Skin Cancers

What is Botox?

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is an injectable treatment that is primarily targeted to treat wrinkles, fine lines and creases on the face. It can also be used as a non-permanent facial contouring treatment to slim down your profile. Botox is more widely known as an effective anti-aging product for improving the appearance of your skin. Botox is able to treat signs of advanced aging as it promotes collagen production and skin elasticity. In Singapore, Botox is used to temporarily give patients a younger and tighter look.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer refers to an abnormal growth of skin cells that develop in your epidermis (uppermost layer of skin) and are triggered to become mutated and form cancer. Skin cancer can present as Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. The type of skin cancer that occurs most in Singapore is Basal Cell Carcinoma, which is a slow-growing type of skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (cells on lower part of epidermis) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cells on the skin’s surface) are skin cancers that do not easily spread to other parts of the body. They are usually present in the head, neck, face and arms and have a high survival rate if detected early.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when Melanocytes (melanin-producing skin cells) grow out of control. Melanocytes become more sensitive when exposed to sunlight which makes it hard for skin cells to regenerate themselves properly over time. Melanoma, while rare in Singapore, makes up around 75% of skin cancer deaths. It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer that forms in the melanocytes (melanin-producing skin cells) as it is fast-growing and can spread to other organs.

What are the common causes of Skin Cancer in Singapore?

Skin cancer is typically caused by overexposure to the sun. It can also be triggered by light-sensitive treatments such as tanning beds which damage the skin’s DNA and cause abnormal cell changes.

Some causes of skin cancer in Singapore may include:

Genetics
Overexposure to sunlight
Sunburns
Radiation
Weak immune system

What are the common symptoms of Skin Cancer in Singapore?

Some symptoms of skin cancer include:

Sores that do not heal
Bleeding mole
Large brown, speckled spots
Painful lesions
Abnormal-looking growths

Is Skin Cancer painful?

Skin cancer does not typically cause pain until the lesion or growth has grown large enough to affect surrounding tissues such as the nerves. However, there can be symptoms such as itchiness or tenderness if there is bleeding or scabbing involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is at risk of suffering from skin cancers in Singapore?

Chances of developing skin cancer are higher for those who are prone to being sunburnt or developing wounds such as blisters when exposed to UV light or radiation. Patients with many moles on their skin are also at risk of developing melanoma, a type of skin cancer, as they are likely to become cancerous. Moles can be unusually-shaped compared to normal moles and are known as dysplastic nevi, which begins as a benign condition but can become malignant (cancerous).

How are skin cancers diagnosed?

Skin cancers are diagnosed through a physical examination. You should visit a doctor who can refer you to a specialist where your symptoms will be examined closely should you be concerned about the likelihood of skin cancer. As skin cancer does not cause pain at first, it is important to consult a professional as soon as you discover a suspicious mark on your skin that you are unsure about.

Your doctor will first administer a biopsy test on your skin during the examination. This is important especially if you have a history of cancer in your family. Removing a tissue sample at the site of examination will help to check if cancer or other abnormal cells are present in the skin. You should also let your doctor know about any unusual changes you have found such as a mole that has grown bigger or a lesion that does not heal. Melanoma (skin cancer) growths are usually asymmetrical (both halves look different from each other), have irregular borders, have more than one colour or have changed colour over time, have a diameter larger than 6mm and are itching, feels tender, or bleeding.

In some cases, skin cancer tumours (non-melanoma) can be discovered on MRI scans and CT scans that the patient undergoes routinely. They can be suspected when conducting blood tests or other medical examinations where any abnormalities such as the cancer having spread to other organs can be detected.

What are some treatment options for skin cancers in Singapore?

Skin cancers can be treated in Singapore through surgery or radiation therapy to remove the cancerous growths. This will depend on what stage the cancer is at and whether it can be removed along with the surrounding tissues that have been affected (excisional surgery). During early stages, a biopsy may be enough to remove all of the cancerous tissue provided that the cancer has not spread past the skin’s surface. At late stages, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be necessary to kill the cancer cells using your body’s own immune system.

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