Skin Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Screening, and Treatment Options
Introduction
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer globally, and its incidence continues to rise due to prolonged sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It develops when abnormal skin cells multiply uncontrollably, often in response to DNA damage caused by UV rays.
This article provides an in-depth overview of what skin cancer is, how to recognize it, available treatment options, and the importance of regular screening for early detection.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when mutations develop in the DNA of skin cells, leading them to grow and divide uncontrollably. These abnormal cells form tumors that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
The skin, being the body’s largest organ, protects against infection, dehydration, and sunlight. Because of its exposure, it is particularly vulnerable to environmental factors — especially ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer, each with distinct characteristics:
1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common and least aggressive type.
Originates in the basal cells of the skin’s lowest epidermal layer.
Usually appears as a pearly bump, pink patch, or sore that doesn’t heal.
Rarely spreads but can cause local tissue damage if untreated.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Develops in the squamous cells that make up most of the outer skin layer.
Often appears as a rough, scaly, red patch or open sore.
Can spread to other parts of the body if neglected.
3. Melanoma
The most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer.
Begins in the melanocytes, which produce pigment (melanin).
May develop in existing moles or appear as a new dark spot on the skin.
Early detection is critical because melanoma can spread quickly to other organs.
Other Rare Types
Merkel cell carcinoma – a fast-growing form often linked to viral infection.
DFSP (Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans) – a rare skin cancer that forms in the deep dermis layer, growing slowly but requiring surgical removal due to local invasiveness.
Skin Cancer Screening
Early detection significantly increases the success rate of treatment. Skin cancer screening involves a thorough visual examination of the skin by a dermatologist or trained clinician.
What Happens During Screening:
A dermatologist inspects the entire body, including areas often overlooked (scalp, back, soles, ears).
Suspicious moles or lesions may be photographed for monitoring or biopsied for laboratory testing.
Recommended Frequency:
Annual screenings for adults, especially those with fair skin, family history of skin cancer, or extensive sun exposure.
Immediate evaluation for any mole or lesion that changes in color, shape, or texture.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer symptoms vary depending on the type but often include noticeable skin changes such as:
A new growth or sore that doesn’t heal
Changes in the size, color, or texture of a mole
Red, scaly patches or raised lesions
Shiny or pearly bumps
Itching, tenderness, or bleeding spots
Note: Not all skin changes are cancerous, but persistent abnormalities should be medically evaluated.
Early Stage Skin Cancer
Early-stage skin cancers are typically small, localized, and have not spread to deeper layers or other organs.
Common signs include subtle discoloration, slight elevation, or a non-healing sore.
When detected early, most cases are highly treatable through minor surgical removal or topical therapy.
Signs of Skin Cancer
The ABCDE rule helps identify potentially cancerous moles:
A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
B – Border: Edges are irregular or blurred.
C – Color: Uneven shades of brown, black, or red.
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or symptoms.
Other warning signs include sores that crust, bleed, or fail to heal after several weeks.
Skin Cancer on the Face, Scalp, Nose, and Ears
Skin cancer often develops on areas most exposed to sunlight:
Face: Basal cell carcinoma frequently appears as pearly or translucent bumps.
Nose: Skin cancer on the nose may resemble a persistent sore or crusted lesion.
Scalp: Difficult to detect without regular checks; may appear as scaly patches or raised nodules.
Ears: Often red, scaly, and prone to ulceration; early treatment prevents cartilage damage.
Regular sunscreen use and wearing hats or protective clothing are key preventive measures.
Skin Cancer Moles and Spots
Not all moles are dangerous, but atypical or dysplastic nevi (unusual moles) carry a higher risk of becoming cancerous.
Warning characteristics include:
Uneven borders
Multiple colors
Growth over time
Itching or bleeding
Similarly, skin cancer spots may look like freckles or scabs that don’t heal. Any persistent change warrants dermatological evaluation.
Age Spots vs. Skin Cancer
Age spots (liver spots or sunspots) are flat, brown patches caused by UV exposure and aging.
They are non-cancerous and do not change shape or texture.
Skin cancer lesions, however, may grow, darken, or bleed over time.
If an age spot begins to itch, elevate, or change color, a professional examination is essential to rule out melanoma or other cancers.
Skin Cancer on Feet and Eyelids
Feet: Cancers on the feet may be mistaken for blisters or fungal infections. Melanoma can occur on soles or under toenails (acral lentiginous melanoma).
Eyelid: Basal cell carcinoma is common on the eyelid. It may look like a small lump that crusts or causes eyelash loss.
Persistent or unusual skin changes in these areas should always be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Does Skin Cancer Itch?
Yes, some skin cancers—particularly squamous cell carcinoma—may cause itching or tenderness. However, not all cancers itch.
Itching alone does not indicate cancer but becomes concerning when paired with other symptoms like color change or bleeding.
Blue Light Therapy for Skin Cancer
Blue light therapy, or photodynamic therapy (PDT), is a non-invasive treatment for superficial skin cancers such as actinic keratosis and early basal cell carcinoma.
The process involves applying a light-sensitive medication to the skin and then activating it with blue light. The reaction destroys abnormal cells while sparing healthy tissue.
It is typically used for mild, surface-level lesions and requires dermatologic evaluation to determine suitability.
Skin Cancer Sun Protection
Preventing skin cancer centers on UV protection:
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily.
Reapply every two hours when outdoors.
Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
Avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Regularly examine your skin for new or changing lesions.
These preventive actions significantly reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Treatment depends on cancer type, size, and stage:
Surgical Removal (Excision): The most common treatment for localized lesions.
Mohs Surgery: Layer-by-layer removal of cancer cells, ideal for facial areas where tissue preservation matters.
Cryotherapy: Freezing of small precancerous or cancerous lesions using liquid nitrogen.
Topical Medications: Prescription creams for superficial cancers.
Radiation Therapy: Used when surgery is not suitable.
Systemic Therapies: Targeted drugs or immunotherapy for advanced melanoma.
A dermatologist or oncologist determines the most appropriate approach based on individual diagnosis.
Melanoma of Skin Cancer
Melanoma is responsible for most skin cancer deaths despite being less common than BCC or SCC.
It can develop in existing moles or new lesions, spreading quickly if untreated.
Regular screening and mole monitoring are the most effective defenses against melanoma’s progression.
Key Takeaways
Skin cancer is preventable with early detection and sun protection.
Regular screenings help identify changes before they become dangerous.
Any new, changing, or non-healing skin lesion should be medically examined.
Protecting the skin from UV radiation remains the best preventive measure.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Readers should consult a licensed dermatologist or healthcare provider for any personal concerns regarding skin changes, lesions, or cancer risks.