"Not a mole, but cancer?"... Types and characteristics of skin cancer, survival rates, and treatment methods

◇ Types and Characteristics of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is divided into basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, originating from cells in the basal layer of the skin's epidermis. It mainly occurs on areas exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, and arms. It grows slowly and has a low potential for metastasis.

Lesions appear as shiny pearl-colored nodules or as flat red or pink patches. The center may be sunken with bleeding ulcers or show telangiectasia, which are small visible blood vessels on the skin surface. Additionally, they may present as flat scars that are white, yellowish-brown, or flesh-colored.

Squamous cell carcinoma originates from the squamous cells in the epidermis of the skin. It mainly occurs in areas frequently exposed to sunlight and has a higher potential for metastasis compared to basal cell carcinoma.

The lesion appears as red, scale-like patches. The keratin may thicken and peel off, protruding as hard, bumpy nodules. Bleeding may occur, and ulcers that do not heal can form, or scabs may develop that can recur after removal. The skin surface may also turn red or brown.

Melanoma is a skin cancer that develops from cells that produce melanin pigment and is the most deadly. Early detection is crucial, and prompt treatment is necessary. It mainly occurs from existing moles or newly formed spots.

It has irregular borders, with a mixture of various colors such as brown, black, red, white, and blue. It exhibits an asymmetrical shape and can grow larger than 6mm in diameter. Particular caution should be taken when existing moles suddenly change or when there are alterations in size, shape, or color.

The common features of skin cancer are as follows. Skin cancer includes the appearance of new lumps or moles, changes in existing moles, abnormal bleeding or non-healing ulcers, itching or pain, and changes in skin color. It is important to see a dermatologist if these symptoms appear. In the early stages, most are painless, but as it progresses, it can cause pain.

◇ Survival rate of skin cancer

The survival rate of skin cancer in Korea varies greatly depending on the type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have a very high five-year survival rate of over 97% in recent years. This is mainly because they are often detected early and treatable through surgery.

On the other hand, melanoma may have a relatively lower survival rate, making prompt diagnosis and treatment crucial. Therefore, early detection and appropriate treatment of skin cancer are key to improving survival rates.

◇ Skin cancer, from treatment to prevention

Most skin cancers can be completely cured by removing skin lesions. This is why early detection is the most important.

In particular, melanoma is prone to metastasize to major organs if diagnosed late and left untreated for a long time, so early detection and treatment are very important.

Skin cancer is primarily removed through surgical treatment. Although recurrence of skin cancer is rare, due to its nature as a cancer, there is a possibility of recurrence, so it is advisable to monitor for recurrence through follow-up examinations even after surgery.

Additionally, other skin areas that have not developed cancer can also be considered damaged by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously monitor whether skin cancer develops in other areas.

To prevent skin cancer, it is advisable to always pay attention to blocking ultraviolet rays in daily life and to use sunscreen properly.

It is especially important to pay attention to your own skin, as what may seem like an ordinary mole can be diagnosed as cancer over time. Therefore, if you notice any skin lesions showing unusual changes compared to usual, it is advisable to see a dermatologist for a thorough examination.