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Skin Cancer and Melanoma

Skin cancer develops when skin cells begin to grow and multiply abnormally. While many forms are localized and easily treatable, some—such as melanoma—can be more aggressive and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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What Is Skin Cancer?

When referring to skin cancer, this term encompasses a group of neoplasms that originate from the cells of the epidermis. Melanoma, often confused with other skin cancer, is actually a distinct form: it accounts for about 5% of Skin cancer but is the most aggressive type, as it can spread rapidly to other organs if not identified early.

Types of Skin Cancer

Melanoma

Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. The primary risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing melanoma include:

  • Intense and intermittent sun exposure.
  • Family history and genetic predisposition.
  • Fair skin type (light skin, eyes, and hair).
  • Presence of numerous moles or predisposing conditions.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including areas with little sun exposure such as the scalp, genitals, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or, more rarely, sites such as the eyes, nose, and mucous membranes.

Other Types of Skin Cancers

In addition to melanoma, there are three main forms of skin cancer:

  • Basal cell carcinoma – the most common type. It grows slowly and rarely metastasizes. It often appears as a small shiny bump, a sore that does not heal, or a pinkish patch. When diagnosed early, it is highly curable.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma – the second most common type. It originates from the squamous cells of the epidermis and may present as firm nodules, scaly lesions, or persistent ulcers. It primarily affects sun-exposed areas but can also develop in other locations, including the genitals.
  • Merkel cell carcinoma – rare and aggressive. It appears as a painless, rapidly growing nodule, usually in sun-exposed areas. The risk increases in cases of immunosuppression and high UV exposure.

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Signs and Clinical Manifestations of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can present with different characteristics depending on the type.

The most common signs that require a dermatological evaluation are:

Melanoma

It often develops from a pre-existing mole or appears as a new pigmented lesion. The ABCDE rule is used to recognize it:

  • A — Asymmetry: one half differs from the other.
  • B — Border irregularity: jagged, blurred, or undefined edges.
  • C — Color variation: different shades within the same lesion.
  • D — Diameter: larger than 6 mm.
  • E — Evolution: changes in shape, color, or size.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

  • Shiny or pearly lesion, sometimes with visible small blood vessels.
  • Sore that does not heal or tends to bleed frequently.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • Red, rough, or scaly nodule or plaque.
  • Lesion that tends to grow rapidly or ulcerate.

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How Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented?

Prevention is essential to reduce the risk of developing melanoma or other skin cancers. The most effective strategies include:

  • Perform regular self-examinations to monitor moles and suspicious lesions.
  • Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
  • Limit exposure to UV rays, especially during peak daylight hours.
  • Use daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplying regularly.

For moles, the ABCDE method (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution) is a useful tool to detect any changes. About one-third of melanomas arise from an existing mole, making it crucial to consult a specialist if there are changes in shape, color, or size.

Regular dermatological check-ups are recommended, particularly for individuals with risk factors such as fair skin type, family history, or prolonged sun exposure.

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How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of skin cancer is based on a thorough clinical evaluation and, when necessary, instrumental examinations.

  • Dermatological examination – the specialist examines suspicious lesions for shape, color, and surface characteristics, considering any personal or family risk factors.
  • Dermoscopy/Videodermoscopy – a non-invasive technique that uses an optical device to analyze the structure of the lesion in a magnified and detailed way, improving diagnostic accuracy.
  • Skin biopsy – the only test that allows a definitive diagnosis. The dermatologist removes the lesion partially or completely and sends it for histological examination to determine its nature.
  • Staging tests (only in confirmed melanoma cases) – for more advanced melanomas, additional tests may be required, such as:
    • Sentinel lymph node ultrasound
    • CT, MRI, or PET scans
    • Specific blood tests

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How Is Skin Cancer Treated?

The treatment of Skin cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the lesion. Early diagnosis is crucial for guiding the best therapy and achieving optimal results.

Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for most skin cancer. It involves removing the lesion with appropriate safety margins. In cases of more advanced melanoma, it may also be necessary to remove affected lymph nodes.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy can be used as an alternative to surgery or as a complementary treatment, especially when the tumor is not fully operable or is located in areas difficult to treat surgically.

Systemic Therapies (Melanoma)

For advanced or metastatic melanomas, highly innovative therapies are now available:

  • Immunotherapy – stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • Targeted therapies – effective against specific mutations present in melanoma cells.
  • Chemotherapy – used less frequently but still indicated in selected cases.

The treatment plan is defined by a multidisciplinary team, which evaluates the tumor’s characteristics and the patient’s overall condition to determine the most appropriate approach.

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Reviewed January 2026.