Skin Cancer —
Detect. Diagnose. Defeat.
Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Dr. Aditya Sarin combines careful clinical evaluation, dermatoscopy, and access to the newest immunotherapy and targeted-therapy options to deliver personalised care for every skin cancer patient.
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 or oncologist.
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. Dr. Aditya Sarin uses these tools together to reach an early, precise diagnosis before treatment planning begins.
- Full-body skin assessment by a specialist
- 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.
Survival Rates by Stage
An important note on statistics. Survival statistics are population averages. They describe outcomes across large groups of patients and do not predict what will happen to any individual patient. Skin cancer survival varies enormously by type. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, together the most common forms, are rarely tracked by stage-wise survival statistics because they are highly curable and rarely spread when treated. Melanoma, though far less common, is the form responsible for most skin cancer deaths, which is why it is the focus of the data below.
Melanoma survival rate in the United States
| Stage at Diagnosis | 5-Year Relative Survival |
|---|---|
| Localized — confined to the skin | 100% |
| Regional — spread to nearby lymph nodes or structures | 76% |
| Distant — spread to other organs | 34% |
Source: SEER Cancer Stat Facts, Melanoma of the Skin, National Cancer Institute, based on SEER 21 data for cases diagnosed 2016 to 2022.
Melanoma survival rate in India
Melanoma is significantly rarer in India than in fair-skinned populations, accounting for well under 1 percent of cases at major cancer centres. However, published research notes that despite the lower incidence, disease-specific survival tends to be lower in Asian and Indian patients, largely attributed to melanoma often appearing in atypical locations, such as the palms, soles, or under nails, which can delay diagnosis.
Source: Clinical trial protocol documentation citing Deo et al., melanoma treatment patterns in North India.
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer
Treatment depends on the type, stage, size, and location of the skin cancer. Dr. Aditya Sarin offers the full spectrum of modern treatment modalities, matched to each patient's specific diagnosis.
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)
Latest Advances in Skin Cancer Treatment
The most significant recent advance in skin cancer treatment has been in cellular immunotherapy for advanced melanoma. As of 2026, notable developments include the following.
First Cellular Therapy for Metastatic Melanoma
Lifileucel, a tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte, or TIL, therapy, was FDA approved in February 2024 for metastatic melanoma that has stopped responding to standard PD-1 immunotherapy and BRAF-targeted therapy where applicable. It remains the newest major treatment category as of 2026, using a patient's own immune cells, expanded outside the body and reinfused, and requires a specialised inpatient stay of two to three weeks.
Source: MedStar Health, New Metastatic Melanoma Treatment, Breakthrough TIL Therapy Offers Hope, 2026.
Durable Long-Term Survival with Combination Immunotherapy
Ten-year outcome data for combined nivolumab and ipilimumab in advanced melanoma, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, continues to show sustained long-term survival in a meaningful proportion of patients, reinforcing combination checkpoint inhibition as a preferred option for metastatic disease.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer
Common questions patients ask when weighing evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma as dangerous as melanoma?
Can skin cancer develop on parts of the body that are never exposed to the sun?
How often should I get a professional skin check?
Does a dark spot always mean melanoma?
Is Mohs surgery different from standard excision?
Can skin cancer come back after successful treatment?
What is the best treatment approach for skin cancer in Delhi?
Why Trust Dr. Aditya Sarin for Skin Cancer Care
Expert oncology care, modern treatment access, and clear, patient-focused communication at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.
Specialist Oncology Training
Extensive training and experience in medical oncology, with a focus on solid tumours including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Access to Modern Therapies
Practical access to checkpoint immunotherapy, targeted therapy for BRAF/MEK-mutated melanoma, and coordinated referral for surgical and radiation options.
Careful, Structured Evaluation
Every consultation begins with clinical examination, dermatoscopy where appropriate, and a clear plan for biopsy and staging when a suspicious lesion is identified.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Every care plan is built around the specific type, stage, and location of the cancer, along with the patient's overall health, preferences, and goals.
Long-Term Follow-Up & Support
Structured post-treatment surveillance for recurrence and second primary skin cancers, with clear communication at every visit.
Trusted Hospital Setting
Consultations at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi — an established multi-speciality centre with full diagnostic, surgical, and inpatient capability.
Don't Wait — Early Detection Saves Lives
If you've noticed an unusual mole, growth, or skin change, book a consultation with Dr. Aditya Sarin today. Expert skin cancer care, personalised for you.
📅 Book a ConsultationMedical Disclaimer. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every case of skin cancer is different. Please consult Dr. Aditya Sarin or a qualified oncologist for evaluation, diagnosis and a treatment plan specific to your condition.