Skin Cancer Treatment in South Africa

Skin cancer is classified into three main types, depending on the skin cell the cancer develops in.

• Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: It is the second most common type of skin cancer.
• Melanoma: This type of skin cancer is far less common. However, melanoma is more dangerous than basal and squamous cell carcinoma.

• A family history of skin cancer
• Pale skin that burns easily
• A large number of moles or freckles
• A suppressed immune system
• Exposure to radiation
• Exposure to some medications such as prednisone or chemotherapy
• Certain types of wart virus infections
• Exposure to some chemicals such as arsenic

• A lump or patch that is sore, itchy or bleeding.
• A new skin growth or unmarked skin.
• A growth that changes color shape or size.
• A bruise that is taking too long to heal.
• A black or brown streak under a toenail or fingernail.

You can diagnose cancer of the skin by regularly checking your skin for signs of skin cancer. An early diagnosis will increase your chances of successful treatment. Your doctor will examine your skin for signs of skin cancer. They may refer you to a skin specialist or a specialist plastic surgeon for further diagnosis.

The specialist will examine your skin again and may perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of this kind of cancer. A biopsy is an operation that removes some of the affected tissue so it can be examined under a microscope.

The type of treatment you get will depend on how advanced your skin cancer is and the likelihood that it will spread to surrounding tissue or other parts of the body. Treatment for skin cancer is generally successful, unlike most other types of cancer, there is a considerably lower risk that the cancer will increase and extend to other parts of the body.

Surgery is the main treatment for skin cancer. This involves removing the tumor that is affected by cancer, as well as some of the surrounding skin tissue. Other treatments for skin cancer include creams, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, chemotherapy and a treatment known as photodynamic therapy.

Although cancer of the skin is not always avoidable, there are several things that can reduce your chances of developing it. These include:

• Avoiding exposure to ultraviolet light.
• Protect your skin by limiting the time you spend in the sun, dress sensibly in the sun and use sunscreen.Avoid sunlamps and sunbeds.
• Check your skin for signs of cancer on a regular basis.