Skin Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India

Skin cancer occurs due to abnormal cell growth. It usually develops in sun-exposed areas but also grows in shaded areas. Women can get skin cancer on their chest, neck, ears, lips, scalp, face, arms, and hands.

Skin Cancer Causes

• Caused by too much sun exposure, especially sunburn and blistering.
• Sunlight damages DNA in your skin, causing abnormal cells to develop.
• These aberrant cells multiply fast, generating a mass of cancer cells.
• Frequent skin contact with chemicals like tar and coal may also cause skin cancer.
• A skin cancer history
• A lighter skin tone.
• Sun-sensitive skin that burns, freckles, reddens, or burns.

Skin Cancer Symptoms

• Itching, bleeding, non-healing lesions
• Odd pink spot, patch, or mole.
• New moles.
• Moles that have changed significantly
• Skin cancer may cause enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are lymphatic tissue groupings where immune cells flow through and reside. Neck, groin, and underarm lymph nodes are commonly affected.

Stages of Skin Cancer

The TNM method describes Merkel cell cancer stages. Test and scan results help doctors answer questions such as:

• Tumour (T): How big is the primary tumor? Where is it?
• Node (N): Is the tumor in the lymph nodes? Where and how many?
• Metastasis (M): Has the cancer spread? If so, how much and where? Doctors combined the results to establish each person's Merkel cell stage.

Skin Cancer Diagnosis

• Biopsy: As a general rule, your doctor will surgically remove the entire tumor. First, your doctor will numb the area. It is common to treat skin cancer using excisional biopsy, which involves removing the complete tumor. 
• Imaging tests: Normal basal cell carcinoma remains local and does not spread to other organs. Several medical imaging technologies can detect cancer cells inside organs and bones. It comprises a CT scan, X-ray, and MRI.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Freezing

In some instances, your doctor may use liquid nitrogen to remove actinic keratoses and early skin malignancies (cryosurgery). It thaws dead tissue.

Excisional surgery

This therapy is suitable for all skin cancers. First, the doctor excuses cancerous tissue and healthy skin borders. Then, if the tumor is large enough, perform a wide excision.

Mohs surgery

Treats Squamous cell carcinomas with this method to save skin.

Curettage and electrodesiccation or cryotherapy

After removing the tumour, your doctor uses a circular blade to scrape away cancer cells. Next, an electric needle kills cancer cells. Finally, liquid nitrogen freezes the treated area's base and edges in an alternative method.

Radiation therapy

Doctors use radiation treatment to eliminate cancer cells. However, radiation treatment may be an alternative if surgery cannot entirely remove cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy kills cancer cells. For skin cancers, apply anti-cancer creams or lotions directly to the skin. It cures skin cancers that have started to spread.

Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic treatment eliminates skin cancer cells by combining laser light and drugs that make cancer cells light-sensitive.

Biological therapy

Medical professionals employ biological therapy to treat cancer.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Primary Prevention of Skin Cancer

• Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m
• Avoid sunburn.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning beds.
• Wear a broad hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Wear daily broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Extensive outdoor exercise requires a water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Apply sunscreen before going outside. It's best to reapply every two hours or after a swim Search our Recommended Products for sunscreen.
• Apply sunscreen to infants over six months.
• Every month, check your whole body.
• Every year, see a dermatologist.

Secondary Prevention of Skin Cancer

• Skin screenings may detect melanoma early when cancer is most treatable.
• Sunscreen usage may reduce the risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
• Visits to the dermatologist
• These tests help identify and treat melanoma early.

Possible Complication of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer complications include:

• Recurrence of cancer in nodes and other sites.
• Local recurrence of cancer cells in nearby areas
• Muscles, nerves, or other organs may become affected by.

Pathophysiology of Skin Cancer

Errors (mutations) in the DNA of skin cells are the primary cause of skin cancer. Tumors occur when cells with genetic mutations grow out of control.

Expected Prognosis of Skin Cancer

A five-year survival rate is normal for cancer patients. 80% of those diagnosed with cancer will survive for at least five years. 70% will survive their cancer for five years or longer following diagnosis.

Epidemiology of Skin Cancer

• Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure: A majority of skin cancers occur due to sun exposure. Other UV sources include tanning beds.
• Having light-colored skin: Skin cancer affects everyone; however, persons with light skin are more susceptible than those with darker skin. It is because the skin pigment melanin protects darker skin. Therefore, those with blue or green eyes, light skin, and red or blonde hair are at risk.
• Being older: Skin cancer risk rises with age. It is presumably due to cumulative sun exposure. Because of increased sun exposure, younger people are getting these cancers.
• Being male: Skin cancers like basal and squamous cells are common in males attributed to higher sun exposure.
• Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to high levels of arsenic raises the risk of skin cancer. In addition, some areas have arsenic in their well water used in pesticides and other industries.
• Radiation exposure: Radiation patients are more likely to develop skin cancer in the treated area. Therefore, it is a worry for children who have received cancer radiation therapy.
• Previous skin cancer: Having basal or squamous cell cancer raises the likelihood of developing it again.
• Severe skin inflammation: Skin cancer is more prone to occur in regions of skin scarred by severe burns, skin over significant bone infections, and skin injured by severe inflammatory skin diseases.

Natural Progression of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer may develop when the damaged cells make up your skin resulting in abnormal cell growth. Each extra decade of excessive UV exposure raises your chance of developing skin cancer. Increased sun protection will aid in preventing skin cancer and melanoma in people of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best treatment for skin cancer?

The best treatment for skin cancer depends on various factors, such as the size and type stage of the cancer, its location on the body, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or combinations of these. In a localised disease, surgery is the treatment of choice.

2. Can skin cancer be cured completely?

Yes, skin cancer can be cured completely if it is detected and treated at an early stage. However, advanced cases of skin cancer may require more careful treatments and may have a lower chance of being cured completely.

3. What does Stage 1 skin cancer look like?

Stage 1 skin cancer typically appears as a small, raised bump or a flat, scaly patch on the skin. The affected area may be pink, red, or flesh-coloured, resembling a pimple or bug bite. It may also itch, bleed, or form a scab.

4. Is skin cancer very serious?

Skin cancer can be serious, especially if not detected and treated early. However, with proper treatment, many cases can be cured. It is important to protect your skin from the sun and to have regular skin exams to detect skin cancer early. Skin cancer, which has spread to other parts of the body, can have serious outcomes.

5. How fast does skin cancer spread?

The spread rate of skin cancer depends on its type and stage. In general, skin cancer tends to grow slowly and may take years to become noticeable. However, if left untreated, certain forms of skin cancer, like melanoma, have the potential to increase swiftly and spread to other body parts.

6. Can you live a whole life with skin cancer?

Yes, it is possible to live a whole life with skin cancer, especially if it is detected and treated early. Many people with skin cancer can lead active, healthy lives if they receive the proper treatment and follow-up care.

7. What causes 90% of skin cancer?

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds or the sun is the cause of 90% of skin cancer cases. Skin cells are harmed by UV radiation, which results in DNA mutations that may eventually cause skin cancer. Protecting skin from UV radiation is important in preventing skin cancer.

8. What age does skin cancer start?

Although skin cancer may occur at any age, people over 50 are more likely to get it. Exposure to UV radiation over time increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Regular skin exams and sun protection are important for detecting and preventing skin cancer, regardless of age.

9. Is skin cancer painful?

No, In early stages, skin cancer may not cause pain, while in later stages, it may cause discomfort, tenderness, or pain. However, not all skin cancers are painful, and pain is not always a symptom of skin cancer.

10. Do you need chemo for skin cancer?

Chemotherapy is usually only used for advanced skin cancers that have spread to other body parts. Treatment options for skin cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these, depending on the type and stage of the disease.

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