Skin Cancers

Most commonly asked Questions and Answers you might want to know about Skin Cancers:

1. What are skin cancers ?
2. What are the pre-malignant tumours ?

Skin Cancers treatment at Our Clinic:

At the Joyce Lim Clinic, we offer different types of treatment for our patients.

1. What are skin cancers ?

There are many types of skin cancers. The three common skin cancers are :

1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
   This presents as a firm irregular fleshy growth usually on sun exposed skin. 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 glands. 
    
   Squamous Cell Carcinoma usually appears in elderly patients. Chronic sun exposure is an important contributing factor in the development of this type of skin cancer.
   
   
2. Basal Cell Carcinoma
   This is a slow growing painless skin cancer. The cancer often presents as an indolent ulcer with a shiny or translucent raised margin. The ulcer is often pigmented. This cancer commonly appears on the face. 
   
   
3. Malignant Melanoma
   This is a cancer of the pigment cells of the skin. It is a highly malignant skin cancer. It presents as dark brown or black skin growth or ulcer. It may look like ordinary moles. But unlike the common mole:
   

• it grows rapidly
• its surface has several shades of red, black or blue colours
• its margin is irregular
• it tends to be large
• it tends to be thick. 

Melanoma is uncommon among Asians. Melanoma commonly occurs on the fingers, toes and face.

Treatment for skin cancers

All skin cancers should be removed immediately. The cancerous tumourS must be destroyed or removed surgically. Sometimes, a small piece of the tumour is removed (skin biopsy) first for examination to confirm if it is cancerous.

2. What are the pre-malignant tumours ?

Congenital moles

• These are moles that are present at birth. Such moles vary in sizes. They are usually present on the trunk. These congenital moles may develop into cancers (melanoma). Therefore, they should be removed whenever possible.

Actinic keratosis

• These lesions are seen on the sun-exposed skin especially on the face, upper chest, back and forearms. They appear as scaly reddish or brown patches on the skin. Numerous lesions may occur at the same time. If left untreated, they can go on to develop into skin cancers.

Treatment of Pre-malignant growths

• These can easily be destroyed using liquid nitrogen (like dry-ice) or anti-cancer ointments or electro surgery or excision surgery or laser surgery.
  
• If you have a skin tumour, it is advisable to check it out with your doctor. He can then advise you on the diagnosis and action to be taken.