Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Outlook.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer arises from skin cells, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC, 80%, rarely metastatic), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 20%, locally invasive), and melanoma (1-2%, but 75% of deaths due to metastasis). Non-melanoma (BCC/SCC) is most common, with ~5.4 million US cases annually in 2025. Melanoma, from melanocytes, is aggressive if advanced.
Symptoms
BCC: pearly nodule, sore that doesn’t heal. SCC: scaly red patch, open sore, wart-like growth. Melanoma: asymmetrical mole, irregular borders, color variation, diameter >6mm, evolving. Advanced: ulcers, bleeding, enlarged nodes.
Causes
UV radiation (sun/tanning beds) is primary, with fair skin, moles, family history increasing risk. Melanoma links to BRAF mutations. In 2025, environmental UV and genetics are emphasized.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis uses dermoscopy, biopsy (punch/excisional), and sentinel node biopsy for melanoma. Imaging stages advanced cases. In 2025, AI dermoscopy detects 95% melanomas.
Treatment
BCC/SCC: surgery (Mohs for high-risk), radiation, topical therapies. Melanoma: excision, immunotherapy (pembrolizumab), targeted (BRAF inhibitors). In 2025, TIL therapy cures 20% advanced melanomas.
Future Outlook
In 2025, survival is 99% for localized non-melanoma, 93% for melanoma (64% advanced). Advances raise advanced melanoma to 35%. By 2030, vaccines could achieve 50% cure for advanced.
Sources
The information for skin cancer is sourced from Mayo Clinic’s “Skin cancer – Symptoms and causes” for symptoms; Cleveland Clinic’s “Skin Cancer: Types, Causes, Treatment & More” for treatment; NCI’s “Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)” for diagnosis; Healthline’s “Skin Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment” for types; and PMC’s “Advances in Skin Cancer Therapy” for outlook.