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What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a disease in which skin cells undergo changes and begin to multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors. These cells may grow locally and, in some cases, spread to other organs.

The main causes of skin cancer are associated with cumulative, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds.

Key risk factors include:

Intense or chronic sun exposure, especially during childhood and adolescence
Fair skin, light eyes, and blond or red hair
Personal or family history of skin cancer
Multiple moles or freckles
A weakened immune system
Older age

It is important to note that skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color or age, although certain factors increase the risk.

Types of skin cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, but the most common are:

Basal cell carcinoma
This is the most common type and, fortunately, the least aggressive. It often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, or ears. It grows slowly and rarely metastasizes, but it can cause local damage if not treated in time.
Squamous cell carcinoma
It is the second most common type. It originates in the squamous cells of the skin and may present as a red, scaly, or ulcerated lesion. It has a greater capacity for local invasion and, in advanced cases, may spread to other areas.
Melanoma
It is less common but the most dangerous type, as it can spread rapidly to other organs. It develops from melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color. It often appears as a new mole or one that changes in shape, color, or size.

Identifying the type of skin cancer early is key to choosing the most appropriate treatment and achieving the best outcomes.

Diagnosis: essential methods and key steps

Early detection is essential for successful treatment of skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious lesion, a change in a mole, or a wound that does not heal, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist promptly.

The diagnostic process usually includes:

Clinical examination: The specialist evaluates the skin through direct observation and may use tools such as a dermatoscope to assess details not visible to the naked eye.
Biopsy:If the lesion appears suspicious, a small tissue sample is removed and analyzed in the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
Additional tests: In selected cases, imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI) may be requested to assess the extent of the tumor.

Timely medical consultation and regular follow-up are essential for control and prevention of skin cancer.

Available solutions and treatments

Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as each patient’s individual characteristics.

Options include:

Surgery: This is the main treatment for most skin cancers. It involves removing the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision.
Mohs surgery: A specialized surgical technique that removes skin cancer with high precision while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. More info
Radiotherapy: Uses radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is typically used in selected cases, when surgery is not possible, or as an adjunct treatment.
Topical treatments: Creams or solutions applied directly to the skin, indicated for superficial lesions.
Systemic therapies: Include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, especially for melanoma or advanced cases.

Treatment selection is individualized and requires a comprehensive evaluation of the patient.

Multidisciplinary care

Managing skin cancer often requires collaboration among different specialists to ensure the best possible outcome. Teamwork between dermatologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and reconstructive surgeons is essential to address each case comprehensively:

Dermatologist: Responsible for the initial diagnosis, follow-up, and early detection of new lesions.
Oncologist: Evaluates the need for systemic treatments and manages complex or metastatic cases.
Radiation oncologist: Recommends and oversees radiotherapy when indicated.
Reconstructive surgeon: Performs procedures to restore function and aesthetics in areas affected after tumor removal.

This multidisciplinary approach makes it possible to design a personalized treatment plan, taking into account both health and quality of life.

Mohs surgery: precision and tissue preservation

Mohs surgery is an advanced surgical technique, especially indicated for high-risk, recurrent skin cancers or those located in delicate areas such as the face, nose, ears, eyelids, or lips.

It is performed in several stages under local anesthesia. The tumor is removed in thin layers that are examined immediately in the laboratory. If cancer cells are detected at the margins, additional tissue is removed only from the affected areas until complete clearance is achieved.

The main advantages of Mohs surgery are:

Highest cure rate
Preservation of as much healthy skin as possible
Superior cosmetic and functional results
Reduced need for additional surgeries

This technique requires a highly specialized medical team and delivers excellent results, especially in complex cases.

Conclusion

Skin cancer is common but, in most cases, preventable and treatable when detected early. Early consultation, accurate diagnosis, and access to innovative treatments such as Mohs surgery—together with multidisciplinary care—are essential to achieve the best outcomes.

Prevention, self-care, and regular check-ups with a specialist are the most valuable tools to protect your health and the health of your loved ones.

Skin Cancer Surgery