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Skin Cancers (non-melanoma)
The most common non-melanoma skin cancers are
Pre-cancerous lesions These are skin lesions that are often caused by sun exposure and can lead to skin cancers. These may include
Skin cancers can have a variable appearance, including being a lump, ulceration, crusting, bleeding or changing shape. |
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Causes
Common causes of skin cancers include the effect of ageing and sun exposure. Other factors that may be involved as possible causes include
Diagnosis and treatment
The dermatologist may use a few techniques such as dermatoscopy, an incisional or excisional biopsy to diagnose the type of skin cancer.
Treatment of superficial skin cancers more commonly include cryotherapy, electrocautery, curettage, excision of the lesion.
People who have had a skin cancer already are at risk of more cancers and so it is important to have regular skin checks with the dermatologist and learn the sign of cancers and perform regular self examination as well. Most early cancers can be cured. However if left to progress ands spread, it can lead to death.
Common causes of skin cancers include the effect of ageing and sun exposure. Other factors that may be involved as possible causes include
- Viruses e.g. HIV, papilloma virus (oral or genital warts)
- Medications that suppress the immune system
- Exposure to chemicals or radiation
- Long standing skin conditions or wounds and scars
- Genetic factors
Diagnosis and treatment
The dermatologist may use a few techniques such as dermatoscopy, an incisional or excisional biopsy to diagnose the type of skin cancer.
Treatment of superficial skin cancers more commonly include cryotherapy, electrocautery, curettage, excision of the lesion.
People who have had a skin cancer already are at risk of more cancers and so it is important to have regular skin checks with the dermatologist and learn the sign of cancers and perform regular self examination as well. Most early cancers can be cured. However if left to progress ands spread, it can lead to death.