Skin Cancer Cost in United Arab Emirates

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It typically affects people with lighter skin tones. It is the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of destructive malignant skin cells. It occurs when unrepairable DNA damage that occurs in the skin cells triggers a mutation that makes them multiply rapidly and form malignant skin tumors.

Skin cancer is mostly caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds. Skin cancers have a limited potential to spread to other parts of the body and may become life-threatening if not treated on time. They are common and can be effectively treated but the treatment of some forms of skin cancers can be difficult. However, early diagnosis and treatment can increase the survival rate.

Types of Skin Cancer

The following are the three common types of skin cancers:

• Basal cell skin cancer: This type of skin cancer is present in sun-exposed areas of the skin. Basal cell skin cancer rarely spreads to other body parts (metastasize) and does not cause death. They are very common and easily treatable.
• Squamous cell skin cancer: These skin cancers are also common but less common than basal cell cancers. They can metastasize but the metastasis rate is very low. They are also non-life threatening and can be treated easily.
• Melanoma: This type of skin cancer originates from the pigment that gives color to the skin called melanocyte. It is less common and more dangerous than the first two types of skin cancer. However, if melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost curable. Advanced-stage melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and is hard to treat. It can be life-threatening as well.

Several effective skin cancer treatment modalities are available, and the choice of treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, its location, the patient's age, general health, and whether the cancer is primary or recurrent. Your dermatologist will select the most suitable treatment based on these factors.

Common skin cancer treatment options include:

Electrodesiccation (EDC)

Electrodesiccation and curettage (EDC) involves destroying skin cancer with electrodesiccation and curettage. This treatment is fast, easy, and less expensive compared to other options. The affected skin area is numbed with a local anesthetic and scraped repeatedly with a sharp instrument called a curette. The edge is then cauterized with an electric needle.

Surgery is more complex and expensive than EDC. During this procedure, the surgeon numbs the affected area with a local anesthetic, fully removes the malignant skin tissues, and closes the wound edges with sutures. Surgery has a higher cure rate and typically results in a more cosmetically acceptable scar than EDC.

Mohs surgery is a microscopically controlled treatment for common types of skin cancer. The surgeon removes layers of tissue and examines them under a microscope to check for cancer cells, continuing this process until no cancer cells remain.

Radiation therapy is an option for patients who are not suitable for surgery, such as the elderly. However, the treated area cannot be tested to ensure that all cancer is gone, and the radiation scar may worsen over time.

For basal cell skin cancer, topical treatments such as gels, creams, and solutions can be used to reduce cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy drugs, such as fluorouracil (5-FU), can be administered orally to treat skin cancer. These drugs work by stimulating the body's immune system to produce interferon, which attacks the cancer cells.

Alternative therapies include the use of herbs, vitamins, special diets, acupuncture, or massage. While alternative therapy cannot completely treat skin cancer on its own, it can help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Recovery after skin cancer treatment varies depending on the type and extent of the treatment.

Generally, patients may experience mild pain, swelling, or redness at the treatment site, which can be managed with prescribed medications and proper wound care. Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and check for any signs of recurrence. It's also important to practice good sun protection to prevent further skin damage.