Skin cancer is a complex and prevalent group of diseases. These diseases pop up when our skin cells start to grow and divide when triggered by things like too much sun, genetics, or other environmental factors. And guess what? There’s not just one type – each kind has its own quirks, risk factors, and ways to tackle it.
Skin cancer can manifest in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and potential risks. Understanding the types of skin cancer is essential for prevention, early detection, and effective management, as they impact millions of lives worldwide.
This blog delves into the different types of skin cancer, shedding light on their distinct features, causes, and the importance of vigilance in skin health.
Different Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is classified into three types. What you need to know about each of them is as follows:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most common type of skin cancer, accounting for roughly 70% of all cases, is BCC.
Following are some of the features of BCC:
- Most commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and arms.
- Frequently manifest as a small, shiny, pink, or red lump that bleeds or develops a scab.
BCCs don’t often spread to other parts of the body, but when left untreated, they can cause significant damage.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The other most common type of skin cancer, accounting for approximately 20% of all cases, is SCC.
The following are the features:
- Most commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and arms.
- Frequently manifests as a scaly, red, or pink patch that may bleed or form a crust.
Although SCCs are less likely to spread than melanoma, if left untreated, they can still cause significant damage.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most high-risk skin cancer type despite being the least common.
The following are the features of Melanoma:
- Can appear anywhere on the body, even in areas that have not been exposed to sunlight.
- They mostly manifest themselves as new or changing mole with irregular borders and multiple colours.
- They may also itch, bleed, or form a scab.
Melanoma can spread quickly and reach other parts of the body if left untreated, so early detection and treatment are critical.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Skincare physician Dr. Shehla Ebrahim offers a well-defined line of treatment when it comes to dealing with skin cancer:
Mole Mapping for Skin Health
- Cutting-Edge Technique:
Dr. Shehla Ebrahim employs Mole Mapping, a non-invasive method for effectively monitoring and tracking moles on the skin’s surface.
- Comprehensive Baseline:
This technique involves capturing high-resolution images of all moles on a patient’s body, creating a comprehensive baseline record for future reference.
- Precision with Dermoscopy:
Dermoscopy, a specialized tool, is utilized to magnify and illuminate moles, enhancing visibility and detail during the examination.
- Expert Evaluation:
Leveraging her extensive experience in dermatology, Dr. Shehla can identify subtle changes in moles, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, color variations, or size increases.
- Risk Assessment and Prevention:
Patients with multiple atypical moles or a family history of skin cancer benefit from regular mole mapping sessions, aiding in early detection and prevention.
- Assessing Susceptibility:
Mole mapping helps in risk assessment, determining a patient’s susceptibility to melanoma and other skin cancers.
- Further Evaluation if Needed:
If any moles exhibit alarming changes, Dr. Shehla may recommend further evaluation or biopsy to confirm whether they are cancerous.
- Empowering Patients:
Dr. Shehla’s approach includes educating patients on recognizing suspicious moles and adopting preventive measures, such as sun protection and regular self-examinations.
Mole mapping and dermoscopy are vital tools in Dr. Shehla’s practice, ensuring that patients receive the most comprehensive and proactive care for their skin health.
Medications
Depending upon the cancer type, our doctor may prescribe appropriate medications to treat the condition.
For example, BCC and SCC respond differently to medications. Vismodegib, a BCC treatment, helps to disrupt protein growth and shrink large basal cell skin cancers in the tissue before they spread throughout the body.
Squamous cell cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, retinoids, or vitamin A-related medications. All of these medications aid in the prevention of SCC spread and growth.
When seeking melanoma treatment, it is best to have a combined consultation with a qualified skin expert like Dr. Shehla Ebrahim, a cancer surgeon, and an oncologist.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Shehla Ebrahim – Seek the right skin cancer treatment
Don’t let skin cancer go untreated. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Shehla Ebrahim, a highly trained and experienced skin specialist, to receive the right treatment for your condition. With her expertise and personalized approach, you can avail the best care possible for your skin health.
Take control of your skin’s well-being and make an appointment today to start on the path towards healthier, beautiful skin.