Skin Cancer

by | Aug 3, 2020 | Health Topics

Written by Fong Carman, Pharmacist

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells that often develops on the skin that is exposed to the sun. However, this common form of cancer can also develop on the skin that is less often exposed to sunlight. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the three major types of skin cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), currently, between 2 and 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year. 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS 

 

 

Basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms:

May appear as:

  • A shiny, pink, red, pearly or translucent bump
  • A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
  • A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns
  • Pink skin growths or lesions with raised borders that are crusted in the center
  • Raised reddish patch of skin that may crust or itch, but is usually not painful

Squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms:

May appear as:

  • A firm, red nodule
  • Persistent, scaly red patches with irregular borders that may bleed easily
  • Open sore that does not go away for weeks

Melanoma cell carcinoma signs and symptoms:

  • The ABCDE method

Brown spots, marks, and moles are usually harmless. However, the first sign of melanoma can occur in what doctors call an atypical mole, or dysplastic nevi. 

  • The ugly duckling method

The ugly duckling method works on the premise that a person’s moles tend to resemble one another. If one mole stands out in any way, it may be a sign of skin cancer.

 

RISK FACTORS 

Basal cell carcinomas

  • Unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
  • History of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma.
  • Age over 50 years old.
  • People with fair skin.
  • Chronic infections and skin inflammation from burns, scars and other conditions.

Squamous cell carcinomas

  • Unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
  • Weakened immune system.
  • History of skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma.
  • Age over 50 years old.
  • People with fair skin.
  • Sun-sensitive conditions including xeroderma pigmentosum.
  • Chronic infections and skin inflammation from burns, scars and other conditions.
  • History of HPV.

Melanoma cell carcinomas

  • Unprotected or excessive UV exposure from the sun or indoor tanning.
  • Weakened immune system.
  • Higher risk when you have more moles on your body.
  • People with fair skin.
  • History of skin cancer.
  • Family history of having Melanoma.

PREVENTION 

  • Avoid the sun during the middle of the day.
  • Wear sunscreen year-round.
  • Wear protective clothing.
  • Avoid tanning beds.
  • Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications.
  • Check your skin regularly and report any changes to your doctor

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose skin cancer, your doctor may:

  • Examine your skin. Further testing may be needed to confirm that diagnosis.
  • Remove a sample of suspicious skin for testing (skin biopsy).  A biopsy can determine whether you have skin cancer and, if so, what type of skin cancer you have.

TREATMENT 

Your treatment options for skin cancer and the precancerous skin lesions known as actinic keratoses will vary, depending on the size, type, depth and location of the lesions.

If additional treatment is needed, options may include:

  • Freezing
  • Excisional surgery
  • Mohs surgery
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation or cryotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Biological therapy

REFERENCES

 

  1. World Health Organization. 2020. Skin Cancers. [online] Available at :<https://www.who.int/uv/faq/skincancer/en/index1.html> [Accessed 7 May 2020].
  2. Mayo Clinic. 2020. Skin Cancer – Symptoms And Causes. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605> [Accessed 7 May 2020].
  3. Medicalnewstoday.com. 2020. Skin Cancer: Symptoms, Types, And Warning Signs. [online] Available at: <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323486> [Accessed 7 May 2020].
  4. Cancer.org. 2020. Basal And Squamous Cell Skin Cancer | Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer. [online] Available at: <https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer.html> [Accessed 7 May 2020].
  5. MedicineNet. 2020. Skin Cancer Types, Symptoms, Treatment & Stages. [online] Available at: <https://www.medicinenet.com/skin_cancer_overview/article.htm> [Accessed 7 May 2020].