Dermatologist specialist in skin cancer in Alicante

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common types, while melanoma is less common but more aggressive.

Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor originating in melanocytes, which are the cells that give pigment or color to the skin. It usually manifests itself as an atypical or suspicious mole on any area of ​​the skin, although sometimes they can also appear on other structures such as the eye or viscera.

Currently, more than 160.000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed annually worldwide, of which 81.000 occur in women and 79.000 occur in men.

The likelihood of developing melanoma may increase due to several factors:

• Genetic predisposition. The presence of a first-degree relative with a history of melanoma significantly increases the risk of developing this form of skin cancer.
• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Both chronic sun exposure, such as in the case of outdoor workers, and intermittent exposure, such as on beach vacations, can contribute to the risk of melanoma.
• Exposure to ultraviolet ray cabins. Evidence shows that exposure in ultraviolet ray booths significantly increases the risk of developing melanoma, even with a small number of sessions.
• High number of moles. Having more than 50-100 moles on the skin is associated with an increased risk of melanoma.
• History of melanoma. Having had a previous melanoma increases the probability of developing new cases.
• Low phototype. The presence of light skin, blonde hair and light eyes, that is, a low phototype, is also associated with an increased risk of melanoma.

Early detection of melanoma is best achieved through regular dermatological checkups, which can be scheduled annually or every 3 to 6 months depending on each patient's individual risk.

Self-exploration between reviews is equally crucial. Patients should examine their existing and newly formed moles. To facilitate this self-assessment, certain guidelines can be followed, such as the following, which help identify possible "atypical moles":

• Asymmetry (A). Observe if the mole has an irregular shape.
• Irregular edge (B). Notice if the mole has irregular edges.
• Color changes (C). Pay attention to moles with various colors or that undergo changes in shade.
• Diameter (D). Observe if the mole grows quickly or changes size in a short time.
• Evolution (E). Be alert to changes in the mole, such as growth, alterations in color or shape. You should also pay attention to warning signs such as bleeding or itching.

Although melanoma represents one of the most threatening forms of skin cancer, constantly evolving treatment options are marking a marked improvement in quality of life and survival rates for patients with advanced melanoma.

If diagnosed, the therapeutic approach is tailored depending on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor, and the patient's overall health. The range of options ranges from surgical removal of melanoma to more specialized approaches such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Each case requires a personalized evaluation to determine the most effective strategy.

There are several types of melanoma, and prognosis is closely linked to the time of diagnosis and the specific subtype of melanoma. An early diagnosis significantly improves the prognosis, since mortality can increase considerably if detected in advanced stages. For this reason, it is crucial to be alert to any warning signs and, of course, undergo periodic check-ups by a specialist in Dermatology.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor, not only on the skin but throughout the body.

This type of cancer exhibits low aggressiveness and gradual growth. It tends to expand on the surface, being able to reach significant dimensions, although its main characteristic is the lack of deep invasion.

Basal cell carcinoma generally manifests itself in areas chronically exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms and neckline, presenting flat or raised lesions. As it progresses, it can lead to small scabs or erosions, with the eventuality of bleeding. Patients often describe it as a “non-healing wound.”

Since there are various types of basal cell carcinoma (superficial, nodular, invasive), the treatment approach will depend on the specific type that the patient has. In most cases, surgery is used, although in more superficial situations cryotherapy, topical medical treatments or photodynamic therapy may be considered.

It is crucial to note that early diagnosis results in smaller sizes and less invasive treatments. If you suspect that you have an injury with the characteristics mentioned, we urge you to consult with a skin cancer specialist dermatologist as soon as possible.

Squamous cell carcinoma, although less common than basal cell carcinoma, is distinguished by its greater aggressiveness and capacity for distant dissemination, which translates into a higher mortality rate. Like basal cell carcinoma, its main risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and it tends to manifest itself in elderly patients, although it can also arise in adulthood.

Squamous cell carcinoma generally manifests as a raised lesion, with scales on the surface, hyperkeratosis or crust, sometimes acquiring an appearance similar to a cutaneous horn. These lesions often tend to ulcerate and show an intermittent and recurrent bleeding pattern. Patients often describe it as a “non-healing wound.”

The primary treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is generally surgical, although in advanced cases it may be necessary to resort to radiotherapy or even chemotherapy.

As for the prognosis, this is closely linked to the moment in which the diagnosis is made. When detected and treated in early stages, the prognosis is usually positive, with surgical removal as the main intervention. In situations of later diagnosis, there is a significant risk of metastasis to other parts of the body, either through the lymph nodes (lymphatic route) or the blood (hematogenous route). Furthermore, surgical intervention in these circumstances tends to be more invasive, with possible more prominent sequelae due to scarring.

Actinic keratosis is characterized by premalignant lesions that develop in areas chronically exposed to the sun, such as the face, neckline, arms, hands or scalp. These lesions can arise individually or, on the contrary, in the form of multiple grouped lesions known as a “field of cancerization.”

Normally, actinic keratosis manifests itself as small pink areas with white scales on the surface, and sometimes, during its development, it may present small erosions.

There are several treatments available for actinic keratoses, including cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and topical options such as imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, or diclofenac. The choice of treatment will be determined according to the specific characteristics of the patient, the number and type of lesions, among other factors.

As for the prognosis, it is generally favorable, although it is common for lesions to reappear over time or for new ones to emerge, which must be addressed as they manifest. This is crucial, since, if not treated, there is a risk that they will evolve into a type of skin tumor, such as squamous cell carcinoma.

Therefore, it is essential that, when suspecting the presence of actinic keratoses or chronic or intermittent but intensive exposure to the sun, the evaluation of a skin cancer specialist dermatologist. This will allow us to rule out the presence of actinic keratosis and, in this way, start treatment from the initial phases.