Skin Cancers
Introduction
Skin cancers are the most common cancers to be a diagnosed. Most patients with skin cancer have either cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. These are often easily excised by a dermatologist or surgeon. Melanoma is a much more dangerous and sometimes deadly type of skin cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma is less common and affects the neuroendocrine cells of the skin.
Causes
Causes for skin cancer are numerous. However, the most common cause of skin cancer is sun exposure. Reducing sun exposure with appropriate clothing and shade may reduce the risk of certain types of skin cancer.
Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Since skin is easily visible, skin cancers are often diagnosed initially by clinical exam followed by confirmation with a scraping or biopsy. Lesions that are found to be melanoma or Merkel cell on microscopic evaluation may require additional diagnostic imaging including CT scans, MRIs, or PET CT scans.
Treatment Strategies
Most skin cancers are treated initially with surgery. More advanced squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas may require treatment by medical oncology. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cancers that have spread to the lymph nodes also will likely require radiation treatment to decrease the risk of local or regional recurrence. Melanoma is often treated with surgical excision plus a type of medicine called immunotherapy prescribed by a medical oncologist. Radiation can also decrease the risk of recurrence of melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. Please discuss the appropriateness of treatment in your specific case with a qualified oncologist.
Prognosis and prognostic factors
Each patient has a unique cancer type and stage with different underlying risk factors. During a oncology consultation visit, your oncologist with discuss Ask your doctor about the expected outcomes.
Treatment Side Effects
Radiation treatment side effects tend to affect the tissues that are close to the tumor where the radiation is directed. Some side effects can be more pronounced during and shortly after radiation treatment (acute side effects). While other side effects may occur many months or years after treatment (chronic or late side effects).