MD (AIIMS), Clinical Fellow, Skin Oncology (New England Medical Centre & Boston University, USA), Clinical Fellow, Photomedicine (Mass.Gen.Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA), Clinical Fellow, Laser Surgery (Mass.Gen Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA)
Dermatologist, Kolkata
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31 years experience
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What is the ABCDE rule of skin cancer?
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This acronym refers to new or changing signs in moles to detect melanoma at an early stage and serve as warning signs. You should consult your dermatologist immediately if you notice any of these signs in any of your moles:
Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half
Border: Edges are ragged, notched or blurred
Color: Pigmentation is not uniform
Diameter: Greater than 6mm
Evolving: Looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color
Most skin cancers are easy to cure. The trick is to detect and catch them at an early stage. Keep an eye open for any new growth, bumps, patches or ulcers which don't heal in a couple of weeks. Any mole that is changing should immediately be examined by your dermatologist. Avoid the midday sun and practice sun precautions if you are an outdoor person. It is always best to get an annual complete skin examination.
Skin Cancer is uncommon
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Skin cancer is by far the commonest form of cancer in the US. Exact data for Indians is not available but there is an increasing trend for skin cancers worldwide.
Most skin cancers are easy to cure.
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If caught at an early stage, most skin cancers can easily be removed with minor surgery. However, if cancer has spread, management may involve radiotherapy, anti-cancer medicines and other treatments.
There are 2 main types of skin cancers:
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There are 3 main types of skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma. These develop because of unregulated growth of basal cells, squamous cells and melanocytic cells respectively. Basal cell carcinoma appears as a small, smooth, pearly or waxy bump. Squamous cell carcinoma appears as a firm, red nodule, or as a rough, scaly flat lesion that may itch, bleed and become crusty. Melanoma usually resembles a normal mole, but usually has a more irregular appearance.
The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma.
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Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. If caught in the primary stages, the 5- year survival rate is 100%. Once it has spread through the bloodstream to other organs, the 5-year survival rate is only about 20%.
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