- 1 Farrer Park Station Road #12-18 Connexion Singapore 217562
Skin Cancer Treatment
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a type of cancer wherein there is an abnormal growth of skin cells due to sun/UV exposure. There are 3 major types of skin cancers – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma – and they are the 6th most common form of cancer in Singapore, according to the Singapore Cancer Registry.
Types of skin cancer?
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most common form of skin cancer. BCC may resemble a pimple when it first starts and develops into a skin-coloured, pink or brown growth. It tends to grow slowly and is usually painless. Sometimes, an ulcer may form if the BCC had been present for a long time. BCC often appears on exposed parts of our skin, especially on the head and neck region, but can grow on any part of the body. If left untreated, cancer can invade the surrounding skin and deeper layers such as the fat, muscle and nerves
This is the most common form of skin cancer. BCC may resemble a pimple when it first starts and develops into a skin-coloured, pink or brown growth. It tends to grow slowly and is usually painless. Sometimes, an ulcer may form if the BCC had been present for a long time. BCC often appears on exposed parts of our skin, especially on the head and neck region, but can grow on any part of the body. If left untreated, cancer can invade the surrounding skin and deeper layers such as the fat, muscle and nerves
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Just like BCC, SCC tends to occur on sun-exposed skin, especially on the head and neck region. The growth can increase in size over a few months, forming a tumour that may bleed or ulcerate. SCC can invade into deeper structures, such as the muscle or bone, or spread to the lymph nodes if left untreated.
Just like BCC, SCC tends to occur on sun-exposed skin, especially on the head and neck region. The growth can increase in size over a few months, forming a tumour that may bleed or ulcerate. SCC can invade into deeper structures, such as the muscle or bone, or spread to the lymph nodes if left untreated.
A history of chronic sun exposure is an important contributing factor in the development of SCC. This explains why it is more common in people who were frequently in the sun, either due to work or leisure and in the elderly. Sometimes, past exposure to carcinogens, such as arsenic, may also develop these cancers later in life.
Melanoma
This is a cancer of the pigment cells (melanocytes) in the skin, Although less common than BCC and SCC, it has the highest mortality risk (risk of death). If detected and treated early, melanomas can be cured. It often presents as a dark brown or black skin growth, but may also be red. Melanomas may occur spontaneously, or they may develop within a pre-existing mole. It can occur on any site, including under the nails, palms and soles. Excessive exposure to the sun and a history of sunburns are predisposing factors. Melanomas have a tendency to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body if left untreated.
This is a cancer of the pigment cells (melanocytes) in the skin, Although less common than BCC and SCC, it has the highest mortality risk (risk of death). If detected and treated early, melanomas can be cured. It often presents as a dark brown or black skin growth, but may also be red. Melanomas may occur spontaneously, or they may develop within a pre-existing mole. It can occur on any site, including under the nails, palms and soles. Excessive exposure to the sun and a history of sunburns are predisposing factors. Melanomas have a tendency to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body if left untreated.
What is the treatment for skin cancer?
Most skin cancers are managed by excising or surgically removing cancer. Mohs micrographic surgery is the treatment of choice for BCC and SCC. For some types of BCC and SCC in-situ, non-surgical treatment with cryotherapy, topical chemotherapeutic medication or photodynamic therapy may be possible.
DISCLAIMER:
The information written and published on this website is not intended to substitute the recommendations of a trained professional and does not replace a professional consultation.
It is advisable to undergo a formal consultation to help establish a relationship between the doctor and yourself, accurately determine your concerns/problems, and get the appropriate treatments for them.
It is also imperative to note that the contents of the website with respect to treatments, results and pricing can vary from individual to individual, and can only be accurately determined by the doctor upon diagnosis.
Do note that all medical treatments will only be administered upon proper consultation, with the requirement that patients be above 21 years of age to provide legal consent.
