Skin Cancer - Summary, Symptoms, Treatments

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the skin. It’s the most common type of cancer worldwide. Skin cancer usually develops due to DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, although other factors such as genetics can also play a role.
 
There are three main types of skin cancer:

1. Basal cell carcinoma
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
3. Melanoma

Back to Top

What are signs of skin cancer?

 
General warning signs for any skin cancer can include:

• A new growth or spot on the skin
• A spot on the skin that looks different from other spots
• An existing mole or lesion that starts to change in size, color or texture
• Persistent itching, tenderness or pain in a sore or lesion on the skin

If you notice anything unusual or changing on your skin, it’s important to see a doctor, ideally a dermatologist. Not every skin change is cancer, but it’s smart to have anything suspicious checked by a health care professional, if it is changing, painful or not healing.
Back to Top

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing skin cancer begins with a physical examination so that your doctor can evaluate the symptoms you are experiencing. Additional information to confirm a diagnosis can be obtained through more in depth examination, testing or imaging of the skin. The doctor may perform a skin biopsy to remove all or part of the affected area(s) for examination under a microscope to look for any precancerous or cancerous cells. Sometimes a biopsy will remove all or part of the tumor. Early diagnosis is crucial because skin cancers are much easier to treat successfully when caught early.
Back to Top

What causes skin cancer?

Skin cancer is mainly caused by damage to the DNA in skin cells, leading them to grow out of control. The most common causes of that damage include:
 
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation:

• Sun exposure: UV rays from the sun are the biggest risk factor. Sunburns, especially during childhood, greatly increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Tanning beds: Artificial UV light from tanning devices is harmful — sometimes even more harmful than the sun.

Genetic factors:

• If you have a family history of skin cancer, your risk is higher.
• Certain inherited conditions, like xeroderma pigmentosum, can increase risk.

Fair skin:

• People with lighter skin, freckles, red or blonde hair, and light-colored eyes have less melanin (skin pigment) to protect against UV radiation.

Weakened immune system:

• People with weakened immune systems (due to illnesses like HIV/AIDS or from medications after organ transplants) are at higher risk.

Exposure to chemicals or radiation:

• Long-term exposure to certain substances (like arsenic) can increase the chance of developing skin cancer.
• Previous radiation therapy for other diseases can also raise the risk.

It is important to note that most skin cancer is preventable, mainly by protecting your skin from excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (natural and artificial) and chemicals.
Back to Top

Is skin cancer genetic?

Skin cancer can have a genetic component, although, most cases are still caused mainly by environmental factors like sun exposure. If you have a family history of skin cancer, your risk is higher. Certain inherited conditions, like xeroderma pigmentosum, can increase risk. It is best to talk with your doctor about any genetic predisposition to skin cancer.
Back to Top

Is skin cancer curable?

Many skin cancers are highly curable when found and treated in the early stages. Treatment success depends on the type and stage of the skin cancer and whether it has spread. Anyone diagnosed with any form of skin cancer is at a higher risk of developing new skin cancers in the future, so ongoing skin monitoring and regular check-ups are important, even after successful treatment.
Back to Top

How is skin cancer treated?

Treatment options for skin cancer depend on a number of factors, including the specific type and stage of cancer, location, possible treatment side effects, and the patient’s overall health and personal preference. They may include topical treatments, cryotherapy (the use of extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue), surgery to remove the skin cancer or radiation therapy to shrink or destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapies that engage a person’s own immune system to find and destroy cancer cells is a promising treatment option for Merkel cell carcinoma, especially at later stages of disease.
Back to Top

Are there screening tests for nonmelanoma skin cancer?

Skin cancers are cancers that we can see and feel. Monthly self-exams and annual skin checks by a dermatologist are vital to early detection. Spots, blemishes, freckles and moles are signs of sun-damaged skin. They are usually harmless, but if you notice them changing or if something doesn’t look or feel right, it is important to reach out to your medical doctor or dermatologist.
Back to Top