Skin Cancer Overview and Stages: Understanding the Progression
According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, non-melanoma skin cancer (one of the two kinds of skin cancers) is the fifth most common cancer in men and women, with over 1 million diagnoses worldwide in 2018. Additionally, Melanoma (another kind of skin cancer) is the 19th most common cancer in both men and women. In 2018, nearly 300,000 new cases were reported.
Detection of skin cancer itself is a matter of great concern. However, with the advancement of technologies both in detection and treatment, the survival rates are also increasing.
Let me introduce you to one of our patients, Christina Reeves from Gaborone, Botswana. Christina shares her experience of skin cancer treatment in India.
Christina is a 34-year-old mother of a 2-year-old daughter and wife of a caring husband, Ted. Christina helps her husband in his hotel business.
Two years back, Christina noticed a small pink circle on her face. The spot didn’t hurt or itch, and she thought it was just a bug bite. It was dry, so she used cosmetic lotion. Even after 3 weeks, the pink circle did not get diluted at all. Christina decided to visit a dermatologist for a consultation.
Christina met a dermatologist, and the doctor physically examined the spot and suggested that Christina do a biopsy to be doubly sure. Christina did the biopsy test and came back home.
Reports came, and the doctor called Christina to visit her. Christina went to the hospital, and the doctor gave her the news that she had squamous cell carcinoma (non-melanoma skin cancer). After listening to the news, both Christina and Ted were in shock. The doctor suggested consulting an oncologist.
Christina and Ted came back home, and they were disheartened after listening to the news of cancer. Ted’s aunt, who was a nurse, came to know about the cancer news and came to meet Christina and told Ted not to take any chances and visit India for the treatment. Ted’s aunt was already in touch with MedicoExperts and gave MedicoExperts contact details to Ted.
Ted contacted MedicoExperts and passed all information and test reports. MedicoExperts explained to Ted about the revolutionary Tumor Board approach for the treatment and arranged an online video consultation with the oncologist who was also the head of the tumor board.
During the consultation, the doctor explained the treatment plan and process in detail and cleared all the doubts of Christina and Ted.
Christina and Ted decided to come to India for the treatment.
After 10 days, Christina landed in India for the treatment with Ted and her daughter. Christina got admitted to the hospital on the same day. An evaluation test was performed to check the current condition of the cancer.
After seeing the test reports and as per the treatment plan, the surgical oncologist decided to do Mohs surgery (a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer). The surgery was successful.
A re-evaluation test was done to check the outcome of the treatment, which revealed that no cancer was detected.
Christina and Ted were very happy with the results and thanked the doctor and MedicoExperts.
This can be your story as well to win the battle against it, even if you have complex cancer. What you need is the right guidance, right treatment at the right time from the right experts.
Before we move ahead with its symptoms, stages, treatment, and survival rates, let’s understand what it really is.
It is an abnormal growth of skin cells that usually grows in areas that are exposed to the sun, but in some cases, it can also occur in areas of your unexposed skin.
You can reduce your risk of it by limiting exposure to UV radiation.
Stages of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer:
Cancer may have spread to the dermis, the next layer of skin, but it is less than two centimetres.
Cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes but is larger than two centimetres.
Cancer has spread to nearby tissue and is larger than three centimetres.
Cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor site to lymph nodes and bone marrow and is larger than three centimetres.
Stages of Melanoma Skin Cancer
In this stage, the cancer has not penetrated below the epidermis.
Cancer may have spread to the dermis, the second layer of the skin.
Cancer has not spread beyond the original cancer site, but it is larger in size.
Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or nearby skin.
This is the most advanced stage of melanoma and is an indication that the cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor site to lymph nodes, organs, or tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Is skin cancer deadly?
A. Melanoma is deadly when it occurs, but can be cured if detected at an early stage.
Q2. Does skin cancer itch?
A. It may itch, bleed, or even hurt once it has grown larger.
Q3. Can skin cancer go away by itself?
A. Melanoma on the skin can go away on its own since the body’s immune system can attack the disease.
Q4. How fast does skin cancer spread?
A. Melanoma spreads quickly in 6 weeks, and if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. It appears on the skin that is not even exposed to the sun.
Q5. At what age does skin cancer typically occur?
A. Most nonmelanoma cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, appear after age 50.
Q6. Is skin cancer curable?
A. It can be treated. However, one must be aware of their symptoms and report them to their physician. This can assist with early detection and treatment.
Q7. Can I prevent skin cancer?
A. There are a few things you can do to lower your chances of getting skin cancer:
- Avoid UV Exposure
- Choose clothing that covers your arms, legs, and neck can wear a hat and sunglasses
- Protect yourself with sunscreen
- Say No to artificial tanning
- Self-skin exam
Next in Skin Cancer
Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
