Skin cancer happens when skin cells grow out of control due to damage to their DNA. The main causes include:

1. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun

• The most common cause.
• Long-term sun exposure, sunburns, or tanning beds can damage skin cells and increase cancer risk.

2. Genetics / Family history

• Some people inherit a higher risk of skin cancer from their parents.
• Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes increase sensitivity to UV damage.

3. Weakened immune system

• People with conditions or medications that suppress immunity (like organ transplant patients) have a higher risk.

4. Radiation exposure

• Previous radiation treatments or repeated X-ray exposure can sometimes trigger skin cancer.

5. Age and cumulative sun exposure

• Risk increases with age because skin damage builds up over time.”

Skin cancer can look different depending on the type. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

• A small, shiny bump or nodule on the skin.
• A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like patch.
• A sore that bleeds, oozes, or doesn’t heal.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

• A red, scaly patch or raised bump.
• A sore that crusts, bleeds, or heals then returns.
• Sometimes a hard, wart-like growth.

3. Melanoma

• A new mole or change in an existing mole.
• Look for ABCDE signs.
• Asymmetry – one half looks different from the other
• Border – uneven or blurred edges
• Color – multiple colors in the same spot
• Diameter – larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm)
• Evolving – changes in size, shape, or color

4. Other signs to watch for

• Any spot that grows quickly, itches, or bleeds.
• Painless bumps that keep coming back.
• Changes in nails (like dark streaks or lifting of the nail).

The choice of treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, its size, location, and how aggressive it is.

1. Surgery (most common treatment)

• Excision: The cancerous spot and some surrounding healthy skin are removed.
• Mohs surgery: A precise technique that removes cancer layer by layer, used for areas like the face to preserve healthy tissue.
• Curettage and electrodesiccation: Scraping off the cancer and using heat to destroy remaining cells, often for small BCC or SCC.

2. Topical treatments (applied directly to the skin)

• Creams or gels that help destroy cancer cells, usually for very small or superficial skin cancers.

3. Radiation therapy

• Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Often used if surgery isn’t possible or for areas difficult to operate on.

4. Cryotherapy (freezing treatment)

• Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy small, early skin cancers (actinic keratosis)

5. Immunotherapy or targeted therapy

• Used for advanced or aggressive skin cancers, like melanoma.
• Immunotherapy drugs help the immune system attack cancer cells.
• Targeted therapies block specific molecules that help cancer grow.

6. Chemotherapy

• Rarely used for skin cancer unless it’s advanced or spread to other organs.

Skin Cancer Recovery & What to Expect

Healing time:

• Recovering from skin cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, the treatment method, and the size and location of the affected area. Most people heal well with proper care and follow-up.
• Scars and skin changes: Some scarring or color changes are common.

Follow-up care:

• Skin cancer can come back or appear in new areas.
• Regular check-ups and self-skin exams are essential.

Outlook:

• Basal and squamous cell cancers are usually curable when caught early.
• Melanoma is very treatable if detected early, but advanced cases may require ongoing care.

Protecting your skin:

• Avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure.
• Use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing.
• Watch for new or changing spots and report them promptly.

1. What causes skin cancer?

Too much sun or UV exposure. Family history or fair skin. Weakened immune system. Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation

2. Is skin cancer contagious?

No. You cannot catch skin cancer from another person.

3. How do I know if I have skin cancer?

Look for: New or changing moles or spots. Red, scaly, or shiny bumps. Sores that don’t heal. Changes in nails or skin texture

4. What types of skin cancer are there?

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – slow-growing, usually harmless if treated early
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – can spread if untreated
• Melanoma – the most serious, can spread quickly
• Other rare types – Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, cutaneous lymphoma

5. How is skin cancer treated?

• Surgery (removal of the cancer)
• Topical creams or cryotherapy (freezing) for small cancers
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced cases

6. Can skin cancer come back?

Yes. Regular self-checks and doctor visits are important to catch new or returning cancers early.