Medical Dermatology

Skin Cancer Treatment in Singapore

Dr. Liew Hui Min

accredited consultant dermatologist

Skin cancer is a malignant growth of skin cells caused primarily by cumulative ultraviolet (UV) exposure. It includes several types, with varying levels of severity and treatment approaches. This article outlines the main forms of skin cancer, associated risk factors, recommended screening practices, and prevention strategies.

Definition Types Risks Diagnosis Treatment Skin Examination When to see a doctor?

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a progressive condition that arises from abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells within the skin. While some types grow slowly and remain confined to the skin surface, others carry a higher risk of spreading to lymph nodes or distant organs if left untreated.

Main Types Of Skin Cancer

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears as a raised, round growth with a central sore or depression. This type is often called a nodular form when it appears as a raised lesion with a central sore. Other appearances include a flat, scar-like area or a red, slightly scaly patch on the skin.

This cancer usually grows slowly and does not often spread to other parts of the body. However, if it is not treated, it can grow deeper into the skin and surrounding tissue, causing damage to nearby structures.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears as a sore that does not heal, or as a rough, scaly patch that may crust or bleed. It often develops in areas of the skin that receive a lot of sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, and hands.

This type may grow deeper into the skin than basal cell carcinoma and may also spread to nearby lymph nodes. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can become more serious and may lead to complications.

Melanoma

Melanoma is considered a serious form of skin cancer due to its potential to spread. It develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. It can arise from an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot on the skin.

Unlike non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that may not receive regular sun exposure such as the back, scalp, or soles of the feet.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

Individuals at higher risk for developing skin cancer include:

Individuals with lighter skin tones that are more prone to sunburn
History of multiple sunburns or excessive UV exposure
Presence of multiple or unusual looking moles
Family or personal history of skin cancer
Weakened immune system

Diagnosis

When a suspicious lesion is identified, a clinical examination is followed by a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy involves removing a small sample of the affected skin, which is then examined under a microscope. Further investigations may be required if the cancer is advanced or if there is concern about spread to other tissues.

Treatment Options

The choice of treatment for skin cancer depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, its size, depth, and location on the body. Available treatment methods include the following surgical and non-surgical procedures:

Excisional surgery

This is the primary and commonly used treatment for most types of skin cancer. It involves removing the cancerous lesion along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy

This method involves freezing the cancerous cells with liquid nitrogen. It is typically used for early-stage skin cancers.
Curettage and electrodessication

This procedure involves scraping off the cancerous lesion with a curette, followed by controlled electrical cauterisation to destroy any remaining abnormal cells.
Laser ablation

A focused laser is used to target and remove cancerous tissue. This may be suitable for selected superficial lesions.
Topical treatments

Certain skin cancers can be treated with prescription creams applied directly to the lesion. These are generally used for specific cases of superficial basal cell cancers or pre-cancerous skin lesions.

Monitoring Your Skin

Self-Examination

It is important to regularly check your own skin for new or changing spots. Those with multiple moles or risk factors should ask a family member to help examine areas that are difficult to view, such as the back and scalp.

Clinical Screening

Annual full-body skin checks are recommended for individuals at higher risk. These include people with fair skin, a history of skin cancer, or frequent UV exposure. Regular assessments can detect early-stage skin cancers before they progress and require more complex treatment.

Mole Mapping

This service uses full-body photography to document mole locations and monitor for changes over time. It is useful if you have multiple moles or previous history of skin cancers or pre-cancerous skin lesions.

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should see a dermatologist if you notice a spot on your skin that does not heal, bleeds easily, or keeps growing. Any mole that changes in shape, colour, or size should also be checked. It is important to pay attention to any new or unusual skin changes.

Timely medical evaluation can help prevent complications. If you are unsure about a spot, it is always safer to have it reviewed by a dermatologist.

Dr Liew Hui Min

Dually Accredited Dermatologist In Singapore and the UK

Dr. Liew Hui Min is an accredited consultant dermatologist from the Ministry of Health and the General Medical Council UK.

Her clinical interest includes:

Paediatric Dermatology,
Women’s Dermatology,
General Adult Dermatology.

Having trained in major London Hospitals, Dr Liew returned to Singapore in 2014 as a Consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) where she specialised in paediatric, women, obstetric and vulva dermatology. Currently, Dr Liew practices at The Skin Drs. clinic located at Gleneagles Hospital.

Read Full Bio