For those interested in learning the lethality of skin cancer and the speed at which skin cancer can kill, the answers to these questions mostly depend on the type and how advanced the cancer is at the time of diagnosis. Below, Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery Institute (DCSI), specialists in common skin conditions, explore different types of skin cancer and important information you should know about each.
Can All Skin Cancer Kill You?
Not all skin cancers are equally deadly, nor is their skin cancer treatment always the same. However, they all have the potential to cause significant harm, including death, if not detected and treated. But when is skin cancer deadly? Skin cancer becomes deadly when it spreads beyond its original site to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. In addition to spreading to other organs, skin cancer can cause death by growing deep into the skin and affecting critical structures, such as blood vessels and nerves, leading to severe complications.
Skin Cancer Types and the Possibility of Fatality
Melanoma
Melanoma is both the most aggressive type of skin cancer and the most lethal form of skin cancer, making it responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma can become life-threatening within weeks to months if it spreads to other parts of the body, and it is particularly dangerous because it can metastasize relatively quickly, often before it is detected.Once melanoma spreads to vital organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain, or even when it spreads to the bones, it becomes much more difficult to treat. At this stage, it leads to organ failure and often death. There are different types of melanoma, each just as deadly as the last.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma can also spread and become fatal, but this usually happens over a longer period. It generally will not be fatal unless it metastasizes, though this is less common. This skin cancer can still cause significant harm if left untreated, including disfigurement and, in rare cases, death.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the least lethal. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It is generally not considered deadly because it is generally slow-growing and rarely fatal, as it rarely spreads beyond the skin. In rare cases, it can cause significant local damage if left untreated and can even lead to death. As with all types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma should still be treated promptly to prevent complications and to ensure the best possible outcome.The key to preventing skin cancer from becoming deadly is regular skin checks, which can help detect an issue earlier and lead a person to treatment more quickly. These steps are crucial to improving survival rates for all types of skin cancer.
What Does Melanoma Look Like?
Melanoma can vary in appearance, but it is commonly recognized by the ABCDE rule:
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Color variation
Diameter larger than 6mm
Evolving size, shape, or color
Melanomas often appear as dark, irregularly shaped moles with multiple colors, including shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue. They can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new spot on the skin. Some melanomas may look like a mole that has changed in size or shape or a lesion that looks different from others on your skin. It's important to monitor your skin for any changes and consult a dermatologist if you notice anything suspicious.
Melanoma Types
As mentioned above, there are different melanoma subtypes. These include Merkel, amelanotic, mucosal, and lentigo maligna.
What Is Merkel Skin Cancer?
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive type of skin cancer. It originates in the Merkel cells, which are found in the skin's outer layer and are associated with touch sensation. Merkel cell carcinoma typically appears as a fast-growing, painless nodule on the skin, often in sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, or arms. Because of its aggressive nature, MCC has a high risk of spreading (metastasizing) to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and internal organs, making it a potentially deadly condition. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
What Is Amelanotic Melanoma?
Amelanotic melanoma is a subtype lacking the dark pigment typically associated with most melanomas. Because it lacks the usual melanin, this type of melanoma can appear pink, red, or skin-colored, making it more challenging to identify. The lack of pigmentation can delay diagnosis, increasing the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body. Amelanotic melanoma is just as dangerous as pigmented melanoma, and early detection is vital for effective treatment. Regular skin checks are important, particularly for individuals with fair skin, as amelanotic melanoma may easily be overlooked.
What Is Mucosal Melanoma?
Mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive form of melanoma that occurs on mucous membranes, such as those lining the nose, mouth, sinuses, anus, or vagina. Unlike cutaneous melanoma, which develops on the skin, mucosal melanoma arises in the moist tissues that line these body cavities. Because it is located in less visible areas and often presents with nonspecific symptoms, mucosal melanoma is frequently diagnosed at a later stage, making it more difficult to treat. This type of melanoma is not typically related to sun exposure, unlike other forms of melanoma. Early detection is challenging but crucial for improving treatment outcomes.
What Is Lentigo Maligna Melanoma?
Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) is a type of melanoma that develops from a precursor lesion called lentigo maligna, which is a slow-growing, pigmented spot usually found on sun-damaged skin, particularly in older adults. It typically appears as a flat, brownish area that gradually enlarges and darkens over time. Lentigo maligna melanoma is most commonly found on the face, neck, and other areas frequently exposed to the sun. It is considered an early form of melanoma, and if caught and treated early, the prognosis is generally favorable. However, if left untreated, it can invade deeper layers of the skin and spread to other parts of the body.
Mohs Surgery and Skin Cancer
Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a highly precise surgical technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer. But what type of skin cancer requires Mohs surgery? This type of surgery is often recommended for treating skin cancers that are in cosmetically sensitive areas, have a high risk of recurrence, or have poorly defined borders. The types of skin cancer that typically require Mohs surgery include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and certain cases of melanoma. Mohs surgery is especially effective for skin cancers located on the face, ears, nose, and other areas where preserving healthy tissue is important. The procedure's high cure rate and tissue-sparing approach make it the preferred treatment for many skin cancer types.
How Does Mohs Surgery Work?
The procedure involves removing the visible cancer and a thin layer of surrounding tissue. This tissue is immediately examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. If cancer cells are detected, another thin layer of tissue is removed and examined. This process gets repeated until no cancer cells are found. It ensures all cancerous tissue gets removed while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. Mohs surgery is particularly effective for skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face, where preserving healthy tissue is crucial.
Save Your Skin, and Your Life, With DCSI
Have you recently been diagnosed with skin cancer? Contact DCSI online today. We can schedule an appointment for you to see our Delray and Wellington dermatologist. You’ll have the healthy skin you want and need. Dr. Mounir M. Wassef and the team at DCSI have years of experience in treating and removing basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma skin cancers with surgical dermatology and other treatments. Read our dermatologist blog to learn more about DCSI and what we do. In it, you will find articles with great information about Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Caring for Sensitive Skin, and much more.If you have any additional questions or want to schedule an appointment, you can also call our Wellington office or give our Delray office a buzz. If you want to achieve healthy skin, DCSI can help you do just that.
