How Do I Know if It’s Skin Cancer? Warning Signs

What causes skin cancer?

Most cases of skin cancer are caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun, but it can also develop in areas of the body that do not get sun exposure at all.

Usually, new skin cells form when old cells are damaged or die. When this cycle does not function normally, however, it can cause abnormal production of skin cells. These cells may be benign or cancerous. If they are cancerous, they can spread to nearby tissues or different areas of the body.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Early detection is critical for skin cancer treatment. It is recommended to undergo a whole-body examination once a year for screening. 

To diagnose skin cancer, your doctor may perform the following:

• Skin exam: Your doctor will examine your skin to determine whether changes indicate skin cancer. Oils may be applied to the skin, and a dermatoscope may be used to inspect the region closely. Further testing is often required to confirm a diagnosis.
• Skin biopsy: Affected skin may be removed for lab testing in order to confirm a diagnosis and determine the type of skin cancer, if present.

How is skin cancer treated?

Treatment options for skin cancer vary depending on the size, type, depth, and location. Sometimes, a biopsy alone can remove all cancer tissue if it is small and restricted to the surface of the skin. Other treatments include:

• Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze malignant skin growth and the dead cells are sloughed off after the treatment.
• Excisional surgery: Cancerous tissue and some of the surrounding margin of healthy skin are removed (excised).
• Mohs surgery: Skin growth is removed layer by layer and inspected under a microscope until no abnormal cells remain.
• Curettage and electrodesiccation: An instrument with a sharp circled edge is used to scrape across the growth and remove cancer cells. The region is then treated with an electric needle to kill any remaining cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells. Anticancer medications can be applied directly to the skin if the cancer is restricted to the epidermis or administered orally or intravenously if the malignant growth has spread to different parts of the body. Immunotherapy activates the body’s immune system to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation: Radiation treatment uses powerful energy beams to destroy cancer cells.
• Photodynamic treatment: This type of treatment kills cancer cells using a combination of laser light and medications that make the cancer cells sensitive to light.