Skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and despite its high incidence, many people are still unaware of its basic forms and types, its risks, and how to prevent it. Fortunately, if detected early, skin cancer has high cure rates.
The vast majority are treated with curative surgery.
Early treatment determines the prognosis for skin cancer.
How to detect skin cancer?
These are abnormal growths on areas of the skin. They mainly occur on the face, although they can appear anywhere on the body.
The initial symptom is usually a wound that does not heal or a ‘lump’ that gradually grows or changes shape and colour on the skin.
Is all skin cancer melanoma?
NO. Although melanoma is a common type of skin cancer that derives from melanocytes (cells that produce skin pigment) and often resembles moles but with irregular shapes and colours, the most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma.
Most common types of skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Es el tipo más común y menos agresivo. Crece lentamente y raramente se disemina.
Suele aparecer como un nódulo en la piel de crecimiento lento pero constante y a veces con la creación de úlceras (herida que no cura).
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Segundo más frecuente. Puede ser más agresivo que el CBC y tiene riesgo de metástasis si no se trata. Aparece como una lesión rojiza o con costra de rápido crecimiento.
Melanoma
Puede desarrollarse a partir de un lunar preexistente o aparecer de nuevo.
Tiene alta capacidad de diseminación, pero con diagnóstico temprano puede curarse.
Es fundamental el diagnóstico en sus fases tempranas
Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis) is a skin lesion caused by chronic exposure to the sun. It manifests as rough, scaly or crusty patches that usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, back of the hands and forearms.
These lesions are more common in people over 40 years of age, with fair skin and cumulative exposure to solar radiation.
How is actinic keratosis recognised?
- Rough patches of skin that are rough and sensitive to touch.
- Reddish or greyish colour with scales.
Why is it important to treat it?
Although it may appear to be a benign lesion, actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition. If left untreated, it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer.
Not all actinic keratoses develop into cancer, but there is no way to predict which ones will. That is why early detection and proper treatment are essential.
Treatment options for actinic keratosis
Treatment depends on the number, size, and location of the lesions, as well as the patient's characteristics. Some common options include:
- Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
- Topical medications
- Photodynamic therapy. Ideal in certain cases of extensive damage.
- Curettage or laser treatment in some cases
Preventive treatment and early treatment
The best way to prevent actinic keratosis is to protect your skin from the sun.
Actinic keratosis is a warning sign that the skin gives us about accumulated sun damage. Although it does not always progress to cancer, its treatment is key to preventing serious complications.
How can skin cancer be prevented?
Use sun protection measures: Avoid high and prolonged sun exposure, use physical measures (hat, sunglasses, clothing), apply high SPF sunscreen frequently, especially during the middle of the day and in summer.
Check your skin regularly for changes in moles or new spots.
Consult a dermatologist if any new or suspicious lesions appear.
Mohs surgery
Mohs surgery is a highly precise surgical technique used mainly to treat certain types of skin cancer, especially basal cell carcinoma. In most cases, it is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation in an operating theatre. Dermatologists and pathologists work together to study the removed cancer.
Benefits of Mohs surgery
Very high cure rate
Precise removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible
Less need for subsequent surgical treatments
Lower risk of recurrence
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Ubicaciones y contacto
- Málaga
- Vithas Málaga (Limonar) - Calle de la Era, 6, Málaga
- Torremolinos
- Vithas Torremolinos - Calle Hoyo,15, Torremolinos
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Frequently asked questions about skin cancer
I understand that you may have questions and concerns about skin cancer. Below, I answer some of the most frequently asked questions that my patients ask me:
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. It consists of the abnormal growth of skin cells, usually in areas exposed to the sun, although it can appear anywhere on the body. If detected early, it has high cure rates.
How can I detect possible skin cancer?
You should watch out for wounds that do not heal, lumps or spots on the skin that change shape, size or colour. Although it usually appears on the face, it can occur anywhere on the body. If you notice any changes, it is important to consult a dermatologist.
Are all skin cancers melanomas?
No. Melanoma is a more aggressive type of skin cancer, but it is not the most common. There are other types, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common and least aggressive, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which can be more invasive if left untreated.
What are the most common types of skin cancer?
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): Slow growth, rarely spreads. Usually presents as a nodule with possible ulceration.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): This can be more aggressive and appears as a red or crusty lesion.
- Melanoma: This is the most dangerous type of melanoma. It can develop from a mole or reappear. Early diagnosis is key to its cure.
How is skin cancer treated?
Most cases are treated with surgery, which is usually curative. Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its location and extent. Early diagnosis significantly improves the prognosis. Most cases are treated with surgery, which is usually curative. Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its location and extent. Early diagnosis significantly improves the prognosis.
What is Mohs surgery and when is it used?
Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used especially for basal cell carcinomas located in sensitive areas such as the face. It allows the tumour to be removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, with a very high cure rate and a low risk of recurrence. It is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation, in collaboration with pathologists.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours.
- Use sunscreen with high protection and reapply frequently.
- Protect your skin with clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
- Check your skin regularly and consult a doctor if you notice any spots, lumps or moles that change.
What should I do if I notice a suspicious spot or mole?
Request a dermatological consultation as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is essential for the effective treatment of any type of skin cancer, including the most aggressive forms such as melanoma.
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