Skin Cancer
In the journey against skin cancer, every step forward is backed by an army of support, showing that strength lies not just in the individual, but in the unity of those who stand together.
Breast Cancer
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a prevalent form of cancer globally, affecting approximately one in eight women during their lifetime. It can manifest in one or both breasts and may occur in various parts of the breast tissue. Breast cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth within the breast, which has the potential to spread to surrounding tissues. While the majority of cases occur in women, it’s important to note that men can also develop breast cancer, albeit less frequently.
Skin Cancer
What is Skin cancer?
India grapples with over a million skin cancer cases annually, with regions like East and North India facing heightened vulnerability due to arsenic exposure along the Ganges basin.
Skin cancer predominantly affects males and arises from abnormal cell growth in the skin’s outermost layer. Mutations occur in the epidermis due to damaged DNA.
These mutations prompt the rapid proliferation of skin cells, leading to the formation of cancerous tumors.
Skin cancer typically develops on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, lips, face, neck, ears, arms, hands, and legs. In some cases, it may also occur on the palms, toenails, fingernails, and genital areas.
Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can affect individuals with darker complexions and areas of the skin less exposed to the sun. Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones, regardless of age, race, gender, or climate.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Risk factors for Skin cancer include:
- Advanced age and prolonged exposure to UV rays, which originate from sources such as tanning beds, the sun, and sunlamps.
- Physical characteristics such as green or blue eyes, red or blond hair, and a light, natural skin tone.
- Family history or personal background of skin cancer or melanoma.
- Skin types prone to reddening easily, sunburns, and freckles, as well as the presence of multiple moles.
Preventive Measures
To mitigate the risk of skin cancer, consider the following preventive measures:
- Shield your skin from direct exposure to UV rays.
- Minimize exposure to artificial sources of UV rays, including sun lamps and tanning beds.
- Avoid indoor tanning practices altogether.
- Adopt protective measures when the UV index is 3 or higher:
- Wear full-sleeve clothing that covers your legs and arms.
- Seek shade whenever possible.
- Wear sunglasses and hats to shield against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
Screening and Diagnosis of Early-Stage Skin Cancer
Screening for skin cancer involves both self-evaluation and clinical examination by a healthcare provider. During the clinical test, healthcare professionals scrutinize moles, pigmented areas, and birthmarks on the skin, assessing for abnormalities in size, color, texture, and shape. However, it’s essential to note that screening does not diminish the severity of the disease.
Doctors typically recommend regular check-ups for individuals with a history of skin cancer to monitor any changes. Patients can also perform self-examinations and promptly report any concerning developments to their doctor.
Upon screening and suspicion of skin cancer, the doctor may proceed with a biopsy. During this procedure, the medical practitioner removes suspicious tissue from the skin using a local excision technique. A pathologist then analyzes the extracted tissue to determine whether it is benign or malignant melanoma. Patients may also seek a second opinion for confirmation.
Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, originates in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and gradually penetrates deeper into the dermis. This progression is typically slow, making early detection crucial for successful treatment.
Melanoma lesions are visible to the naked eye as they develop on the skin’s outer layer. Based on the screening and diagnosis results, doctors determine the type and stage of skin cancer, enabling them to initiate an appropriate treatment protocol.
Signs of Melanoma Skin Cancer
Signs of melanoma skin cancer include:
- Asymmetry: One half of the lesion may appear different from the other half.
- Border: The lesion may have a jagged or uneven edge.
- Color: It may display various colors or a mixture of colors such as brown, black, and red.
- Diameter: The lesion is typically larger than the eraser on the end of a pencil.
- Evolution: Its size, color, or shape may change over time.
Symptoms:
- Itchy and painful lesions.
- Presence of dark speckles and large brownish spots.
- Changes in the size, color, and texture of moles.
- Lesions that appear red, white, blue, or black, with irregular portions and borders.
- Dark lesions found on the soles, fingertips, toes, mucous membranes, and palms.
Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the stage of melanoma. A doctor will confirm the staging after a thorough screening and diagnosis.
Types of Skin Cancer
- Targets the neck or face.
- Symptoms include:
- Flesh or brown-colored flat scar resembling a lesion.
- Waxy or pearly cancerous lump beneath the skin
- Scabbing or bleeding sore that recurs.
- Common among people with dark skin, often affecting unexposed areas like the ears, hands, and face.
- Symptoms include:Flat lesion with a crusted and scaly skin surface.
- Reddish firm nodule.
- Melanoma skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, often arising from an existing cancerous mole.
- Typically affects the trunk and face in males, and lower legs in females.
- Melanoma can also metastasize to covered parts of the body.
Rare or Less Common Skin Cancers:
There are several types of rare or less common skin cancers, including:
- Kaposi Sarcoma:
- Develops in individuals with weakened immune systems due to medications or other conditions.
- Grows in the blood vessels of the skin, resulting in purple or redpatches.
- Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma:
- An aggressive and uncommon form of skin cancer.
- Develops in the oil glands and is frequently misdiagnosed as an eyelid issue.
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma:
- Develops in areas such as the neck, trunk, and head.
- Cancer originates beneath the hair follicles and skin.
Modalities for Staging and Treatment
Post-diagnosis, doctors utilize various tests and procedures for staging, which may include:
- CT Scan
- Chest X-Ray
- PET Scan
- Ultrasound Scan
- Eye Exam with Dilated Pupil
- Lymph Node Biopsy
The standard treatment procedures for skin cancer include:
- Surgery (including Mohs Surgery)
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Photodynamic Therapy
- Chemical Peel
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
Follow-up Appointments and Cancer Care
It’s essential to consult your doctor for a follow-up appointment schedule during the maintenance phase of cancer treatment.
Be vigilant in monitoring any symptoms of recurrence, and promptly report them to your doctor if observed.
Mobile Applications for Early-Stage Skin Cancer Detection
Several mobile applications are available to aid in the early detection of skin cancer. Some notable ones include:
- UMSkinCheck: A free app developed by the University of Michigan.
- MoleMapper: Developed at Oregon Health & Science University.
- Miiskin
- MoleScope
And many others are also available, offering various features and functionalities to assist users in monitoring their skin health and detecting potential signs of skin cancer.
Specialists Doctors Who Care For You
Top Oncologists Providing Exceptional Care at Ahmedabad’s Leading Cancer Hospitals
DM Medical Oncology, Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Hematological Cancer, Anemia and Cytopenia, Head and Neck Cancers, Sarcomas and Bone Tumors.
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Head and Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal Cancers (Colon Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Pediatric Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Hematological Cancer, Anemia and Cytopenia, Head and Neck Cancers, Sarcomas and Bone Tumors.
MD, FMO Medical Oncology (MUHS) Consultant Medical Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Solid Malignancies like Lung, Breast, Head and neck, Gastro-intestinal, Bone – Soft tissue sarcoma, Genitourinary
MD, DNB, FIAP Consultant Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center, Ahmedabad
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
Dr NB, PDF Hemato-Oncologist,BMT Physician,
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Consultant Medical Oncologist at Hemato-Oncology Clinic, Baroda
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Head and Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Hematological Cancer, Anemia and Cytopenia, Head and Neck Cancers, Sarcomas and Bone Tumors.
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Head and Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal Cancers (Colon Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Pediatric Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal Cancers (Colon Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Pediatric Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer
MD, FMO Medical Oncology (MUHS) Consultant Medical Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Solid Malignancies like Lung, Breast, Head and neck, Gastro-intestinal, Bone – Soft tissue sarcoma, Genitourinary
MD, DNB, FIAP Consultant Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center, Ahmedabad
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
Dr NB, PDF Hemato-Oncologist,BMT Physician,
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Consultant Medical Oncologist at Hemato-Oncology Clinic, Baroda
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
MD, FMO Medical Oncology (MUHS) Consultant Medical Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Solid Malignancies like Lung, Breast, Head and neck, Gastro-intestinal, Bone – Soft tissue sarcoma, Genitourinary
DM Medical Oncology, Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Hematological Cancer, Anemia and Cytopenia, Head and Neck Cancers, Sarcomas and Bone Tumors.
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Head and Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Genitourinary Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer
DM Medical Oncology, ECMO (Europe), Co-founder of Oncowin Cancer Center
Gastrointestinal Cancers (Colon Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Pediatric Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancer
MD, DNB, FIAP Consultant Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center, Ahmedabad
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
MD, FMO Medical Oncology (MUHS) Consultant Medical Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Solid Malignancies like Lung, Breast, Head and neck, Gastro-intestinal, Bone – Soft tissue sarcoma, Genitourinary
MD, DNB, FIAP Consultant Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center
Consultant Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Oncowin Cancer Center, Ahmedabad
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
Dr NB, PDF Hemato-Oncologist,BMT Physician,
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Consultant Medical Oncologist at Hemato-Oncology Clinic, Baroda
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
Dr NB, PDF Hemato-Oncologist,BMT Physician,
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Consultant Medical Oncologist at Hemato-Oncology Clinic, Baroda
Pediatric Hematology, Pediatric Oncology
Appointment
Book your appointment
Book your appointment at in just a few clicks. Choose your preferred date, provide basic information, and let our expert oncologists take care of the rest.
Get in touch to book your first appointment
Book your appointment at in just a few clicks. Choose your preferred date, provide basic information, and let our expert oncologists take care of the rest.
Book your appointment
- 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nr Nikol Gam Cross Road, Nikol Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350.
- +91 9265313349
- 601 & 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nikol, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350
- +91 9265313349
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Complex, Nr. Mahalaxmi Cross Road, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007.
- +91 9429827762
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Vikas Gruh Rd, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007
- + 91 9994965366
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 8153833606
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Opp. Ranip GSRTC Bus Stand, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 9876543211
Nikol
- 601 & 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nikol, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350
- +91 9265313349
Paldi
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Vikas Gruh Rd, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007
- + 91 9994965366
Nava Vadaj
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Opp. Ranip GSRTC Bus Stand, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 9876543211
Book your appointment
Appointment
Book your appointment
Book your appointment at in just a few clicks. Choose your preferred date, provide basic information, and let our expert oncologists take care of the rest.
Get in touch to book your first appointment
Book your appointment at in just a few clicks. Choose your preferred date, provide basic information, and let our expert oncologists take care of the rest.
Book your appointment
- 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nr Nikol Gam Cross Road, Nikol Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350.
- +91 9265313349
- 601 & 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nikol, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350
- +91 9265313349
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Complex, Nr. Mahalaxmi Cross Road, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007.
- +91 9429827762
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Vikas Gruh Rd, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007
- + 91 9994965366
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 8153833606
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Opp. Ranip GSRTC Bus Stand, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 9876543211
Nikol
- 601 & 610,Shreenath Signet 3, Nikol, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382350
- +91 9265313349
Paldi
- 7th Floor, HR Elanza Vikas Gruh Rd, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007
- + 91 9994965366
Nava Vadaj
- 513-515, Shivalik Square, Opp. Ranip GSRTC Bus Stand, Nr. National Handloom, Nava Vadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380013.
- +91 9876543211
Book your appointment
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
“I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and support through some difficult times. It is refreshing to work with (and know) someone who provides the utmost in professionalism and genuine kindness. I would highly recommend your company's services to anyone who is concerned for their loved ones care.”
Leela Shah
Cancer Patient
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Your Questions: Navigate Our Frequently Asked Questions Section
What is the most common type of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most prevalent forms of skin cancer.
Why are males diagnosed with skin cancer more than females?
Men tend to have more direct sun exposure during various activities, increasing their susceptibility to skin cancers.
What is the most dangerous type of skin cancer?
Melanoma is the most aggressive and potentially deadly type of skin cancer.
What is metastasized skin cancer?
Metastasized skin cancer refers to the spread of malignant melanoma or other types of skin cancer beyond the primary site of growth.
Can skin cancer be inherited?
Around five to ten percent of melanoma skin cancer cases are hereditary. This typically occurs due to genetic alterations or pathogenic gene variants.
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