Skin cancers (melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, others) is an abnormal, unregulated growth of cells of skin. It is important to be aware of a change in the colour, appearance or other symptoms in a long-standing mole or an old scar/ wound, or a new appearance of the same.
Often, but not always, skin cancer will involve areas exposed more to sunlight. An early intervention may mean catching the cancer at a curable stage. Outcome will depend on the type, stage and location of the cancer. Unlike bone and muscle cancer, skin cancer frequently spreads to lymph nodes, and staging involves evaluation of regional lymph nodes as well.
Treatment is by surgery, either excision biopsy or formal wide excision. Conservative methods of surgical removal may be used where skin conservation is necessary. Sometimes radiotherapy is also used, and chemotherapy is offered for advanced stages.