Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. It happens when skin cells grow in an uncontrolled way. This can lead to spots or bumps that change over time. While many cases are not life-threatening, some types of skin cancer can spread if not treated. The good news is that most forms can be treated successfully, especially when caught early.
Your skin is your body’s first layer of protection. It helps keep harmful things out, like bacteria and the sun’s rays. But too much sun, or other risks, can damage skin cells and lead to cancer. This article explains what skin cancer is, what causes it, how it shows up, and how it’s diagnosed and treated.
What skin cancer is and how it starts
Skin cancer starts in the top layer of the skin. Normally, skin cells grow and die in an orderly way. But with skin cancer, something goes wrong in that process. The cells start growing too fast and don’t die when they should. This can lead to growths, patches, or sores that don’t heal.
Skin cancer often develops in areas that get a lot of sun, like your face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. But it can also appear in places with little sun exposure, such as your palms, soles, or under your nails. This is why it’s important to check your entire body for any unusual skin changes.
Some skin cancers grow slowly and stay in one spot. Others can spread to other parts of the body. That’s why early treatment matters.
Common causes and types
The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. UV rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells. Over time, this damage builds up and can turn into cancer.
Other risk factors include having light skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer. Using tanning beds also increases your risk. People with weakened immune systems may be more likely to develop it too.
There are three main types of skin cancer:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type. It often looks like a small, shiny bump or a pink patch that doesn’t heal. It usually grows slowly and doesn’t spread, but it can cause damage to nearby tissue.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): This type may appear as a scaly red patch, sore, or growth. It can bleed or form a crust. SCC grows faster than BCC and can spread if not treated early.
Melanoma: This is the most serious form. It starts in the pigment cells that give your skin color. Melanoma may begin as a new mole or a change in an existing one. It can spread quickly and become life-threatening if not caught early.
Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Not every skin change means cancer, but some signs should not be ignored. Keep an eye out for:
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A new bump or growth
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A sore that doesn’t heal
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A mole that changes shape, size, or color
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A spot that itches, bleeds, or feels painful
When it comes to moles, remember the ABCDE rule:
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Asymmetry – one half doesn’t match the other
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Border – edges are uneven
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Color – different colors in one spot
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Diameter – bigger than a pencil eraser
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Evolving – changing in any way
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to get it checked. The sooner skin cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
How skin cancer is diagnosed
If a doctor thinks a spot might be cancer, they’ll start with a physical exam. They’ll look at your skin and ask when you noticed the change. They may do a biopsy, where a small piece of skin is removed and looked at under a microscope. This is the only way to know for sure if it’s cancer.
If cancer is found, more tests might be needed to see how deep it goes or whether it has spread. These tests help decide the best treatment plan.
Treatments and what to expect
The good news is that skin cancer can often be removed completely, especially when caught early. Treatment depends on the type and how far it has spread. Common treatment options include:
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Surgical removal: This is the most common method. The doctor removes the cancer and a small area of healthy skin around it.
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Mohs surgery: Used for areas like the face, where saving healthy skin is important. Layers of skin are removed and checked one by one until no cancer cells remain.
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Freezing (cryotherapy): Early skin cancers can sometimes be frozen off using liquid nitrogen.
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Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used when surgery isn’t possible.
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Topical creams: Certain early skin cancers may be treated with creams that boost the immune system or kill cancer cells.
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Advanced treatments: For more serious cases, especially melanoma, treatments may include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy.
Your doctor will help choose the treatment that fits your needs best. Regular follow-ups are important to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned.
