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I D Cancer Center
I D Cancer Center
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Skin Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | I D Cancer Center

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably. Although many cases are detected early and treated successfully, some skin cancers can become serious if left untreated.
Timely diagnosis and expert treatment play a crucial role in achieving the best outcome.

At I D Cancer Center, Lucknow, we provide complete evaluation, modern imaging, advanced radiotherapy, surgical options, and personalized treatment plans for all types of skin cancers.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells (basal cells, squamous cells, or melanocytes) mutate and grow uncontrollably due to UV exposure, genetics, or other factors.
It can occur anywhere on the body—not only on sun-exposed areas.

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is broadly classified into:

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

  • Most common

  • Slow-growing

  • Rarely spreads

  • Appears as a pearly bump or non-healing sore

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

  • Can grow deeper and spread if untreated

  • Appears as scaly patches, red bumps, or ulcerated lesions

3. Melanoma

  • Most serious and aggressive type

  • Arises from pigment-producing cells

  • Can spread quickly

  • Early detection saves lives

4. Rare Skin Cancers

  • Merkel cell carcinoma

  • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)

  • Sebaceous gland carcinoma

  • Cutaneous lymphomas

Risk Factors

Risk increases with:

  • Excessive sun exposure

  • Fair skin or sensitive skin

  • Family history of skin cancer

  • Previous radiation exposure

  • Weakened immune system

  • Use of tanning beds

  • Chronic skin inflammation or ulcers

  • Older age

Common Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Look for any persistent change on the skin:

  • New lump, bump, or growth

  • Non-healing ulcer or sore

  • Change in size, color, or shape of a mole

  • Bleeding, crusting, or itching spot

  • Dark streaks under nails (melanoma sign)

  • Firm red nodule or scaly patch

ABCDE rule helps identify melanoma:

  • Asymmetry

  • Border irregularity

  • Color variation

  • Diameter >6 mm

  • Evolving changes

Any suspicious skin lesion should be evaluated immediately.

How Skin Cancer Is Diagnosed at I D Cancer Center

We use high-precision diagnostic methods for accurate detection.

Diagnostic tests include:

  • Dermatoscopic examination

  • Skin biopsy (punch, shave, excisional)

  • Histopathological evaluation

  • Ultrasound of lesions (if needed)

  • CT / MRI / PET-CT for deeper or advanced tumors

Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

The treatment depends on type, stage, depth of invasion, and location. Our approach combines surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy as needed.

1. Surgery

Often the first choice for early skin cancers.

Procedures include:

  • Wide local excision

  • Mohs micrographic surgery (for select cases)

  • Excision with reconstruction

  • Lymph node dissection (for melanoma or advanced SCC/BCC)

Goals: complete tumor removal and excellent cosmetic outcome.

2. Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is highly effective for:

  • Inoperable cases

  • Elderly patients

  • Tumors in cosmetically sensitive areas

  • High-risk or recurrent cancers

  • Large or deeply invasive lesions

At I D Cancer Center, we use:

  • IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy)

  • VMAT / Arc Therapy

  • IGRT (Image-Guided Radiotherapy)

  • Electron beam therapy (ideal for superficial skin tumors)

Benefits:

  • Non-invasive

  • Minimal scarring

  • Excellent cosmetic results

  • High cure rates

3. Chemotherapy

Used for:

  • Locally advanced disease

  • Metastatic skin cancers

  • Palliative management

Includes topical, oral, or intravenous chemotherapy depending on tumor type.

4. Targeted Therapy

Used particularly in melanoma and advanced SCC/BCC:

  • BRAF/MEK inhibitors (melanoma)

  • Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (BCC)

These treatments attack specific cancer-growth pathways.

5. Immunotherapy

A breakthrough treatment for advanced skin cancer.

Drugs like Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, and Ipilimumab stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells effectively.

Prognosis

  • Early detection → excellent outcomes

  • Most BCC and SCC cases are curable

  • Melanoma requires urgent evaluation but is highly treatable when diagnosed early

Regular skin checks are important for prevention and early detection.

Why Choose I D Cancer Center?

  • Expertise in skin cancers and rare tumors

  • Precise radiotherapy (IMRT/VMAT/IGRT)

  • Advanced dermatoscopy & biopsy

  • Personalized chemotherapy, targeted therapy & immunotherapy

  • Multidisciplinary tumor board

  • Cosmetic-focused surgical outcomes

  • Compassionate, holistic care

When to Consult an Oncologist?

See a specialist if:

  • A skin lesion is not healing

  • A mole changes in shape, size, or color

  • A lump or ulcer persists beyond 2 weeks

  • There is bleeding, itching, or pain in a skin patch

Early evaluation prevents complications and improves cure rates.