Skin Cancer arises due to the abnormal growth of cells in your skin tissue, leading to the formation of a tumor. Most commonly caused by UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds. While one of the most common cancers worldwide, skin cancer is highly treatable if detected early. Early diagnosis and advanced immunotherapy treatments can help prevent complications.
The types of Cancer Include:-
|
Type |
Description |
Common Location |
Site of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Basal Cell Carcinoma |
Develops in basal cells; slow-growing and rarely spreads. |
Sun-exposed areas (face, neck, scalp) |
Basal cells in the lower epidermis |
|
Squamous Cell Carcinoma |
Arises from squamous cells; it can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma. |
Sun-exposed skin (ears, face, hands) |
Squamous cells in the outer epidermis |
|
Melanoma |
The most serious form can spread to other organs. |
Anywhere (commonly back, legs, face) |
Melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) |
|
Kaposi’s Sarcoma |
Rare cancer with purplish lesions; linked to weakened immunity (e.g., HIV). |
Skin, mouth, GI tract, lymph nodes |
Blood vessel lining and connective tissue |
|
Merkel Cell Carcinoma |
Aggressive and fast-growing; often fatal. |
Sun-exposed areas (head, neck, arms) |
Merkel cells in the epidermis |
|
Sebaceous Carcinoma |
Uncommon and aggressive; can recur. |
Eyelids, face, scalp |
Sebaceous (oil) glands |
|
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) |
Rare, slow-growing tumor; often appears as a firm bump. |
Trunk, limbs |
Dermis (middle layer of skin) |
Some of the Skin Cancer Symptoms are:-
The appearance of skin cancer varies depending on the type. Thinking about the ABCDE rule teaches you what indications to look for:
The primary cause of skin cancer is excessive sun exposure, especially when it results in blistering and sunburn. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages your skin's DNA, leading to the formation of abnormal cells.
Skin cancer stages range from 0 to IV. In general, the higher the number, the further cancer has spread and the more difficult it is to treat. However, the staging of melanoma vs non-melanoma skin cancers that begin in your basal or squamous cells. The staging includes:
Melanoma in situ (stage 0): This type of melanoma only affects the epidermis.
Stage I: There is no indication that the melanoma has spread, and it is low risk. Curable with surgery.
Stage II: There is no indication that it has spread, but it does have some characteristics that suggest it is likely to return.
Stage III: The melanoma has extended to adjacent skin or lymph nodes.
Stage IV: The melanoma has progressed to internal organs or more distant skin or lymph nodes.
Stage 0: Only the outermost layer of your skin has cancer.
Stage I: The upper and middle layers of your skin are affected by cancer.
Stage II: Cancer begins in the epidermis and progresses to the deeper layers of skin or nerves.
Stage III: Your cancer has progressed to your lymph nodes from your skin.
Stage IV: The cancer has progressed to multiple organs, including the brain, liver, and lungs.
Skin Cancer diagnosis involves a physical exam, dermatoscopy, and biopsy (shave, punch, or excisional biopsy). Suspicious moles are analyzed under a microscope to confirm cancer type and stage.
Skin Cancer Treatment involves:-
Excision Biopsy- The most appropriate treatment for nodular, infiltrative, and morphoeic lesions involves cutting out the lesion and stitching up the skin. If the lesion is not properly removed, surgery may be indicated.
Mohs Surgery- An advanced surgical procedure in which marked removed tissue is carefully examined layer by layer to ensure complete excision. It is usually performed on the eyes, lips, and nose.
Electrodessication- It involves scraping the cancerous tumor with a curette and then burning it with a specific needle.
Cryotherapy- It involves freezing cancerous masses using liquid nitrogen, resulting in a blister that heals within a few weeks.
Photodynamic Therapy- In this method, superficial BCC are treated with a photosensitizing chemical and then subjected to light; it is helpful for tumors with a high risk of recurrence.
Laser Therapy- Uses a high-energy beam to eliminate the cancerous mass.
Radiotherapy- It uses high radiation doses to target and kill cancerous cells at their advanced metastatic stage.
Immunotherapy- It is a developing treatment for advanced or recurring BCC, particularly when surgery and radiation are not feasible or successful. It works by improving your immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
Skin Cancer (Global vs. India Stats)
|
Feature |
Global (2022) |
India (2022) |
|---|---|---|
|
New Cases |
~331,700 melanoma cases (ASIR ~3.2/100k); >1.5 million non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), often not fully tracked due to high curability. |
~12,654 melanoma cases (ASIR ~0.9/100k); NMSC numbers are higher but underreported. Rural underdiagnosis is common. |
|
Deaths |
~57,000 melanoma deaths. NMSC deaths are low but may be undercounted. |
~6,593 melanoma deaths; total skin cancer deaths likely 12,000–15,000/year due to late diagnosis and poor access to treatment. |
|
Age & Gender |
Mostly affects people aged 50+, is more common in men, and is more common in fair-skinned populations. |
Mostly seen in men over 50. Risk factors: sun exposure, burns/scars, arsenic in water. |
|
Hotspots |
High rates in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Europe are due to UV exposure. |
High cases in West Bengal, Bihar, and the Northeast (Assam, Tripura) due to arsenic, poor skin hygiene, and chronic skin damage. |
|
Rural vs Urban |
Urban areas have better diagnoses and curable diseases; rural areas face late detection. |
Rural India sees late-stage cases; urban areas detect more due to better awareness and facilities. |
|
5-Year Survival |
Melanoma: ~95% if caught early; drops to ~30% in late stages. NMSC has >95% survival with early treatment. |
Melanoma survival: ~40–60%. NMSC is often curable, but outcomes worsen if diagnosed late. |
|
Common Types |
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma. |
SCC is more common than BCC in India. Melanoma is less common but more dangerous. |
Yes, most skin cancers are fairly curable, particularly if caught early.
While most cases are linked to sun exposure, some genetic factors (like family history or certain syndromes) may slightly increase risk.
Melanoma is the most aggressive cancer and can spread rapidly if not treated properly.
Perform monthly self-exams and schedule annual full-body skin exams with a dermatologist, particularly if you have risk factors.
Check for new or changing moles, follow the ABCDE rule, and schedule monthly skin exams.
Nonmelanoma skin cancer, such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma, has a five-year survival rate of over 99% when diagnosed and treated effectively. Melanoma has a 5-year survival rate of 99% if diagnosed and treated before spreading to lymph nodes.
Yes, we offer immunotherapy, the best form of treatment to enhance immunity against cancerous cells when surgery isn't a possibility.
Yes, particularly in high-risk scenarios. Regular monitoring and follow-up care help detect recurrences early.
