Once diagnosed, however, many patients fail to receive treatment with the level of attention they deserve and skin cancer is one of the more common cancers in the United States, and many patients tend to forget about skin cancer detection. People do not like going or waiting to receive medical help for different reasons, whether because they are not aware of the situation only the fact, scared of going, or pure denial. However, skin cancer left untreated can become serious and even spread and cause irreversible damage. Understanding what occurs when skin cancer is left untreated is essential in taking proactive steps for both prevention and treatment.
Causes and Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer generally develops when cells of the skin mutate and grow out of control. Skin cancer is mainly caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from either the sun or tanning beds, genetic factors, and a weakened immune system. There are three main types of skin cancer:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, BCC usually manifests as small, pearly bumps or scaly patches on the surface of the skin. It grows slowly and does not spread to other parts of the body in most cases.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): SCC typically appears on sun-related areas of the body like the face, neck, or arms. It can look like red, scaly patches or sores that won’t heal.
Melanoma: Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can develop from an existing mole or as a new dark spot on the skin. It spreads quickly to other organs and causes the most deaths from skin cancer.
What Happens If Skin Cancer Is Left Untreated?
Undiagnosed, skin cancer will progress from local disease to a more dangerous, life-threatening state. Here’s what it looks like when skin cancer isn’t treated:
Local Spread: The earliest phases of skin cancer might include a growth on the skin that is readily removable. However, if the cancer is untreated, it may become larger and deeper into skin layers.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, while usually not lethal, can result in substantial tissue erosion, resulting in disfigurement or scarring.
And the 5 Risks of Ocular Melanoma. Melanoma can increase the risk that melanoma will spread (or metastasizes) to other organs, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and brain, if not treated in its early stages. This is what makes melanoma so deadly. The more it proliferates, the more difficult it is to manage and the greater the chance of life-threatening complications. Melanoma that is not treated at this stage has a poor prognosis when it spreads.
Compromised Immune Response: As skin cancer progresses and metastasizes, it can exhaust the body’s immune system. These malignant cells can produce proteins that suppress the immune response, making it difficult for the body to repel infections and other diseases. This can lead to more serious health issues later on.
Chronic Pain and Discomfort: If skin cancer is not treated, it can be painful, especially if the cancer metastasizes or an ulcerated tumor forms. If skin cancer affects sensitive areas of the body, such as the face, neck or scalp, it can be painful or tender enough to make daily activities difficult to manage.
Serious Complications If Not Treated: Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are locally invasive and less prone to metastasize, but melanoma can be life-threatening if not treated. In advanced stages, melanoma can spread to critical organs and can result in organ failure, difficulty breathing and, in some instances, death. The sooner melanoma is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be treated successfully.
Statistics About Skin Cancer: Early Detection Is Key!
Skin cancer rates are climbing: More than 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed every day. The American Cancer Society estimates roughly 99,780 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in 2023. Early detection is crucial when caught at an early stage, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is about 99 percent. But once melanoma has metastasized to other organs, that survival figure plummets to just 30%.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are less fatal but still need prompt treatment. Untreated, they can cause disfiguring damage and interfere with quality of life, especially in visible places like the face.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Skin Cancer
Myths about skin cancer: There are a few common myths about skin cancer, including
“Skin cancer is not serious.” Most cases of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are treatable, but melanoma can be deadly if not treated right away.
“Skin cancer only happens to fair-skinned people.” Although those with fair skin are at increased risk, people of all skin tones can be affected by skin cancer.
“If you have a mole, you only need to worry about skin cancer. Although moles tend to be a common site for melanoma, skin cancer can also occur in places and without any prior marks or spots.
Stigmas and Barriers to Treatment
Even though there are effective treatments for skin cancer, many people are reluctant to seek care. This is often because of several factors, including fear of diagnosis, concerns about scarring, or simply a lack of knowledge of the risks of untreated skin cancer.
Similarly, people may forgo getting care, either because of the cost of treatment, because they lack health insurance, or because they feel that there is a stigma attached to certain health conditions. Some populations also have cultural or societal barriers to visiting a doctor or dermatologist.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
The good news is that skin cancer is very treatable, especially when detected early. Treatment options include:
Meanwhile surgical removal is the most common treatment of skin cancer, where tumor and surrounding tissue is removed.
Radiation therapy: Administered for cancers that cannot be surgically removed, or that have metastasized.
When would you use chemotherapy for melanoma?
Immunotherapy: A treatment that enlists the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells, particularly effective in advanced melanoma.
Topical treatments: Creams and ointments can be used for some types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma.
Prevention and Self-Care
Skin cancer is preventable with proactive measures to protect your skin from UV radiation. These steps include:
Sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30), to be reapplied every two hours spent outdoors.
They’ll wear protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses, to protect their group of cells from the sun.
Steering clear of tanning beds and too much sun, especially between noon and 4 p.m.
Checking your skin regularly for new or unusual moles or growths, and scheduling annual skin exams with a dermatologist.
Conclusion
Skin cancer is often preventable and treatable, but untreated skin cancer can be serious, and even deadly. The sooner skin cancer is detected and treated by a qualified medical professional, the better. Understanding what is at stake and taking preventative measures to control your risk receipt are your surefire way to beat skin cancer while keeping your skin healthy, beautiful, and youthful.