Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells called Melanocytes. Melanin present in Melanocytes are responsible for the color of the skin. The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to Ultraviolet rays that reaches the earth directly from the sun because of the depletion of the ozone layer.

Mainly skin cancer is classified into two groups:

1. Malignant Melanoma

2. Non-Malignant Melanoma

1. Malignant Melanoma

This type of cancer develops from the pigment-making cells of the skin i.e. melanocytes. Hence, it is called malignant melanoma where in the skin color usually turns brown or black. Malignant melanoma occurs in certain body areas such as:

a. Trunk (Male)

b. Legs (Female)

c. Neck

d. Face

2. Non-Malignant Melanoma

Such type of cancer tends to act very differently from melanomas. The most common kind of non-malignant melanomas are as follows:

A. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This skin cancer usually develops in neck & head and they tend to be slow growing. This is the commonest skin cancer worldwide.

B. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This commonly appears on Face, Ears, Hands & Lips and they tend to be more aggressive as compared to basal cell carcinoma. This is the commonest skin cancer in India.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CANCER

The first most important warning sign of skin cancer is a new spot or mole that is changing in size, shape, or color.

The second important sign is known as the ugly duckling sign; a skin spot that looks different from all of the other spots on your skin. Once such a sign is observed, one must visit a doctor for further screening, diagnosis, and treatment.  

The ABCDE rule is followed as a general guideline for confirmation of skin cancer:

Asymmetry: This is the term which describes that one half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other one.

Border: This elucidates that the edges are irregular, ragged, blurred or notched.

Color: Skin cancer may present itself in different shades of color such as brown, black or patches of pink, blue, red and white.

Diameter: The spot on the skin may be smaller or larger than 6 millimeters; same as the size of a pencil eraser.

Evolving: The skin moles may keep changing in size, color, and shape.

All skin cancers do not fit in the ABCDE rules and may have other warning signs such as:  

·  A mole or sore that doesn’t heal

·  Pigment spread from the border of a spot into the surrounding skin

·  Swelling and redness spread beyond the border of the mole

·  A strong feeling of pain, itchiness, tenderness on the affected areas, appearance of a lump or a mole and some changes such as bleeding, oozing and scaliness on the surface of the mole.

Always keep observing your skin for such signs and if these appear then consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.  

SKIN CANCER TREATMENT

A standard treatment procedure is decided by the doctor looking into the histopathological report of the cancer lesion and also considering the age of the patient, size, type, and location of skin cancer on the body.

Treatment options

Surgery: The primary treatment for skin cancer is the surgical operation of an affected area of skin. Usually, minor surgery is required for skin cancer. The type of surgery depends on the location, site, and size of the cancer.

Radiotherapy: It is usually required for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma where cancer covers a wide area and is difficult to operate. This method is appropriate for non-malignant melanomas and also to reduce the risk of recurrence of cancer.

Immunotherapy: Imiquimod is used in this therapy, which produces interferon that destroys the skin cancer cells. It is also a good treatment option without any severe adverse effects.

Photodynamic Therapy: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a generalized treatment for BCC and solar keratosis. This therapy involves a drug that makes the skin sensitive to light and destroys the skin cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: The therapy involves chemo drugs to treat melanoma.

The list of chemo drugs are as follows:  

·         Dacarbazine

·         Temozolomide

·         Paclitaxel

·         Cisplatin

·         Carmustine

·         Carboplatin

·         Vinblastine

HELPING HAND OF EVENTUS 

Eventus advises you to take care of your skin. We provide you access to the best skin specialists and oncologists near you. We also help you to locate the nearest chemist who can provide you with the prescribed medicines at your doorstep. You can reach out to Eventus at www.eventuslife.com to save your skin.