Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is cancer that starts in the skin. Three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Skin cancer is less common in Indians than in fair-skinned populations because more melanin is protective — but it still happens, and melanoma in particular can be aggressive when missed.

What to watch for

• Non-healing sore on sun-exposed skin that bleeds or crusts.
• A lump, nodule, or ulcer on the face, scalp, ears, neck, arms, lower leg.
• A change in a mole: Asymmetry, Borders irregular, Colour varied, Diameter >6mm, Evolving (ABCDE rule).
• New dark patch or streak in a nail (can be melanoma of the nail bed).
• A sore in the mouth that doesn't heal (oral squamous cell cancer — see the Oral Cancer page).

India-specific things to know

• Acral melanoma — a type that appears on palms, soles, under nails — is relatively more common in Indians and is often missed until late. Any new, growing pigmented lesion on palms/soles/under nails needs evaluation.
• Basal and squamous cell cancers are strongly linked to chronic sun exposure — outdoor workers, farmers, rickshaw drivers, vendors are at higher risk.
• Chronic non-healing wounds and old burn scars can develop squamous cell cancer (Marjolin's ulcer).
• Arsenic exposure from groundwater in some Indian regions raises skin cancer risk.
• Immunosuppression (transplant, HIV) raises risk.

Diagnosis and treatment

• Any suspicious lesion → biopsy.
• Most basal cell and many early squamous cell cancers are cured with simple surgical excision.
• Melanoma is staged and treated based on depth (Breslow thickness), lymph node involvement, and spread. Early melanoma is curable by surgery alone; advanced melanoma benefits greatly from immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
• Radiation and topical treatments have specific roles.

Prevention

• Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) on exposed skin — yes, for Indian skin too.
• Physical protection — wide hat, long sleeves, sunglasses during peak sun (11am-4pm).
• Check your skin every few months — and show a Health Expert any new or changing lesion.
• Don't use indoor tanning / sunbeds.
• Check arsenic status of drinking water in known arsenic belts (parts of West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam) — switch to safe sources.