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Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India

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Overview

Skin cancer is an anomalous growth of skin cells most often because of unrepaired DNA damage. This triggers mutation in skin cells causing them to multiply in an uncontrolled manner, resulting in malignant tumors. Primarily, skin cancer develops in areas that are exposed to sunlight.

It affects all sorts of individuals, although people with light-colored skin are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer (as they can sunburn easily). Compared with the compound incidence of breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers, there are more new cases of skin cancer registered every year.

Skin Cancer Causes

Most of the skin cancers are naturally modulated by the immune system or by mutational repair mechanisms. When the immune system is compromised or there is a faulty mutation repair gene, it results in the development of malignant cells that eventually grow into a tumor. Some of the most common skin cancer causes are:

  1. Exposure to UV light through sun or even tanning beds
  2. Persistently suppressed immune system
  3. Exposure to X-rays or chemicals such as arsenic which is a known precursor to cancer
  4. Elderly individuals are at higher risk of developing skin cancer

Skin Cancer Symptoms

In the beginning, skin cell cancer can be painful, and they may appear as a pain that bleeds and oozes or otherwise something that does not heals. Even a minor trauma may result in bleeding of that bump. The skin bump has a central ulceration along with raised edges. The skin cancer symptoms include:

  1. Red, pink or translucent bump(s) on the skin
  2. Growth of raised border around the lesion
  3. Reddish skin patch with a crust or itch which may be painful
  4. A scar resembled by white or yellow waxy area with an imperfectly determined border
  5. An open lesion present for weeks
  6. Wart-like development on the skin

We often see that moles develop on the skin, but they are mostly harmless. Rarely a mole turns into skin cancer. If a mole does turn cancerous then it is melanoma. Individuals should take care and look out for any signs of differences in the mole’s color, symmetry or any other evolving changes. Therefore, it is obligatory to visit a physician or a dermatologist and get the abnormality examined.

Types of Skin Cancer

Predominantly, there are three types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

  1. Basal Cell Carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma arises when skin’s basal cells grow in an abnormal and uncontrolled manner. Basal cells are those that line the outermost layer of the skin.
  2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Uncontrolled growth of abnormal squamous cells (composing most of the epidermis) results in squamous cell carcinoma.
  3. Melanoma: Termed as one of the deadliest skin cancers, melanoma is where the malignant tumor growth occurs because of an unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggering mutation.
  4. Merkel Cell Carcinoma: It is one of the rarest and an aggressive type of skin cancer with a high recurrence and metastasizing rate. Individuals above 50 years of age are more prone to Merkel cell carcinoma.

Actinic keratosis is also called as precancer because if left untreated may develop into a skin cancer. It is often a crusty and scaly growth which occurs due to prolonged UV exposure. Atypical moles or dysplastic nevi are benign moles which resemble like melanoma. Individuals with higher number of moles are at risk of developing melanoma in the future.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Chemical Peel 

Trichloroacetic acid is applied to repair superficial skin damage which peels the top skin layer. In general, normal skin regrows in a few weeks.

Cryosurgery 

Liquid nitrogen is topically applied to the tumor growth causing the lesions to freeze. Later the lesion falls off naturally causing a temporary swelling and redness.

Curettage and Electrodesiccation

Curette, a small sharp ring-shaped instrument is used to scrape off the lesion and then cauterized using electrodesiccation. The applied heat destroys any residual lesion.

Excisional Surgery

In this surgery, the physician removes the entire tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue. Only after the lab confirms whether the tumor is present or not in the tissue beyond the safety margin, the physician declares the patient fit.

Laser Surgery

Ablative lasers are used to remove the tissue without causing it to bleed. The laser gives the physician better control of tissue removal.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

This technique is chiefly employed when the preservation of unaffected tissue is vital. It is also employed when the tumor is poorly defined or after a recurrence of previously treated lesions. The very first layer of the tumor is removed and immediately assessed. The region demonstrating any residual microscopic tumor is then re-excised and re-evaluated. This procedure is further repeated till no tumor is seen.

Photodynamic Therapy

A light-sensitizing agent is applied to the tumor and allowed to get absorbed in the skin. Then the physician uses a strong red or blue laser which selectively destroys the lesions by activating the medicated region.

Radiation Therapy 

Tumors are directly subjected to X-ray beams to treat cancerous lesions. It is employed when the tumors are hard to be removed or with immunosuppressed patients.

Life After Skin Cancer Treatment

After a successful skin cancer treatment, a patient is full of hope and happiness. But all are never the same. Few patients are concerned with cancer recurrence. This brings worries and fear which at times may be quite intense for some survivors. Each patient tries to manage these emotions.

Some proportion of depression or worry is quite normal among patients and hence it is essential for patients to receive emotional support. It could be a professional counselor, support groups, religious groups, and friends or family.

Follow up Care After Treatment for Skin Cancer

Close follow-up is vital for skin cancer survivor patients. As recurrence of skin cancer in a different location is possible, physicians keep a close watch on patients. Patients should self-evaluate their skin periodically and look out for any changes at the site of cancer lesions as well as for any new growth at any other site. It is also important for patients to protect themselves from exposure to UV rays whether it is from the sun or tanning beds, as it increases the risk for new skin cancer occurrence.

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FAQs

What are the different types of skin cancer?

The major types of skin cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

How can I prevent skin cancer?

Skin cancer can be prevented by avoiding UV radiation exposure, using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.

Is skin cancer treatable?

Yes, skin cancer is treatable, especially if detected early. Treatment options may include radiation therapy, Mohs surgery, and topical medications.

What is the best way to detect skin cancer early?

Regular skin self-exams and professional examinations by a dermatologist are crucial for the early detection of skin cancer.

How long does skin cancer treatment typically last?

The duration of skin cancer treatment varies depending on the type, stage, and individual circumstances. Some treatments may take only a few minutes, while others may require several weeks or months.

Review

FAQs reviewed by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Associate Consultant, Medical Oncology and Dr. Atul Sharma, Vice Chairman, Medical Oncology, Cancer Care / Oncology.


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