Skin cancer (Melanoma, Basal cell, Squamous cell)

What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. It most often develops on skin exposed to the sun, but it can also occur on areas of your body that never see sunlight.

The Good News: Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, but it is also highly curable if caught and treated early.

The 3 Main Types of Skin Cancer

Not all skin cancers look the same. They are categorized by the type of cell where the mutation begins:

Type	Severity	What it Looks Like
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)	Most common. Slow-growing and rarely spreads.	A pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a bleeding/scabbing sore that heals and returns.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)	Second most common. Can spread to lymph nodes if ignored.	A firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
Melanoma	Most Dangerous. Highly aggressive and spreads rapidly.	A new, unusual mole, or an existing mole that changes size, shape, or color.

⚠️ THE "ABCDE" RULE FOR MELANOMA
Check your moles monthly. See a dermatologist immediately if a mole exhibits any of these traits:

• A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
• B - Border: Edges are ragged, blurred, or irregular.
• C - Color: Uneven color with shades of black, brown, tan, red, or blue.
• D - Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch or 6mm).
• E - Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or is suddenly bleeding/itching.

Causes & Risk Factors

The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation damaging the DNA inside skin cells. Your risk increases if you have:

• Fair Skin: Less melanin means less natural protection from UV rays (though people with dark skin can and do get skin cancer, often in hidden areas like the soles of the feet).
• Sunburn History: Having had one or more blistering sunburns as a child or teenager doubles your risk of melanoma later in life.
• Excessive Sun Exposure: Spending a lot of time in the sun without protection, or using tanning beds.
• Many Moles: Having more than 50 moles, or having atypical (dysplastic) moles.
• Family History: A parent or sibling with melanoma.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If your doctor spots a suspicious lesion, they will perform a Biopsy (removing a small sample to test in a lab). If it is cancer, treatment options include:

• Excisional Surgery: Cutting out the cancer and a surrounding margin of healthy skin.
• Mohs Surgery: The gold standard for BCC and SCC on the face. The doctor removes the tumor layer by layer, checking each under a microscope until no abnormal cells remain, sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing early, small skin cancers with liquid nitrogen.
• Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy: If melanoma has spread (metastasized), these advanced drugs are used to help the immune system identify and destroy the cancer cells throughout the body.

Prevention: Your Daily Armor

🛡️ SUN SAFETY NON-NEGOTIABLES

• Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day, even when it's cloudy.
• Seek Shade: Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
• Cover Up: Wear tightly woven clothing, broad-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Ditch the Tanning Bed: Tanning beds emit UVA radiation that drastically spikes your melanoma risk. Use self-tanner instead.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or dermatologist regarding any skin changes.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Author: Tariq
Reviewed & Sources: WHO, CDC, medical textbooks
Last Updated: