Skin Cancer

India is the world’s medical capital. With dozens of quality hospitals and clinics, India provides top-notch, affordable health care services. With special expertise in oncology, India has attracted over one million international patients every year. Skin cancer surgery is available at 65% less than US/UK costs and is performed by highly qualified doctors in state-of-the-art facilities. So, if one is looking for treatment, India is the best option to choose from. Price for the various treatment is listed below:

Skin cancer originates in the skin tissues and can spread if untreated. It's common in older individuals and those with sun exposure or weakened immune systems. It often develops in areas frequently exposed to sunlight.

• Squamous Cells: This cancer arises from squamous cells in the epidermis, presenting as firm nodules or rough, scaly lesions.
• Basal Cells: The most common type, it originates from basal cells lining the outer skin layer, manifesting as smooth, waxy lumps, scar-like patches, or crusty sores.
• Melanocytes: This cancer develops from melanin-producing cells and is the most dangerous form, often appearing as brown-pigmented patches or changing moles.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms include smooth, waxy lumps, scar-like patches, or crusty sores.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Presents as firm nodules or rough, scaly lesions.
• Melanoma: Manifests as brown-pigmented patches or changing moles.

Risk factors include fair skin, sun exposure, indoor tanning, genetics, age, and immune system status. Mutations in skin cells due to UV exposure or genetic predisposition lead to cancer formation.

Tests include mole mapping, dermoscopy, biopsy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and scans. The ABCDE guideline helps detect melanoma warning signs.

• Stage 0: Known as Bowen’s disease or carcinoma in situ, where cancer cells are confined to the epidermis.
• Stage 1: Cancer is small and localized, without high-risk features.
• Stage 2: Cancer is larger or has multiple high-risk features.
• Stage 3: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Examination of tumor under a microscope to remove cancerous tissue layer by layer.
• Excision with Margin Evaluation: Surgical removal of the tumor with evaluation of surrounding tissue margins to ensure complete removal.
• Electrocautery and Curettage: Burning and scraping of the tumor, commonly used for basal cell carcinomas.
• Cryosurgery: Freezing of the tumor with liquid nitrogen, suitable for small, well-defined tumors.
• Radiation Therapy: Use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, sometimes used as adjuvant therapy or primary treatment.
• Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to kill cancer cells, often used for melanoma or metastatic skin cancer.
• Carbon Dioxide Laser: Laser treatment for superficial basal cell carcinoma.
• Topical Therapies: Application of medications directly to the skin, such as fluorouracil or retinoids.
• Photodynamic Therapy: Treatment using a photosensitizer activated by light to destroy cancer cells.

Follow-up care checks for recurrence, metastasis, and other health changes post-treatment. Importance of sun protection emphasized to prevent further skin damage.

Indian hospitals offer advanced treatment options and expertise in handling skin cancer cases. Renowned hospitals in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Gurgaon have state-of-the-art facilities.

Melanoma survival rate for five years varies by stage, with early stages having higher survival rates. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have very high survival rates exceeding 95%.