and a special photosensitizing drug to destroy cancer cells, used for superficial BCC or precancerous lesions.

     
     

6. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy (for advanced melanoma):

   • Targeted Therapy: Drugs like BRAF or MEK inhibitors attack specific genetic mutations in cancer cells.

   • Immunotherapy: Drugs like checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab) help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.

     
     

7. Chemotherapy:

   • Less commonly used for skin cancer but may be an option for advanced cases that don’t respond to other treatments.

Conclusion:

Early detection is key to successfully treating skin cancer. Most types are highly treatable, especially when diagnosed early. New therapies continue to improve outcomes, particularly for aggressive forms like melanoma.