Skin cancers are one of the commoner cancers. Risk factors for developing skin cancers include:
1. Basal cell carcinoma
This is the most common but least aggressive type of skin cancer. It tends to occur on the face, and usually appears as a smooth, pearly bump with fine blood vessels on top. It may sometimes ulcerate.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
This is less common but more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma. It usually appears on the face, arms and ears, as a reddish patch or a red lump with crust on top. It can sometimes be mistaken for psoriasis or eczema.
3. Melanoma
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. It carries a high risk of spreading beyond the skin if it is not diagnosed and treated early. It tends to appear as a mole, brown spot, black spot or freckle which changes in colour, size and shape over time. Melanoma can develop under the nails too, and will present as a black/brown blotch or band under the nail.
Consult a dermatologist for a skin check if you are worried about a skin lesion. After a thorough skin examination, your dermatologist may advise doing a skin biopsy if any suspicious looking skin lesion is detected.
For fair skinned individuals, or individuals with a history of skin cancer, it is advisable to undergo regular skin checks by a dermatologist.
Making an early diagnosis is beneficial as most skin cancers can be treated and cured if they are picked up early.
Skin cancers are usually treated by surgical removal. For some very early skin cancers, or precancerous skin growths, non-surgical treatments can be effective too. Non-surgical methods include: cryotherapy( liquid nitrogen), Imiquimod cream, and photodynamic therapy.
As ultraviolet radiation is the most significant cause of skin cancer, sun avoidance and sun protection are key to skin cancer prevention.