Skin Cancer: What Is It

Skin cancer (skin carcinoma) is a group of malignant conditions that affect different layers of the skin. According to statistics, skin cancers account for approximately 10-15% of all malignant pathologies. The primary factor leading to oncological diseases of this type is excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, but there may be other causes that provoke skin cancer.

There are various types of skin cancer, which differ in their malignancy and prognosis. However, in any case, the earlier the pathology is diagnosed and treatment is initiated, the more successful the fight against the disease will be and the greater the likelihood of complete recovery.

The MedTour platform will help you choose a specialized clinic that focuses on skin cancer treatment and uses the most advanced therapy methods. We have extensive experience in medical tourism and successfully cooperate with leading medical centers in different countries worldwide. For more detailed information, please contact the MedTour coordinating physician.

Types and Causes of Skin Cancer

Skin carcinoma can take several forms and arise due to various causes. To choose the right treatment, it is crucial to accurately determine the type of the disease and identify the factors that provoke it.

Main Types of Skin Cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma (basalioma). What is basal cell carcinoma? This is a neoplastic process that forms from the basal layer of the skin. It looks like a pearly papule, ulcer, or scar. Most commonly, it occurs on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Basalioma is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for 80% of cases. It is borderline between benign and malignant condition. Such tumors grow slowly and usually do not metastasize to other organs; they typically spread only along the skin or grow deep into nearby tissues.
• Squamous cell carcinoma. This is the second most common type of skin cancer. In this case, the neoplasm arises from squamous skin cells. It is a more aggressive type of cancer than basal cell carcinoma and can metastasize. It often develops in damaged areas of the skin, in the place of scars or burns. Squamous cell carcinoma. appears as a scaly patch or ulcer.
• Melanoma. This is the most dangerous and rapidly growing type of oncological pathology. It can metastasize to other organs. Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigmentation. It often arises from existing moles, but can also appear as a new growth. It has characteristic features: asymmetry, jagged edges, uneven color, and large size.
• Merkel cell carcinoma. This is a rarer but aggressive type of cancer, more commonly seen in older adults. It develops in Merkel cells, which are involved in tactile sensation. It appears as a hard nodule or spot.

Causes of Skin Cancer:

• Ultraviolet radiation. This is the primary risk factor for the development of skin carcinoma.
• Weakened immune system. Individuals with weakened immune systems (for example, after organ transplantation or with HIV infection) have an increased risk of developing malignant conditions.
• Heredity. Genetic predisposition plays a role in the development of certain types of skin cancer.
• Exposure to chemicals. Contact with certain chemicals can increase the risk of developing cancer.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

Factors that significantly increase the risk of developing skin carcinoma include:

• Excessive sun exposure. Prolonged sun exposure and frequent use of tanning beds are the leading risk factors. Sunburn and skin cancer are closely correlated. It is believed that having five or more sunburns during life doubles the risk of developing melanoma.
• Large number of moles. Also, people with a significant number of moles have a higher likelihood of developing skin cancer.
• Light skin. Individuals with light skin phototypes should be especially careful and monitor the condition of their skin regularly.
• Having relatives with skin cancer. People with a family history of skin cancer have a higher risk. If a relative has had malignant skin pathology, the likelihood of developing it increases.
• Obesity and skin cancer. Modern studies show that obesity increases the risk of certain types of skin cancer. The exact reasons why this happens are still unclear, but it may be related to higher levels of pro-inflammatory substances produced by fat tissue or hormonal changes associated with obesity.

Main skin cancer symptoms

Each type of skin cancer has its own characteristic symptoms. However, there are general signs that may indicate the development of malignant processes in the skin.

If skin cancer develops, the main skin cancer symptoms include:

• Changes in existing moles. A mole may begin to grow rapidly in size and become asymmetrical. Its color may also change, showing shades of red, blue, or black. Itching, pain, flaky crusts, and frequent bleeding may occur.
• Appearance of new growth. Malignant processes may be indicated by spots, nodules, lumps, or ulcers on the skin that look suspicious and do not heal. They can also cause pain and itching.

The specific symptoms for each type of neoplasm are as follows:

• Basalioma. It often appears as a pearly nodule, which may have an ulcer in the center. It typically occurs in sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands.
• Squamous cell carcinoma. It may appear as a scaly patch that can evolve into an ulcer. It is usually found on the lips, ears, hands and neck.
• Melanoma. It often develops from an existing mole. It may have irregular borders and different colors. It can appear on any part of the body, but most often on the back, legs, face, and arms.
• Merkel cell carcinoma. It looks like a hard nodule, pink or red in color. It is usually localized on the face, head, and neck.

If you are wondering what skin cancer looks like, it is crucial to monitor for suspicious changes and seek medical advice promptly. The MedTour platform will help you choose a specialized clinic that focuses on skin cancer treatment and uses the most advanced therapy methods. For more detailed information, please contact the MedTour coordinating physician.

The ABCDE Rule for Identifying Suspicious Moles

Regular self-examination is crucial for detecting abnormal changes early. Dermatologists recommend the ABCDE rule for mole assessment:

• A – Asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other.
• B – Border. Edges are irregular or jagged.
• C – Color. Uneven color with various shades.
• D – Diameter. Size more than 6 mm.
• E – Evolution. A mole changes over time (size, color, shape).

If you notice a suspicious mole that meets these criteria, you should see a doctor promptly. A MedTour coordinating physician will help you choose a doctor for consultation.

How to Diagnose Skin Cancer?

Knowing what skin cancer looks like, you can suspect the presence of oncological pathology, but an accurate diagnosis requires medical evaluation. Identifying the specific type and stage of cancer is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment.

Skin cancer diagnostics may include the following methods:

• Dermatoscopy. Using a special device, the doctor examines the skin to identify cancerous lesions if present.
• Biopsy. Tissue samples are taken from the neoplasm and analyzed in a laboratory to determine the type of neoplastic process occurring in the tumor.

In some cases, additional tests may be required, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other methods to assess the tumor’s spread.

MedTour will help you choose a clinic that offers accurate diagnosis and treatment for any type of malignant disease in your preferred country.

Complications and Prevention of Skin Cancer

If malignant skin tumors are left untreated, they will progress. Cancer cells can spread to lymph nodes and to other organs such as the lungs, liver, and bones. In advanced stages, the disease can be fatal. Therefore, early detection and treatment of precancerous conditions are crucial. For example, Bowen’s disease is a precancerous condition of squamous cell carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma in situ). It responds well to treatment, and timely intervention can prevent cancer development.

Prevention of skin cancer primarily involves protection from excessive exposure to sunlight. It is necessary to avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours of sunlight and use sunscreen regularly. In addition, you need to regularly conduct self-examination, and if any suspicious changes appear, immediately consult a doctor.

Skin Cancer Treatment: Modern Methods and Approaches

Skin cancer treatment can be carried out using different methods depending on the type and the stage of the malignant disease. Advanced oncology centers worldwide use the following main methods: surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Surgical Tumor Removal

There are several methods of surgical treatment:

• Standard surgery. The tumor is removed along with surrounding tissues, with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
• Mohs micrographic surgery. The surgeon removes thin layers of the tumor and immediately examines them under a microscope. The process is repeated until no cancer cells remain. This method preserves as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Electrosurgery. Tumors are removed using high-frequency electrical currents. This technique is used to remove small growths.
• Cryosurgery. Small, superficial tumors can be destroyed with liquid nitrogen.

If you are considering treatment, the excision of basal cell carcinoma price can vary depending on the clinic and country. The MedTour platform will help you choose a specialized clinic that focuses on skin cancer treatment and uses the most advanced therapy methods. For more detailed information, please contact the MedTour coordinating physician.

Radiation and Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells and controls tumor growth. It can be used as an independent method of treatment or in combination with surgery. This method is applicable for all types of skin cancer.

Chemotherapy is usually used for metastatic melanoma, when cancer cells have spread to other organs. Chemotherapy can also be applied in the late stages of other types of skin cancer.

Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment method that works by stimulating the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. This involves activation of T-lymphocytes, special cells of the immune system capable of destroying malignant cells, which can be carried out. Immunotherapy drugs can also target immune checkpoints, making cancer cells more vulnerable.

Another innovative technique widely used in leading oncology centers is targeted therapy. This treatment method targets specific molecular changes in cancer cells. Targeted medications block specific proteins needed for the growth and survival of cancer cells.

Skin cancer treatment is tailored to each individual case. Consequently, treatment costs vary and need to be determined for each specific case.

To find out the cost of treatment for various types of skin cancer in the world’s best clinics, sign up for a free consultation with MedTour. A MedTour coordinating physician will provide you with detailed information about treatment prices, including excision of basal cell carcinoma price, explain the specifics of undergoing therapy in different countries, and answer all your questions.

Published: 30.12.2024

Updated: 11.01.2025

Medical author:

Ilona Baidiuk

Medical author, Medical editor:

Natalia Segen