Skin Cancer Specialists in Karnataka
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. The three main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (both non-melanoma), and melanoma. Melanom…
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What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. The three main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (both non-melanoma), and melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous type due to its tendency to spread.
Moderate
Most common cancer worldwide — approximately 1.5 million cases of non-melanoma and 325,000 cases of melanoma annually
No
Causes of Skin Cancer
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds is the primary cause. Risk factors: fair skin, excessive UV exposure, history of sunburns, family history, many moles, weakened immune system
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
New growth, sore that doesn't heal, or change in old growth. Melanoma ABCDE: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, Evolving/changing. Basal cell: pearly or waxy bump. Squamous cell: firm red nodule or flat scaly lesion.
Treatment & Types of Skin Cancer in Karnataka
Surgical excision (most common), Mohs surgery (for high-risk areas), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors for melanoma), targeted therapy (BRAF/MEK inhibitors), photodynamic therapy
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, the most common and slowest-growing form that rarely spreads but can cause local tissue damage if untreated; squamous cell carcinoma, which grows faster and carries a higher, though still generally low, risk of spreading to other parts of the body; and melanoma, the least common but most dangerous type due to its strong tendency to spread if not caught early. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are grouped together as non-melanoma skin cancers and together account for the vast majority of all skin cancer diagnoses.
Oncology/Dermatology Specialists in Karnataka (0)
No specialists listed yet in Karnataka — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is melanoma considered more dangerous than other skin cancers?
Melanoma has a much stronger tendency to spread to other organs if not caught early, unlike basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, which tend to stay localized and are more easily cured with treatment. This is why the ABCDE warning signs, asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter over 6mm, and evolving appearance, are emphasized for early melanoma detection.
What does the ABCDE rule for checking moles actually mean?
It stands for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolving or changing appearance, all features that raise suspicion for melanoma when checking a mole during a skin self-exam. Any mole showing several of these features should be evaluated by a dermatologist promptly.
Can skin cancer be prevented?
Consistent sun protection meaningfully reduces risk, including avoiding sun during peak hours, using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds entirely. Regular skin self-exams and dermatologist checkups also help catch any changes early when they are most treatable.
Is skin cancer treatable if caught early?
Yes, most non-melanoma skin cancers are highly curable with surgical excision when caught early, and even melanoma has a very good prognosis when detected before it spreads deeply or to other organs. This is why routine skin checks and prompt evaluation of new or changing growths matter so much.
Who is most at risk of developing skin cancer?
Fair skin, excessive UV exposure, a history of sunburns, family history of skin cancer, having many moles, and a weakened immune system all increase risk significantly. People with several of these risk factors benefit from more frequent dermatologist skin checks than the general population.