Skin Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Symptoms of skin cancer can vary depending on the type and stage. Common signs to watch for include:

Changes in Skin Appearance: New growths, sores that don’t heal, or changes in existing moles or spots.
Changes in Moles or Spots: Moles that change in color, size, shape, or texture, or those that become irregular in shape.
Itching or Tenderness: Itching, tenderness, or pain in a mole or skin lesion.
Bleeding or Oozing: Moles or skin lesions that bleed, ooze, or crust over.
Redness or Swelling: Redness or swelling around a mole or spot, or a lesion that becomes inflamed.

It’s essential to monitor any new or changing skin lesions and consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation if you notice any of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes.

What are the causes of skin cancer?

Skin cancer is primarily caused by damage to the DNA in skin cells, often due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Other significant causes and risk factors include:

Excessive Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun increases the risk of developing skin cancer. This includes sunburns and chronic sun exposure.
Tanning Beds: Use of tanning beds or sunlamps, which emit UV radiation, raises the risk of skin cancer.
Skin Type: People with fair skin, light-colored eyes, and red or blonde hair are at a higher risk due to lower levels of melanin, which provides some protection against UV radiation.
Family History: A family history of skin cancer can increase risk, indicating a genetic predisposition.
Age: The risk of skin cancer increases with age, as cumulative UV exposure over time contributes to DNA damage.
Immune System Suppression: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing organ transplantation or with certain autoimmune diseases, are at higher risk.
Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Prolonged exposure to chemicals like arsenic or industrial pollutants can increase the risk.
Previous Skin Cancer: Having a history of skin cancer increases the likelihood of developing it again.

Regular use of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds, and monitoring skin changes can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

How is the diagnosis of skin cancer made?

Diagnosing skin cancer typically begins with a physical examination, where a healthcare provider inspects the skin for unusual moles, spots, or growths, noting their size, shape, color, and texture. The provider will also gather a medical history, including information on changes in the skin, family history of skin cancer, sun exposure, and other relevant factors.

If a suspicious area is identified, a skin biopsy is often performed to confirm the presence of cancer. Various biopsy methods may be used, such as a shave biopsy, where a small sample of skin is shaved off; a punch biopsy, which removes a deeper section of skin with a circular tool; an excisional biopsy, which involves removing the entire suspicious area; or an incisional biopsy, where only a portion of the area is removed.

The biopsy sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to identify cancer cells and determine the type of skin cancer. Additional tests may be conducted to assess the cancer’s extent, such as dermatoscopy, which uses a magnifying device to view the skin’s surface, or imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, particularly if there is concern about the cancer spreading. These diagnostic steps help establish the presence, type, and stage of skin cancer, guiding the treatment plan.

What is the treatment for skin cancer?

The treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include:

Surgery: The most common treatment for skin cancer involves removing the cancerous tissue. This can be done through methods like excision (cutting out the cancer), Mohs micrographic surgery (removing the cancer in layers and examining each layer microscopically), or cryosurgery (freezing the cancer cells).
Topical Chemotherapy: For superficial skin cancers, creams or ointments containing chemotherapy drugs can be applied directly to the affected area to kill cancer cells.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): This treatment involves applying a photosensitizing agent to the skin, which is then activated by a specific type of light to destroy cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and kill cancer cells. This is typically used when surgery is not an option or as an adjunct to surgery.
Immunotherapy: This treatment uses medications to stimulate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. It may be used for advanced skin cancers or those that are not responsive to other treatments.
Targeted Therapy: This approach uses drugs that specifically target the molecular changes associated with cancer cells. It’s often used for advanced skin cancers, such as melanoma with specific genetic mutations.
Systemic Chemotherapy: Though less common for skin cancer compared to other cancers, it may be used for advanced cases or specific types of skin cancer, such as melanoma, that have spread to other parts of the body.

Each treatment plan is personalized based on the specifics of the cancer and the patient’s needs. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are essential to manage the disease and detect any recurrence early.

What is the survival rate for skin cancer?

The survival rate for skin cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer:

Melanoma: The 5-year survival rate is around 99% if detected early but drops to 30% if it spreads to distant organs.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): Has a nearly 100% survival rate if treated early.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): The 5-year survival rate is over 95% when detected early, but more advanced cases can lower this rate.

Early detection is key to improving survival rates.