Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when tumors start to grow in the skin. There are different types of skin cancer which are classified based on the types of skin cells that the tumor starts to grow from. The most common types of skin cancer are:

Melanoma, which starts in the melanocytes, the cells that give the skin its color.
Squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the flat squamous cells that form the top layer of the skin.
Basal cell carcinoma, which starts in the basal cells situated in the top layer of the skin under the squamous cells.

Causes of skin cancer

The main cause of skin cancer is prolonged exposure to sunlight and its ultra-violet (UV) rays. Fair-skinned and light-haired people are generally more at risk than people with darker skin and hair. In fact, any exposure to radiation such as radiotherapy, indoor tanning beds and exposure to radiation at work increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

Melanoma can develop from the moles on your body, so you should regularly check your moles for any changes in color, size, or appearance. If you detect any abnormal changes, see your doctor immediately. Skin cancer can also arise for no known reason.

Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will definitely develop skin cancer, but it may increase their chances.

Symptoms of skin cancer

A new or changing mole or blemish is the most common warning sign for melanoma, especially a change in the color and/or an increase in diameter, height, or asymmetry of borders.
Bleeding, itching, ulcerations, and pain in a mole (less common, but warrant an evaluation).
A new growth on the skin, a sore that doesn't heal, or a change in an old growth.

Diagnosis of skin cancer

A physician will take an excisional biopsy to remove the abnormal tissue, confirm diagnosis, and stage the tumor. The thickness of the tumor (Breslow depth) is the most important indicator for prognosis. A technique to identify affected lymph nodes and remove them for further examination is available at KHCC.

Treatment of skin cancer at KHCC

Treatment of skin cancer depends on the stage of the disease and can vary from the simple removal of the mole or affected area to radiotherapy, cryotherapy and immunotherapy, in addition to surgery.