Skin Cancer —
Detect. Diagnose. Defeat.
Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Delhi Cancer Centre brings together experienced dermatologists and oncologists with advanced diagnostic tools to deliver the most effective, personalised care.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often triggered by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial tanning devices. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide — yet also among the most treatable when identified in its early stages.
Skin cancer primarily develops on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, and hands, though it can appear anywhere on the body, including areas rarely touched by sunlight. Understanding the type, stage, and risk factors of skin cancer is essential for effective treatment planning and long-term outcomes.
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is categorised by the cells in which it originates. Each type has distinct characteristics, growth patterns, and treatment approaches.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
The most prevalent form of skin cancer, typically appearing as a pearly, translucent, or waxy bump. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, making it highly treatable when addressed promptly.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Manifests as a firm red nodule, flat lesion with a scaly crust, or a sore that doesn't heal. SCC carries a higher risk of spreading than BCC and requires timely treatment to prevent advancement.
Melanoma
The most dangerous form of skin cancer. Often develops in an existing mole or appears as a new dark, irregularly shaped spot. Melanoma can spread rapidly to lymph nodes and distant organs if not detected and treated early.
The ABCDE Rule — Spot Melanoma Early
Use the ABCDE method to self-examine moles and skin spots. Any feature matching these criteria warrants immediate consultation with a dermatologist.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer presents differently depending on type and stage. Common warning signs across all types include:
Note: Not all skin changes are cancerous, but any growth, discoloration, or lesion that persists or changes over weeks should be evaluated by a dermatologist or oncologist without delay.
Causes & Risk Factors
While UV exposure is the most significant cause, several additional factors can raise the likelihood of developing skin cancer:
Excessive Sun Exposure
UV radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin DNA damage that leads to cancer.
Fair Skin & Light Features
People with fair skin, light eyes, blond or red hair, and freckles produce less melanin and face greater UV damage.
History of Sunburns
Blistering sunburns — especially in childhood — significantly increase the lifetime risk of melanoma.
Tanning Beds
Artificial UV exposure from tanning devices is a proven carcinogen that elevates skin cancer risk substantially.
Weakened Immune System
Organ transplant recipients, those on immunosuppressants, or people with HIV/AIDS face elevated risk.
Family History
A close relative with skin cancer — particularly melanoma — increases personal genetic susceptibility.
Toxic Substance Exposure
Prolonged contact with arsenic or other industrial chemicals is a known skin cancer risk factor.
Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
Accurate diagnosis requires a combination of clinical examination and confirmatory testing. At Delhi Cancer Centre, our specialists use the most advanced tools for early and precise detection.
- Full-body skin assessment by a dermatologist
- Identification of suspicious lesions or moles
- ABCDE evaluation of pigmented lesions
- Non-invasive magnified skin examination
- Reveals structures invisible to the naked eye
- Guides biopsy decision-making
- Gold standard for definitive diagnosis
- Tissue sample analysed under a microscope
- Determines cancer type and grade
- CT scan to assess lymph node involvement
- MRI for deeper tissue spread
- PET scan for distant metastasis
Stages of Skin Cancer
Staging helps determine how far the cancer has progressed and guides the most appropriate treatment strategy.
Carcinoma In Situ — Confined to Top Skin Layer
Cancer cells are present only in the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and have not invaded deeper tissue. Highly curable with minimal intervention.
Small Tumor — Confined to Skin, No Spread
A small tumor (typically ≤2 cm) limited to the skin without spread to nearby lymph nodes or other tissues. Excellent treatment outcomes.
Larger Tumor — Still Confined to Skin
The tumor is larger (>2 cm) or has high-risk features, but has not yet spread beyond the skin to lymph nodes or organs. Surgery is typically curative.
Regional Spread — Nearby Lymph Nodes Involved
Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or deeper local structures. Treatment involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies.
Distant Metastasis — Spread to Other Organs
Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain. Management focuses on immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and palliative care.
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer
Treatment depends on the type, stage, size, and location of the skin cancer. Delhi Cancer Centre offers the full spectrum of modern treatment modalities.
Surgery
The primary treatment for most skin cancers, offering definitive removal of cancerous tissue.
- Excisional surgery — removes tumor with clear margins
- Mohs surgery — layer-by-layer precision for sensitive areas like the face
- Wide local excision for melanoma
Cryotherapy
Freezing and destroying cancer cells using liquid nitrogen. Effective for early-stage, superficial skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions.
- Non-surgical outpatient procedure
- Suitable for Stage 0 and Stage 1 BCC/SCC
Radiation Therapy
High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells — used when surgery isn't suitable or as adjuvant treatment to prevent recurrence.
- External beam radiation
- IMRT for precision treatment
- Post-surgery adjuvant radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Topical or systemic drug therapy used to kill cancer cells — typically reserved for advanced or metastatic skin cancer.
- Topical creams for superficial BCC/SCC
- Systemic chemotherapy for advanced disease
Targeted Therapy
Drugs that precisely attack cancer cells with specific genetic mutations — primarily used for advanced melanoma with BRAF or MEK mutations.
- BRAF inhibitors (vemurafenib, dabrafenib)
- MEK inhibitors used in combination
Immunotherapy
Checkpoint inhibitors that empower the immune system to recognise and destroy melanoma and advanced skin cancer cells — a major breakthrough in treatment.
- PD-1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab)
- CTLA-4 inhibitors (ipilimumab)
Prevention of Skin Cancer
The majority of skin cancers are preventable. Adopting these habits significantly reduces your lifetime risk.
Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every day — even on cloudy or overcast days — and reapply every two hours outdoors.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Artificial UV devices offer no safe dose of UV radiation — they significantly increase skin cancer risk at any age.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and long sleeves reduce direct UV exposure during outdoor activity.
Regular Skin Self-Checks
Examine your full skin monthly and report any new, changing, or unusual growths to a dermatologist promptly.
Limit Peak-Hour Sun Exposure
UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Seek shade or schedule outdoor activities outside these hours.
Why Choose Delhi Cancer Centre for Skin Cancer Treatment?
Expert care, advanced technology, and compassionate support — all under one roof.
Experienced Dermatologists & Oncologists
Our specialists are trained in the full spectrum of skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, with extensive experience in both common and complex cases.
Advanced Treatment Options
Including Mohs micrographic surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation — all tailored to the individual patient.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Facilities
Early detection with advanced dermatoscopy, skin imaging, and rapid biopsy analysis for swift, accurate results.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Every care plan is built around the patient's specific cancer type, stage, location, and individual health profile.
Holistic Care & Support
Post-treatment recovery, psychological counseling, follow-up monitoring, and patient support through every stage of the journey.
Don't Wait — Early Detection Saves Lives
If you've noticed an unusual mole, growth, or skin change, book a consultation at Delhi Cancer Centre today. Expert skin cancer care, personalised for you.
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