The significance of preserving healthy skin is more than stressed by the Dermatology Department. The largest organ of our body, the skin, serves as a protective barrier, but continual exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have negative consequences, including the onset of skin cancer symptoms that may lead to serious conditions such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. It’s vital to arm ourselves with knowledge about this common but frequently preventable disease.
This blog delves into the complex world of skin cancer, exposing its many guises, examining its causes, identifying early skin cancer symptoms, and illuminating practical preventative measures.
Skin Cancer Overview
The abnormal proliferation of skin cells that characterizes skin cancer is frequently brought on by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning booths. However, it can be treated when the cause is diagnosed early. Skin cancer occurs in the following regions:
Skin Cancer on the Face
Because the face is so visible and sensitive, skin cancer might pose special difficulties.
Types:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Skin Cancer on Scalp
Skin cancer on the scalp is commonly overlooked because the scalp is frequently covered by hair.
Types:
- Melanoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
Types Of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can take its form depending on the causes. Here are some types of skin cancer to be on the lookout for:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (Bcc)
The most prevalent kind of skin cancer is called basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A pearly or waxy lump that may be transparent or pinkish is how basal cell skin cancer typically presents itself. It might also resemble a scar-like area or a sore that doesn’t heal. BCCs typically develop on skin that is frequently exposed to sunlight.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Scc)
A sore that doesn’t heal or a red, scaly patch are typical SCC symptoms. It may bleed or form a crust. These growths often appear on sun-exposed locations like the cheeks, ears, lips, and backs of hands.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer. A typical melanoma symptom is an existing mole that alters in size, shape, color, or texture. They may also appear as fresh, irregularly shaped, dark moles with an odd appearance. Although melanomas can have a wide range of appearances, they frequently have asymmetry, uneven borders, uneven color, and a diameter greater than a pencil rubber.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Skin cancer, known as Merkel cell carcinoma, is uncommon yet aggressive. On the skin, it typically appears as solid, glossy lumps or nodules that can be red, pink, or blue in hue.
You can talk to our medical experts in Istanbul if you are experiencing any symptoms of skin cancer!
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like
Here are some typical signs and skin cancer symptoms of several forms of skin cancer:
BCC: Basal Cell Carcinoma
- A pinkish, pearly, waxy lump that may be translucent.
- A scar-like region that is brown or flesh-colored.
- A wound that either doesn’t heal or does but then comes back.
- Pink growths or skin rash with lower centers and higher margins.
SCC: Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- A sore or skin cancer rash that is red, scaly, and does not heal or leaves skin cancer spots.
- A raised growth with a potentially bleeding or crusting core depression.
- Open sores may have a crusty surface and are ringed in redness.
Melanoma
- An alteration in a mole’s size, form, color, or texture.
- A newly developed mole that stands out from the rest of your body regarding appearance.
- Moles greater than 6 mm in diameter have asymmetrical shapes, inconsistent colors, or irregular borders.
- Moles that bleed, itch, or become uncomfortable.
- Cancer of the Merkel cell
- Skin cancer lumps under the skin or nodules that are firm and glossy.
- Growths that are red, pink, or blue may be uncomfortable or sensitive.
- Expanding or proliferating.
Are you experiencing signs of skin cancer? You can contact our medical experts in Istanbul right away!
Skin Cancer Treatment
Early stage skin cancer is when the malignant growth is tiny, localized, and has not yet migrated to other body parts or invaded nearby tissues. Skin cancer must be subjected to screening and treated at this early stage for effective outcomes and to reduce the possibility of consequences. For various forms of skin cancer, the following are some typical treatment options:
BCC: Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Excision: The tumor and a portion of healthy tissue are surgically excised.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A precise method involving layer-by-layer tumor excision while protecting healthy tissue. Under a microscope, each layer is examined to ensure thorough removal.
- Curettage and Electrodesiccation: To eradicate any leftover cancer cells, the tumor is scraped away (curettage), and the region is then treated with an electric needle (electrodesiccation).
SCC: Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Surgical excision: Similar to BCC, the tumor and a portion of healthy tissue is excised.
- Mohs micrographic surgery: Mohs micrographic surgery is beneficial for SCCs that are high-risk or that reoccur.
- Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to freeze cancer cells rapidly.
- High-energy radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used to locate and eradicate cancer cells.
- Topical medications: Creams or ointments may activate the body’s immune response to combat tiny, superficial SCCs.
Melanoma
- Excision surgery: A margin of healthy tissue is frequently excised along with early-stage melanomas. The thickness and stage of the melanoma determine the size of the resection.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A lymph node biopsy near the tumor may be done for thicker melanomas to check for malignant dissemination.
- Immunotherapy medications instruct the immune system to find and destroy cancer cells.
- Drugs targeting genetic alterations found in melanoma cells are known as targeted therapies.
- Chemotherapy is used less commonly but may be an option in cases of advanced melanoma.
- Radiation therapy is generally a palliative treatment when surgery is not an option.
There are different types of cancer and they can be interrelated. For example, while liver cancer and skin cancer are distinct forms of cancer, it’s important to note that both can arise due to various factors, including genetic predisposition and exposure to certain risk factors such as UV radiation or viral infections.
Explore the various treatment options for skin cancer in Turkey. You can contact us now!
Liv Hospital For Skin Cancer Treatments
Liv Hospital is a top choice for skin cancer treatment in Turkey. With a network of seven hospitals and a strong commitment to global excellence, Liv Hospital continues to shape the future of healthcare. The hospital provides cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced therapies, and compassionate patient care—truly reflecting its motto, “Leading International Vision.” This makes Liv Hospital a trusted destination for those seeking world-class skin cancer treatment in Istanbul. You can contact Liv Hospital specialists to learn more about personalized treatment options and pricing details.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
For more information about our academic and training initiatives, visit Liv Hospital Academy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of skin cancer?
The first signs may include new growths, sores that don’t heal, or changes in existing moles such as size, color, or shape. Persistent itching or bleeding can also be early indicators.
Can skin cancer appear anywhere on the body?
Yes. Although it commonly develops on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands, skin cancer can appear anywhere, including under nails or on the scalp.
How can I tell if a mole might be cancerous?
Look for changes using the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolving shape or size.
Is skin cancer curable?
When detected early, most forms of skin cancer, especially basal and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly treatable and curable.
Who is at higher risk for skin cancer?
People with fair skin, excessive sun exposure, a history of sunburns, weakened immune systems, or family history of skin cancer are at higher risk.
What are the treatment options for skin cancer?
Treatment may include surgical removal, Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, or medications depending on the cancer type and stage.
Why choose Liv Hospital for skin cancer treatment?
Liv Hospital offers advanced diagnostic methods, experienced dermatology and oncology teams, and personalized care plans for optimal treatment outcomes in Turkey.
