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A dangerous disorder can occur when uncontrollably growing abnormal cells in the skin lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer can be classified into three primary types: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, usually manifesting as abnormal growths or alterations in the skin, are the most prevalent types of cancer.

Less frequently occurring but more aggressive, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if not detected quickly. Risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin, a history of sunburns, extensive sun exposure, and a family history of the condition. Prevention involves shielding the skin from the sun's damaging UV rays with protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and avoiding tanning beds. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, discussed the high risk of skin cancer and emphasized prompt treatment upon symptom appearance.

According to Dr. Mandeep, skin cancer develops due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. There are three main types of skin cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, scaly patch, or a sore that doesn't heal.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of skin cancer is also relatively common. It can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. It can appear as a red, scaly patch, a rough and thickened area, or a wart-like growth.

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Melanoma: This is the least common but most serious type of skin cancer. It can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. Melanoma usually develops from a mole that changes in size, shape, or color.

What Are The Risk Factors For Skin Cancer?

  1. Several factors can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including: Fair skin, light eyes, and light hair
  2. A history of sunburn, especially severe sunburns
  3. Excessive sun exposure
  4. Having many moles or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi)
  5. A weakened immune system
  6. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and tar.

What Are The Warning Signs Of Skin Cancer?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using the ABCDE rule to check your moles for signs of melanoma.

  1. Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
  2. Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
  3. Color: The mole has more than one color, such as brown, black, red, white, or blue.
  4. Diameter: The mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters).
  5. Evolving: The mole has changed in size, shape, or color over time.

In addition to the ABCDE rule, other warning signs of skin cancer include:

  1. A new growth on the skin
  2. A sore that doesn't heal
  3. A change in the texture of the skin
  4. A mole that bleeds easily
  5. Redness or swelling around a mole

People with certain medical conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosa, are at a very high risk of developing skin cancer. Excessive use of tanning beds can also increase your risk of skin cancer. Sun protection is essential for preventing skin cancer. This includes wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing.

What Are The Treatment Options For Skin Cancer?

The choice of treatment for skin cancer depends on the specific type and severity of the cancer. Here's a breakdown of the treatment approaches for each type:

Basal Cell Carcinoma:

  1. This type is primarily treated with surgical excision. Wide excision with margins is often the preferred method, aiming for complete removal in a single procedure.
  2. Radiation and chemotherapy are generally not as effective for basal cell carcinoma.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma:

  1. Early-stage squamous cell carcinoma can also be effectively treated with surgical excision with margins.
  2. For advanced stages that have spread to lymph nodes or involve underlying structures, surgery may be combined with lymph node dissection.

Melanoma:

  1. Surgical excision is again the first line of treatment for melanoma.
  2. The extent of surgery depends on the depth of the tumor. Thicker melanomas may require lymph node dissection to assess their spread.

In cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, a technique called "conservative radical excision" may be used. This involves removing the tumor with minimal margins, followed by confirmation of complete removal. This approach balances complete tumor removal with the preservation of healthy tissue.

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At last Dr. Mandeep said, Radiation therapy may be used for squamous cell carcinoma when surgery is not possible. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are particularly important for advanced melanomas that have spread. These medications can improve survival and disease control. For cases where surgery or radiation is not an option, local chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be used for palliation (symptom relief). The choice of treatment is a complex decision made by a team of specialists based on the individual patient's situation. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer significantly improve the chances of a cure.

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