Skin Cancers

Skin cancer is a malignant growth of skin cells that can develop on any part of the body, most commonly in areas exposed to sunlight. It accounts for about 10% of all malignant tumors and has shown an increasing incidence in recent years.

The main types of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): the most common but relatively favorable form, which rarely causes metastases. It accounts for about 60–75% of all skin cancer cases.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): a more aggressive type that develops from squamous epithelial cells. It is generally curable when detected early.

Melanoma: arises from melanocytes (pigment-producing skin cells). It is the most aggressive but less common type of skin cancer. Melanoma spreads rapidly, causing metastases, and is the leading cause of skin cancer–related deaths. It may develop either on normal skin or from the transformation of an existing mole (nevus).

Adenocarcinoma: a rare malignant tumor of glandular origin that develops from sweat or sebaceous glands. Although uncommon, it can occur in various organs. When detected early, it responds well to treatment.

Risk factors for skin cancer include prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, genetic predisposition, contact with chemical substances, advanced age, fair skin, weakened immunity, certain infections, and chronic skin diseases.

Treatment

In the early stages, surgical removal of the tumor is the main treatment method.

In the case of melanoma, additional therapies may be required, such as:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy