Skin Cancers

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that usually develops due to long-term sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because most skin cancers can be successfully treated when detected at an early stage.

Among all skin cancers, Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type. It typically grows slowly and rarely spreads to other organs but can gradually invade surrounding skin and tissues if left untreated.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common skin cancer worldwide. It usually develops on sun-exposed areas such as face, nose, eyelids, ears, scalp and neck.

BCC often appears as:

• •A non-healing wound or ulcer
• •A shiny or pearly bump
• •A slowly enlarging skin growth
• •A scar-like or depressed patch
• •A lesion that repeatedly forms a crust and fails to heal

Because BCC grows slowly and is often painless, many patients ignore it for months or years before seeking medical attention.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Evaluation may include:

• •Dermoscopy
• •Skin biopsy and Histopathological examination

A biopsy helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact type of skin cancer.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of skin cancer.

For most Basal Cell Carcinomas, surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The cancerous lesion is completely removed along with an appropriate safety margin of normal skin to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Basal Cell Carcinoma rarely spreads to distant organs, but delayed treatment may result in:

• •Larger defects
• •More extensive surgery
• •Cosmetic deformity
• •Involvement of nearby structures such as the nose, eyelids, or ears

Early treatment usually results in simpler surgery and better cosmetic outcomes.