As an oncologist at Best Cancer Hospital in Bangalore, I often explain to patients that when we talk about skin cancer, we are referring to a condition in which abnormal skin cells begin to grow uncontrollably. Over time, these cells may form lesions, spread deeper into the skin or to other parts of the body, and become life-threatening if not addressed.
In this article, we’ll explore the major types of skin cancer, their causes, what to look for in the early stages (including skin cancer 1st stage symptoms), what the early stages look like, and how we can care for our skin and seek appropriate treatment when needed.
Types of Skin Cancer
The term “skin cancer types” covers several distinct conditions. Here are the main ones we encounter:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most common form of skin cancer. It typically appears as a flesh-colored or pearly bump, or a pinkish patch of skin, often on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, or arms. Though it grows slowly, untreated, it can invade deeper tissues.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The next most common type. It often shows as a red firm bump, a scaly patch, or a sore that doesn’t fully heal. These lesions may also occur in areas exposed to the sun, or occasionally in less sun-exposed areas in certain skin types.
Melanoma
When we say “melanoma”, we mean the cancer of the pigment-producing melanocytes in the skin. This type is less common but far more serious because it has a higher tendency to spread to other organs if not detected early.
Other Less Common Types
There are other rarer forms, such as Merkel cell carcinoma or cutaneous lymphomas. While these are less frequent, they emphasize how “skin cancer” is not a single disease but a spectrum.
Causes and Risk Factors
To recognize what to avoid and how to protect ourselves, understanding the causes of cancer plays an essential role.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
One of the primary causes is prolonged and cumulative exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, or from artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV rays damage the DNA in skin cells and trigger mutations.
Skin Type, Family History & Other Factors
- Individuals with fair skin, light hair, and freckling are at higher risk.
- A personal or family history of skin cancer increases risk.
- Immune-suppressed individuals (for example, organ transplant recipients) also have greater vulnerability.
- Age plays a role too; however, melanoma can occur in younger people depending on exposures.
Chronic Sun Exposure and Sunburns
Multiple sunburns, especially blistering ones in childhood or early adulthood, raise the risk significantly.
Symptoms: What to Watch for & Skin Cancer Early Stages
Detecting skin cancer in its early stages dramatically improves outcomes. Here’s what I advise patients to look out for:
What Does the Start of Skin Cancer Look Like?
In the early stages of skin cancer, you may notice:
- A new spot or growth on the skin that wasn’t there before.
- A change in an existing mole or freckle (change in size, shape, or color).
- A sore that does not heal within a few weeks.
- A rough, crusted, or scaly patch of skin, especially in sun-exposed regions.
Key Symptoms in First Stage
When we talk about skin cancer 1st stage symptoms, these tend to be subtle:
- A small bump or patch that looks like a wound but doesn’t go away.
- Slight change in color of a mole; border may become uneven.
- Mild itchiness or tenderness in the area of the lesion (though many lesions are painless).
How Do You Detect Skin Cancer Early?
Early detection often comes down to regular self-checks and clinical skin examinations:
- Monitored moles: noting changes in shape, border, color, size, or evolution (the “ABCDE” rule: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) helps recognize melanoma early.
- Spot checks: Any sore that doesn’t heal in 4-6 weeks merits attention.
- Skin exam by a dermatologist: Especially for people with high risk (fair skin, many moles, family history).
- Avoid delay: Lesions that persist, grow, bleed, or change must be evaluated.
Is Skin Cancer Curable? Treatment for Skin Cancer
Yes, in many cases, skin cancer is curable, especially when caught early and treated appropriately. The prognosis depends on the type, stage, and how early we act.
Treatment Options
Here are some of the typical treatments used for skin cancer:
- Surgery: Removing the cancerous tissue and sometimes some surrounding healthy tissue.
- Radiation Therapy: Used when surgical removal is difficult or to treat residual disease.
- Immunotherapy / Targeted therapy: Especially for advanced melanoma or other aggressive types.
How to Avoid Skin Cancer
Prevention is a critical part of managing skin cancer risk. Here are care tips I share with my patients:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 3 every day, even on cloudy days.
- Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.
- Avoid tanning beds entirely—UV exposure from artificial sources adds risk.
- Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when sun rays are strongest.
- Perform monthly self-skin checks: look for changes in moles or new spots.
- Visit a dermatologist annually, especially if you have a high risk (many moles, fair skin, previous sun damage).
- Be cautious about long-term sun exposure, cumulative over the years.
What Can Be Mistaken for Skin Cancer?
It is quite common for harmless skin conditions to mimic the appearance of skin cancer. Some of those include:
- Benign moles or freckles are changing slightly over time (but not necessarily malignant).
- Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis may present as red, scaly patches.
- Warts, skin tags, or minor scars may also resemble early lesions.
- Actinic keratosis (a precancerous lesion) may appear as a rough, scaly patch and can be mistaken for SCC.
Because of this overlap, when in doubt, it is safer to get a professional skin check rather than self-diagnose.
Final Thoughts
At Dasappa Cancer Hospital, we emphasise that skin cancer is not a single-dimensional condition—it spans several types, causes, presentations, and required responses. When caught early, many of these cancers are highly treatable with good outcomes. My experience shows that patients who recognise the subtle signs early, seek prompt evaluation, and engage in prevention practices tend to fare much better.
We must remember that the early stages of skin cancer might present as what seems like a harmless mole, a patch of dry skin, or a sore that just won’t heal. That’s why vigilance matters. I encourage you to adopt regular self-skin checks, protect your skin proactively from UV damage, and consult a specialist at the first sign of change. If you live in or around Bangalore and are seeking care, selecting a fully-equipped hospital with oncology, dermatology, and reconstructive services can make a difference in your journey.
Together, we can reduce the toll of skin cancer. Let us stay aware, take smart protective measures, and act immediately when something does not look right. Your skin is your first line of defence—treat it with care and never dismiss possible warning signs.
FAQs
What does the start of skin cancer look like?
It often begins as a new spot or a mole that changes in size, shape, or color. A sore that does not heal, or a rough patch that becomes scaly or itchy, may be the first indication.
How do you detect skin cancer early?
Through monthly self-exams using the ABCDE criteria (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter larger than a pea, Evolving appearance), regular dermatologist visits, and prompt evaluation of any persistent skin change.
Is skin cancer curable?
Yes, many skin cancers are curable when treated early. Success depends on the type, how far it has spread, and how soon it is treated. Even for more advanced types, there are effective treatments.
How to avoid skin cancer?
By using sun protection (sunscreen, protective clothing), avoiding tanning beds, minimizing prolonged sun exposure, performing regular skin checks, and maintaining awareness of changes in your skin.
What can be mistaken for skin cancer?
Conditions such as innocuous moles, warts, benign skin tags, eczema, psoriasis, or actinic keratosis may resemble skin cancer. That is why professional evaluation is essential when any skin change persists or evolves.
