Skin Cancer Treatment

Ranked as the 13th most common cancer affecting males and 15th most common in females, Skin Cancer is usually diagnosed in people above 50 years of age. The incidence of skin cancer is significantly lower in India, which is believed to be due to the high melanin levels in the body. In the majority of cases, the cancer is easily treatable in the early stage.

What is Skin Cancer?
Skin Cancer is a term used for any cancer that originates from the skin cells. These can develop anywhere on the body and present with prominent symptoms which are easy to detect. Skin Cancers can be classified into many different types, and the most common of these include, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma.

What are the symptoms of Skin Cancer?
Various symptoms that can point towards the possibility of Skin Cancer include:

• Red Patches and Sores on the skin 
• Open Sores that do not heal
• Development of Warts and shiny Bumps on the skin
• Asymmetrical Moles
• Change in the size and texture of Moles

When should you see a Specialist?
It is advisable to see a specialist as soon as you detect any of the above-mentioned symptoms. All these just points towards the possibility of you having skin cancer but are not definitive. In order to confirm whether a patient has skin cancer or not, doctors perform some physical examinations and tests. The sooner you consult a specialist, your prognosis would be quicker and you would have a better chance to overcome it.

What causes Skin Cancer? 
Skin Cancer is caused by certain mutations in the DNA of the skin cells. These mutations can be caused by:

• Exposure to UV radiation emitted by the sun
• Being fair
• Having skin sensitivity 
• Aging
• Personal history of skin cancer
• Family history of cancer
• Having too many moles 

Modalities used for the diagnosis of Skin Cancer 

• Physical examination
• Tissue Sample Biopsy

Treatment options available for Skin Cancer

• Surgery (procedures like Cryosurgery, excisional surgery, and Mohs surgery)
• Cryotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Photodynamic therapy 
• Immunotherapy