Cancer

Skin Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Learn how skin cancer is diagnosed and treated — from skin exams and biopsy to surgery, Mohs surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies.

3 min read

Overview

Skin cancer is usually confirmed with a biopsy after a suspicious spot is found.
Treatment depends on the type and stage — most cases are cured with surgery, but advanced melanomas may require immunotherapy or targeted drugs.

Skin Cancer by the Numbers

  • 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed globally is a skin cancer (WHO).
  • >2 million non-melanoma cases (basal & squamous cell) diagnosed worldwide every year.
  • Melanoma makes up a minority of cases but causes the majority of skin cancer deaths.
  • 90% of skin cancers are linked to UV exposure.
  • Surgery cure rates: >95% for basal and squamous cell cancers when caught early.
  • Melanoma survival: >95% if detected early, but <30% once spread to distant sites.

Key Points

  • Diagnosis relies on skin exams, dermoscopy, and biopsy.
  • Staging determines whether cancer has spread and guides treatment.
  • Surgery is the main treatment for most skin cancers.
  • Mohs surgery is highly effective for facial or recurrent cancers.
  • Radiotherapy and topical creams are used in selected cases.
  • Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are used for advanced melanoma.

Diagnosis

  1. Skin Exam: Doctor checks for suspicious spots or moles.
  2. Dermoscopy: Magnified light exam improves detection accuracy.
  3. Biopsy: Excision, shave, or punch biopsy confirms diagnosis.
  4. Staging Tests: Ultrasound, CT, MRI, or sentinel lymph node biopsy may be done if spread is suspected.

Treatment Options

1. Surgery

  • Excision: Standard removal of cancer with a safety margin.
  • Mohs Surgery: Layer-by-layer removal, examining each under a microscope, ideal for face or recurrent cancers.

2. Topical Therapy

  • 5-FU or imiquimod creams may treat superficial cancers.

3. Radiotherapy

  • External beam radiation used when surgery isn’t feasible or for recurrence.

4. Systemic Therapy (Advanced Melanoma)

  • Immunotherapy: Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-PD-1 drugs).
  • Targeted Therapy: BRAF/MEK inhibitors if tumor has mutations.

FAQ

Q: How is skin cancer diagnosed?
A: Through a skin exam, dermoscopy, and confirmed by biopsy.

Q: What is Mohs surgery?
A: A surgical technique that removes cancer layer by layer, minimizing healthy tissue loss.

Q: When is radiotherapy used?
A: If surgery isn’t possible, or as additional treatment for advanced/recurrent cases.

Q: What treatments are used for melanoma?
A: Surgery for early stages, immunotherapy and targeted therapy for advanced disease.

Further Reading