Skin cancers are one of the top 10 most
common cancers in Singapore (Singapore Cancer Registry 2004-2008). It
can be caused by many factors including excessive sunlight exposure and a
decrease in a person’s immune system. In recent times, there has been a
rising trend in the incidence of skin cancers, likely from an increase
in sun-seeking behaviour or activities, coupled with increasing life
expectancies in our population. Often times, potential skin cancers may
present early in its precancerous or in-situ form. An example of this is
Actinic Keratosis.
Some common types of skin cancers include:
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Basal Cell Carcinoma This is the commonest form of skin cancer in human beings. It presents as a slow growing growth or ulcer on the skin. The aid of a dermatoscope may be helpful in diagnosing this condition in suspicious cases. |
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma This presents as a firm irregular fleshy growth usually on sun exposed skin or on the legs. The
growth can increase rapidly in size giving rise to a large lump which
may sometimes break down to form an ulcer. If untreated, the cancer may
spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. |
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Malignant Melanoma This is a cancer arising from the melanocytes (pigment cells) of the skin. It
is one of the most aggressive and potentially life-threatening skin
cancers. It presents as a discoloured or pigmented spot that may display
one or more of the following features:
- Becomes Asymmetrical in shape
- Its Borders become irregular
- It displays more than 2 Colours within a single growth
- There’s Discomfort (or soreness) on the spot
- The spot rapidly Enlarges
Melanomas can occur on any part of the skin
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Treatment for skin cancers
All skin cancers should be removed soonest. Precancerous lesions like
Actinic Keratosis can be treated with liquid nitrogen or creams. The
confirmatory diagnostic test for skin cancers is a biopsy.
For established skin cancers, complete surgical excision is the
treatment of choice. Clearance Margins on Histology with surgery ensures
very high cure rates in most skin cancers.
Occasionally, non-surgical treatment options with special creams,
cryotherapy or curettage may be considered. In cases of malignant
melanoma, special blood tests, scans or other tests may be required for
staging & treatment of the condition.