What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the skin, usually caused by damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It occurs when skin cells grow uncontrollably and form tumours that can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of Skin Cancer?

General Signs to Watch For

• A new growth or sore that doesn’t heal.
• A spot or sore that bleeds, itches, or becomes tender.
• Changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of a mole or skin lesion.

Symptoms by Type

The “ABCDE” Rule for Melanoma Detection

• Asymmetry: One half unlike the other
• Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges
• Colour: Varied from one area to another
• Diameter: Larger than 6 mm
• Evolving: Changes in size, shape, colour, or symptoms (itching, bleeding)

Other Possible Symptoms

• Itching, tenderness, or pain at the site of a lesion.
• Redness or swelling beyond the border of a mole or spot.

How to detect Skin Cancer?

1. Self-Examination

• Regularly check your skin for new moles or changes in existing moles, spots, or lesions.
• Use the “ABCDE” rule for melanoma:
  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Colour variation
  • Diameter > 6 mm
  • Evolving changes
• Look for sores that don’t heal, scaly patches, or unusual growths.

2. Clinical Skin Exam

• Performed by a healthcare provider or dermatologist.
• Use of a dermatoscope to closely examine suspicious lesions.
• Documentation of skin changes over time.

3. Biopsy (Definitive Diagnosis)

• If a suspicious lesion is found, a skin biops is done:
  • Shave biopsy (removes the top layers)
  • Punch biopsy (removes a deeper sample)
  • Excisional biopsy (removes entire lesion)
• Sample sent to pathology to confirm cancer type.

4. Imaging Tests (If Needed)

• For advanced or suspected metastatic cases, imaging like CT scans, MRI, or PET scans may be done to check spread.

5. Molecular Testing

• Sometimes done for melanoma to identify mutations for targeted therapies (e.g., BRAF mutation).

What are the available treatments for Skin Cancer?

1. Surgical Treatments

• Excisional Surgery: Cutting out the tumour along with a margin of healthy skin.
• Mohs Surgery: Layer-by-layer removal and microscopic examination until no cancer cells remain; ideal for facial or recurrent tumours.
• Curettage and Electrodessication: Scraping away cancer cells followed by cauterization; used for superficial cancers.

2. Radiation Therapy

• Used when surgery isn’t an option or to treat areas where cancer has spread locally.
• Often used for older patients or tumours in hard-to-treat areas.

3. Topical Treatments

• For very early or superficial skin cancers.
• Examples:
  • Imiquimod cream (stimulates immune response)
  • 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) cream (chemotherapy agent)

4. Cryotherapy

• Freezing cancer cells with liquid nitrogen.
• Used for precancerous lesions or small superficial cancers.

5. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

• Combines light-sensitive drugs and light exposure to destroy cancer cells.
• Typically for superficial basal or squamous cell carcinomas.

6. Systemic Treatments (For Advanced or Metastatic Skin Cancer)

• Immunotherapy:
  • Checkpoint inhibitors like Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab(especially for melanoma).
• Targeted Therapy:
  • For melanoma with specific mutations (e.g., BRAF inhibitors like vemurafenib).
• Chemotherapy:
  • Less common now, but used for some advanced cases.