skin cancer

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that can be caused by unrepaired DNA damage triggered by the sun's harmful rays, among other factors [2]. It occurs when there is an irregular growth of skin cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin [4].

Types of Skin Cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the squamous cells, while basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells. Melanoma, on the other hand, forms in the melanocytes, which produce the pigment that gives skin its color [4][5].

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

The symptoms of skin cancer can include a sore that doesn't heal, an area of skin that looks unusual, red, itchy, bleeds or scabs for more than 4 weeks [6]. Initially, skin cancers are often asymptomatic and may present as irregular red or pigmented lesions that do not go away [7].

Prevalence and Treatment

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, with melanoma being the deadliest type. If caught early, most types of skin cancer are highly treatable. However, if left untreated, skin cancer can spread to nearby tissue or other areas in the body [3][8].

Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be treated successfully if detected early, making it essential to know the warning signs and symptoms. Here are some common indicators:

• A change on your skin: This is the most common sign of skin cancer. Look for new growths or changes in existing moles, sores that don't heal, or a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole [1].
• New mole: A new mole can be a sign of skin cancer, especially if it's asymmetrical, has an irregular border, or is multicolored [2].
• Sore that doesn't heal: Any sore or wound on your skin that doesn't heal within three weeks should be checked by a doctor [3].
• Ulcer: An ulcer can also be a sign of skin cancer, especially if it's persistent and doesn't respond to treatment [4].
• Lump: A lump or bump on the skin can be a sign of skin cancer, especially if it's hard, painless, and doesn't go away [5].
• Red patches on your skin: Red patches on the skin can be a sign of Kaposi sarcoma, a rare form of skin cancer [6].

Other Signs to Look Out For

In addition to these common signs, you should also look out for:

• Freckles or moles that change in size, shape, or color
• Skin swelling or inflammation
• Insomnia (although this is not a direct sign of skin cancer)

What to Do If You Notice Any of These Signs

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms on your skin, it's essential to consult a doctor. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.

References:

[1] - A change on your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. [2] - New mole can be a sign of skin cancer, especially if it's asymmetrical, has an irregular border, or is multicolored. [3] - Any sore or wound on your skin that doesn't heal within three weeks should be checked by a doctor. [4] - Ulcer can also be a sign of skin cancer, especially if it's persistent and doesn't respond to treatment. [5] - Lump or bump on the skin can be a sign of skin cancer, especially if it's hard, painless, and doesn't go away. [6] - Red patches on the skin can be a sign of Kaposi sarcoma, a rare form of skin cancer.

Diagnostic Tests for Skin Cancer

Skin cancer diagnosis involves several tests to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the skin. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose skin cancer:

• Biopsy: The main test to diagnose skin cancer is a biopsy, where a sample of the affected area is taken and examined under a microscope [5]. This is usually performed by a dermatologist or a pathologist.
• Dermoscopy: Dermatologists often use dermoscopy, also known as dermatoscopy, epiluminescence microscopy (ELM), or surface microscopy to get a closer look at the skin and identify any abnormal changes [2].
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be used to check if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body [6].

What to Expect

If you're concerned about an abnormal area on your skin, it's essential to consult a dermatologist. They will examine your skin and may perform one or more of these tests to determine whether you have skin cancer.

• Skin examination: Your doctor may look at your skin to determine whether your skin changes are likely to be skin cancer [1].
• Further testing: If the initial examination suggests skin cancer, further testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis [1].

Remember

Early detection and diagnosis of skin cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Regular skin checks and awareness of skin cancer symptoms can help identify potential issues early on.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6

Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be treated using various methods, including drug therapy. Here are some details on the different types of drugs used to treat skin cancer:

• Targeted Drugs: These medications specifically target certain proteins or cells that contribute to cancer growth. For example:
  • Vismodegib (Erivedge) is a targeted drug used to treat basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer [6].
  • Cetuximab (Erbitux) is another targeted drug that targets the EGFR protein and has been shown to shrink some squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in early studies [5].
• Immunotherapy: This approach uses medications to stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. For example:
  • Imiquimod cream (Aldara) is an immunotherapy medication used to treat certain types of skin cancer, including basal and squamous cell carcinomas [4].
  • Cemiplimab (Libtayo) is another immunotherapy medication that targets the PD-1 protein and has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of skin cancer [4].
• Chemotherapy: This approach uses medications to kill cancer cells. For example:
  • Chemotherapy can be used to treat skin cancers that have spread to other parts of the body [9].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to drug therapy, other treatment options for skin cancer include:

• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing off cancer cells using liquid nitrogen.
• Photodynamic Therapy: This involves using a light-sensitive medication and a special light to kill cancer cells.
• Topical Chemotherapy: This involves applying chemotherapy medications directly to the affected area.

References

[4] Types of targeted drugs and immunotherapy for skin cancer [5] Oct 31, 2023 — Drugs that target the EGFR protein... [6] Erivedge (vismodegib) capsule is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with basal cell carcinoma [6] [9] Dec 6, 2022 — In chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill cancer cells...

The differential diagnosis of skin cancer refers to the process of ruling out other possible conditions that may present similarly to skin cancer. The differential diagnoses for skin cancer can vary depending on the specific lesion, but here are some common ones:

• Benign melanocytic naevi (moles): These are non-cancerous growths that can appear similar to melanoma [1].
• Pigmented basal cell carcinoma: This is a type of skin cancer that can present with pigmentation, making it difficult to distinguish from melanoma [9].
• Actinic keratosis: A precancerous condition caused by sun exposure, which can progress to squamous cell carcinoma [3].
• Bowen Disease: A form of squamous cell carcinoma in situ, which can be mistaken for benign lesions [5].
• Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: A type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can present with skin lesions similar to those seen in skin cancer [3].
• Fibrous Papule of the Face: A benign growth that can appear similar to basal cell carcinoma or melanoma [3].
• Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A rare, benign tumor that can be mistaken for a malignant lesion [3].

It's essential to note that a definitive diagnosis of skin cancer requires a biopsy and histopathological examination. The differential diagnoses listed above are not exhaustive, and the specific lesions should be evaluated by a dermatologist or a pathologist to determine the correct diagnosis.

References:

[1] AF JERANT (2000) - Cited by 643 [3] Apr 3, 2024 - Differential Diagnoses [5] Mar 1, 2023 - Basal cell carcinoma (BCC); Squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) [9] by IG Cocuz · 2024 · Cited by 4