Skin Cancer: Symptoms, Stages and Modern Treatment Options in Hyderabad

Key Takeaways

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, largely driven by ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.
• It is broadly classified into melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type, while melanoma is the most aggressive.
• When detected early, survival rates are extremely high often close to 99%.
• Routine skin checks and proper sun protection can greatly lower the risk.
• Modern treatments such as Mohs surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision radiation are available in Hyderabad.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Types of Skin Cancer

• Most common skin cancer worldwide
• Appears as a pearly bump, pink patch, or non-healing sore
• It usually does not spread to other organs, but if ignored, it can damage nearby skin and tissue.

• It tends to behave more aggressively than basal cell carcinoma.
• Appears as a red, scaly patch or crusted lesion
• Can spread to lymph nodes if untreated
  
  

• Superficial Spreading Melanoma (60–70%)
• Nodular Melanoma
• Lentigo Maligna Melanoma
• Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (common in darker skin tones)
  
  

What Causes Skin Cancer?

• Fair skin that burns easily
• History of repeated sunburns
• Age above 50 years
• Male gender
• Family history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system (HIV, transplant patients)
• Radiation exposure
• Arsenic exposure
• Certain genetic syndromes

Skin Cancer Statistics: Global and Indian Perspective

• Skin cancer accounts for 1 in 3 diagnosed cancers.
• Non-melanoma skin cancers exceed 1000000 new cases annually.
• Melanoma cases continue to rise worldwide.

• Higher UV exposure
• Occupational sun exposure
• Lifestyle changes
• Increased awareness and improved diagnostic facilities

What Are the Early Signs of Skin Cancer?

• A – Asymmetry
• B – Border irregularity
• C – Color variation
• D – Diameter >6 mm
• E – Evolving (changing shape or size)

• A sore that does not heal
• A pearly or waxy bump
• Scaly red patches
• Bleeding or crusting lesions
• Rapidly growing dark mole
  
  

How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

• Clinical skin examination
• Dermoscopy
• Skin biopsy (shave, punch, incisional, or excisional)
• Histopathological evaluation
  
  

• Breslow thickness
• TNM classification
• Lymph node involvement
• Imaging (CT, PET, ultrasound if advanced)
  
  

Stages of Skin Cancer

• Stage 0: In situ (confined to epidermis)
• Stage I-II: Localized, increasing thickness
• Stage III: Spread to lymph nodes
• Stage IV: Metastasis to distant organs
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Treatment Options for Skin Cancer in Hyderabad

• Simple excision
• Mohs micrographic surgery
• Curettage and electrodesiccation
• Cryotherapy

• PD-1 inhibitors (Cemiplimab, Pembrolizumab)
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors
  
  

• BRAF inhibitors
• MEK inhibitors
• Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (Vismodegib for BCC)
  
  

Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented?

• Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 AM to 4 PM
• Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Reapply every 2 hours
• Wear protective clothing and hats
• Avoid tanning beds
• Conduct monthly self-exams
• Annual dermatologist screening in sunny regions like Hyderabad
  
  

• Immunotherapy now the first-line for advanced melanoma
• Targeted therapy for BRAF mutations
• Alpha DaRT therapy trials for SCC
• AI-assisted dermoscopy for early detection
• Improved precision radiation therapy

• Cancer vaccines
• Genetic profiling
• Tele-dermatology for rural India
  
  

Why Early Detection Matters

• Higher cure rates
• Less aggressive treatment
• Lower risk of recurrence
• Better cosmetic outcomes
• Improved long-term survival

Medical Disclaimer