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

A woman showing moles on her neck and back for skin cancer screening at Renova Hospitals Hyderabad.

By Renova Hospitals

February 21, 2026

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?

Skin cancer is being diagnosed more often today than in the past, and doctors are seeing more cases each year due to increased ultraviolet (UV) exposure, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors. Most skin cancers respond very well to treatment when identified early, certain types particularly melanoma can become life-threatening if diagnosis is delayed.

At Renova Hospitals, Hyderabad, we provide complete skin cancer screening, accurate diagnosis, modern surgical management, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision radiation therapy with a team of experienced cancer specialists working together. Detecting the condition early and starting the appropriate treatment greatly improves recovery and long-term health.

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is classified into two major categories:

1. Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC)

This accounts for nearly 99% of all skin cancers.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

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.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

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

NMSC incidence is 18 to 20 times higher than melanoma globally.

2. Melanoma (Melanoma Skin Cancer – MSC)

Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. It is less common but far more dangerous.

Main Subtypes:

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

Melanoma has the potential to spread through lymph nodes and the bloodstream if not treated in time.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Long-term exposure to strong sunlight is the leading cause of skin cancer. UV rays damage DNA in skin cells and interfere with tumour suppressor genes such as p53.

Other factors that may increase the risk include:

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

People with darker skin can also develop skin cancer and should have any unusual skin changes checked.

Skin Cancer Statistics: Global and Indian Perspective

Globally:

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

In India, although incidence rates are lower than in Western countries, delayed diagnosis often leads to higher mortality. In cities like Hyderabad, doctors are observing more cases of skin-related cancers:

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

Regular screening plays an important role in preventing serious complications.

What Are the Early Signs of Skin Cancer?

Use the ABCDE Rule for Melanoma:

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

Other warning signs:

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

If you notice any unusual or changing skin lesions, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation without delay.

How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

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

For melanoma, staging is based on:

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

Stages of Skin Cancer

Melanoma Stages:

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

Early-stage melanoma survival rate: 98%, Advanced Stage IV survival drops significantly.

Treatment Options for Skin Cancer in Hyderabad

The choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s overall health.

1. Surgery

Simple excision
Mohs micrographic surgery
Curettage and electrodesiccation
Cryotherapy

2. Radiation Therapy

This may be recommended when surgery is not possible or when the tumour carries a higher risk of recurrence.

3. Immunotherapy

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

4. Targeted Therapy

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

5. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

For superficial lesions.

Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented?

Yes. Preventive measures can greatly lower the chances of developing skin cancer.

Sun Protection Guidelines:

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

Recent Advances in Skin Cancer Treatment

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

Ongoing research is exploring:

Cancer vaccines
Genetic profiling
Tele-dermatology for rural India

Why Early Detection Matters

Detecting skin cancer at an early stage provides several benefits:

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

Most basal cell and early squamous cell cancers can be completely treated when identified at an early stage.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment should be guided by a qualified oncologist or dermatologist.

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