It is one of the most common types of cancer in the world, and it's a serious health threat that's been spreading noticeably in recent years. It happens when skin cells start growing abnormally and out of control, causing tumors.
There are several types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but melanoma is the most dangerous. Skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of age or gender, but fair-skinned people and those who get too much UV exposure are more at risk. Early diagnosis and solid sun protection are key to preventing this serious disease.
In this article, we’ll look at how to diagnose skin cancer, its stages, treatment options, and how to prevent it.
How Skin Cancer is Diagnosed
Diagnosing skin cancer involves checking the skin which includes:-
1. Physical Exam
During a physical exam, healthcare providers check general signs of health and disease. This includes checking for lumps and sores. They also take medical and family history to spot risks for skin cancer or other diseases.
2. Skin Exam
A skin exam is a detailed visual check of any bumps or spots that look unusual in size, color, texture, or shape.
3. Skin Biopsy
A skin biopsy means removing all or part of a skin bump or spot that looks abnormal. The tissue is then checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.
How to Check for Skin Cancer
Checking for skin cancer means looking for signs before symptoms show up. This can help find the disease early and start treatment at an early stage, when it works better.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a full body check-up every year by a dermatologist. You might need more frequent checks if you have higher skin cancer risks.
A typical skin exam takes about 10 minutes. It means looking over the skin from head to toe, focusing on hard-to-see spots like the back, scalp, and behind ears. The doctor can also do a biopsy on any suspicious areas during the exam.
Doing regular self-checks can help you spot any new or unusual skin changes between doctor visits. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests this method for self-checking your skin:
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Look at the front and back of your body using a full-length mirror.
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Check your palms, forearms, and under your armpits.
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Look over your legs, between your toes, and the bottoms of your feet.
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Use a hand mirror to check your neck and scalp.
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Checking the back and buttocks with a hand mirror.
Skin cancer stages
The American Joint Committee on Cancer developed the following system to describe skin cancer stages and disease progression, This system includes the following:-
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Stage zero:- Also called cancer in situ or cancer at its original site, at this stage it's limited to the epidermis.
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Stage one:- At this stage the tumor is smaller than 2 cm, hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. There is one or fewer risk factors.
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Stage TwoAt this stage, the tumor is over 2 cm in size and hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. There are two or more risk factors.
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Stage ThreeThis stage means the tumor has spread to nearby facial bones or to one lymph node. It hasn’t spread to other organs.
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Stage FourAt this stage, the tumor can be any size and has spread to one or more lymph nodes. It may also have spread to bones and other distant organs.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
The treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, stage, tumor size, location, and characteristics. One or more of the following treatments can be used:-
- Radiation therapy
High-energy X-rays or other particles are used from outside the body to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted drug therapy
Targeted drug treatments focus on specific molecular pathways involved in abnormal growth of skin cancer cells, which might stop their development.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill abnormal cancer cells. It can be given locally, by vein, or by injection.
- Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy uses light-sensitive drugs and light to kill cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body find and fight cancer cells by using natural or made substances to target, boost, or restore the immune system.
- Laser surgery
Laser surgery uses a laser beam, a narrow focused light, as a knife to cut tissue or remove surface lesions or tumors.
- Dermabrasion
This procedure removes the top skin layer using tiny particles or a spinning wheel to rub off skin cells.
- Surgery
Surgery options for skin cancer include the following:
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Simple excision:- It's surgical removal of the tumor with a small surrounding area.
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Shave excision- It's surgical removal of an abnormal area with a small blade.
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Cryosurgery- Cryosurgery uses a tool to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue.
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Curettage and electrodessicationElectrosurgical curettage consists of using a scalpel to scrape off the lesion then burning nearby tissue to stop bleeding.
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Mohs surgeryIt is a microscopically controlled surgery, a very specialized technique that involves cutting thin skin layers and examining each layer under a microscope for cancer cells until a cancer-free layer is reached.
Skin cancer prevention
Even though skin cancer can’t be completely prevented, there are some plans and ways that can help reduce the risk of getting it:
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Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest.
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Take all necessary precautions to avoid sunburn.
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Avoid sun tanning or using UV tanning beds.
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Cover all skin, including wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses when outside during the day.
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Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher daily, and if outside for long periods, use water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
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Keep newborns out of the sun because sunscreen isn’t recommended for kids under 6 months old.
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Do a head-to-toe skin check every month to spot signs of skin cancer early.
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See a dermatologist every year, more often if you have known skin cancer risk factors.
