Not all skin cancer spreads, but some types such as melanoma can spread to other parts of the body.
And now, in greater depth
Skin cancer is a highly prevalent condition, accounting for around 40% of all cancer cases worldwide. However, not all skin cancers spread, but some can become serious and impact other parts of the body, resulting in severe health consequences. In particular, malignant melanoma is notorious for its tendency to metastasize, or spread throughout the body, if it is not detected and treated early on.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are three primary types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. While BCC and SCC are usually localized and non-life-threatening, melanoma can be more aggressive and pose a significant risk of spreading to other organs via the lymphatic and circulatory systems.
A quote from famous actor Hugh Jackman regarding his personal experience with melanoma has raised awareness about skin cancer’s seriousness. He stated, “I was a victim of not wearing sunscreen. I’d spend nine hours a day on set, mostly outdoors… But that was the mentality — ‘this is what it means to be an Aussie bloke’.”
It’s important to note that not all melanomas metastasize – early detection and timely treatment are key factors in determining the outcome. However, it’s still essential to be aware of the potential risks of developing skin cancer and take appropriate precautions to minimize your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A table summarizing the key differences between the three primary types of skin cancer is provided below:
| Type of Skin Cancer | Description | Risk of Metastasis |
|---|---|---|
| Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) | Most common type; occurs in the basal cells that lie beneath the skin’s surface | Rarely metastasizes |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) | Second most common type; affects the cells on the skin’s surface, usually in areas exposed to the sun | Low risk of metastasis |
| Melanoma | Less common but more dangerous type; develops in the melanocytes that produce pigment in the skin | Can metastasize and spread throughout the body |
Associated video
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that develops on the skin and is caused primarily by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. There are three main types of skin cancer, basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and melanoma, with the latter being the most aggressive and deadly. Symptoms of skin cancer include painless raised areas of skin, hard lumps with scaly tops, and changing moles. Diagnosis involves skin biopsy, and treatment options vary depending on the size, type, depth, and location of the lesions and may include excisional surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or biologic immunotherapy.
There are additional viewpoints
Can skin cancer spread? Yes, it certainly can. However, basal and squamous cell skin cancers aren’t very likely to spread, while some types of skin cancer are more likely to spread than others.
Fascinating Facts
I am sure you will be interested in these topics
What skin cancer does not spread?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) does not usually spread to other parts of the body. There’s a small risk (up to 5%) of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) spreading to other parts of the body, usually the lymph nodes (small glands found throughout your body).
How long does it take for skin cancer to spread?
Answer: It can become life-threatening in as little as 6 weeks and, if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.
Similar
Does skin cancer always spread?
Response to this: There is no staging system for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma because they are so often curable and usually do not spread to other parts of the body. On rare occasions, a person’s lymph node(s) may be removed to find out if the cancer has spread, which is called metastasis.
What is it like living with skin cancer?
Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience. Fear, anxiety, depression, and other emotions can run rampant, regardless of your specific diagnosis and treatment options. For many, although diagnosis may be scary, there are treatment options and ways to manage and improve your condition.
What happens if skin cancer goes untreated?
Response will be: What Happens If Skin Cancer Is Untreated. The exact effects of untreated skin cancer can vary from patient to patient. Cancer cells will continue to grow uncontrolled. This will result in existing tumors and lesions increasing in size, as well as the formation of new tumors.
Is skin cancer very serious can it be cured?
Skin tumors or enlarged lymph nodes causing symptoms can often be removed by surgery or treated with radiation therapy. Metastases in internal organs are sometimes removed, depending on how many there are, where they are, and how likely they are to cause symptoms.
Does skin cancer screening save lives?
As a response to this: The most compelling reason to conduct a skin cancer screening is to save lives that otherwise would be lost to melanoma. We used the unique experience of the Schleswig-Holstein population-based skin cancer screening (the SCREEN project) to evaluate the potential of this public health activity to prevent death from melanoma.
Is skin cancer really caused by exposure to the Sun?
Skin cancer really caused by exposure to the sun:- Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. This may be long term exposure, or short periods of intense sun exposure and burning. The bright light in daylight harms the DNA in the skin cells. This harm can happen a very long time before a malignancy creates.