Skin Cancer: Screening and Prevention for Healthy Skin Causes of Skin Cancer
Key Causes
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer occurs due to abnormal and uncontrolled growth of skin cells. Although it is less common in Thailand compared to other types of cancer, there has been a noticeable increase in recent years, especially among the elderly. One of the main risk factors is excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun—a prevalent condition in sunny, tropical countries like Thailand.
Key Causes
Sun Exposure: Prolonged or intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can damage skin cells, leading to skin cancer. This is the most common risk factor in Thailand.
- Genetics: Individuals with a family history of skin cancer are at higher risk.
- HPV Infection (Human Papillomavirus): Certain strains of this virus are linked to an increased risk of skin cancer.
- Chronic Wounds or Scars: Non-healing wounds or long-standing scars may develop into skin cancer over time.
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer
Seek medical evaluation promptly if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- Changing Moles or Spots: Enlarging moles, color changes, or irregular shapes.
- Rapidly Growing Lumps: Raised or expanding skin lumps.
- Mole Discoloration: Changes in color—such as black, white, brown, or uneven tones.
- Chronic Rashes or Wounds: Lesions or rashes that persist despite treatment.
- Bleeding Moles: Easily bleeding moles or persistent sores may indicate malignancy.
- Itching or Burning: Persistent irritation around moles or skin lesions.
Skin Cancer Screening
Early screening plays a vital role in detecting skin cancer at its initial stage, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment.
The screening process includes
A detailed patient history to assess genetic or environmental risk factors.
A full-body skin examination, including moles, birthmarks, and mucosal areas.
- Suspicious lesions may undergo a biopsy—a sample is taken for lab analysis.
If diagnosed, treatment planning will involve specialists such as dermatologists, oncologists, radiation therapists, and surgeons.
Highlights of the Skin Check-Up
Thorough Skin Assessment: Covers the face, torso, limbs, scalp, behind the ears, and between fingers—areas where skin cancer may develop unnoticed.
- Comprehensive Mole and Spot Review: Evaluates for rapid growth, unclear borders, or color changes that may indicate malignancy.
- Long-Term Monitoring: Suspicious but non-confirmed lesions will be scheduled for follow-up to monitor changes.
- Regular skin check-ups greatly enhance the likelihood of early detection and successful treatment, compared to waiting for visible symptoms to arise.
Who Should Get Screened?
Skin cancer screening is particularly recommended for individuals at higher risk:
- Fair or Light Skin Tones: More susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer.
- Residents in Sunny Areas: Living in regions like Thailand increases continuous UV exposure.
- People with Many Moles or Freckles: An unusually high number of moles elevates the risk.
- History of Skin Cancer: Personal or family history increases recurrence chances.
- Organ Transplant Recipients: Immunosuppressant drugs used post-transplant can heighten cancer risk.
- Chemical Exposure: Substances like arsenic are linked to skin cancer.
Treatment of Skin Cancer
Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Treatment varies based on the cancer type and stage:
- Surgery: The most common method, involving removal of the tumor.
- Radiation Therapy: Used when surgery isn’t feasible or as a supplementary treatment.
- Chemotherapy: Suitable for aggressive or metastasized skin cancers.
The appropriate treatment plan depends on the cancer’s characteristics and expert medical recommendations.
Highly Precise Skin Cancer Treatment Options
“Discover Mohs Surgery, a gold-standard, highly detailed layer-by-layer skin cancer surgery where surgeons perform immediate microscopic margin analysis during the operation. This technique ensures the complete removal of cancer cells, offering a success rate of up to 97–99% in eligible cases, whilst preserving as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible to maintain both the appearance and function of critical areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, hands, and feet.”
OVER 127 YEARS OF MEDICAL EXPERIENCE CARING FOR THAIS AND EXPATRIATES
About Us
The first private hospital in Thailand has proved its excellence in overcoming the challenges of foreign cases for more than a hundred years. Their long-standing trust and respect for our premium care have ensured our vital existence despite all difficulties.
Testimonial
✔️ Her hesitation about surgery
✔️ Why she placed her trust in Prof. Dr Wicharn Yingsakmongkol
✔️ What it was like – before and after treatment
Why are we worth your trust?
- We make sure to serve high-quality care by securing all the excellent resources: medical specialists from a wide variety of focused fields, high technology, and exceptional and mature experience.
- Medical specialists – Our wide range of specializations has enabled us to embrace upcoming health challenges with expertise. Their concerns will always be approached professionally and with deep insight.
- Advanced technology and Innovation – The power of technology and innovation has earned us endless possibilities: it has navigated us through all challenges with accuracy. Either diagnosis or treatment requires accuracy for ultimate outcomes.
- Extensive experience – The longer our experiences are, the wiser we become. We believe in a great number of lessons. They have taught us to never stop seeking new approaches to overcome challenges.
Why choose us?
- Personalised services – Because we understand individuals have specific needs and conditions, our professionals can apply their specializations to create personalized care plans to suit your health most.
- Complete care – We believe quality care should be complete and comprehensive in one facility to eliminate all faults that might happen during transition. The seamless service offered by us starts from screening to treatment.
- Family doctor – Long-serving service of ours in Thailand can sometimes turn our professionals into family doctors who deeply understand the health conditions of the whole family and optimize those insights for the best health plans.
Tourist attractions
During your medical trip, you may find some days to sightsee at tourist destinations to make your trip more enjoyable.
The BNH Hospital is conveniently located on Convent Road, a vibrant area in Bangkok’s Silom district, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and transportation.
🚆 Transportation
BTS Sala Daeng Station: 3–5 minutes’ walk
MRT Silom Station: 15 minutes’ walk
Park Silom: A mixed-use building with retail spaces, cafes, and restaurants.
Silom Complex: A department store with restaurants, cafes, and a supermarket.
Siam Paragon / Siam Center / Siam Discovery: Bangkok’s iconic shopping malls.
Central World: A major lifestyle complex with restaurants, retail, and entertainment.
ICONSIAM (short drive): A luxury riverside mall with dining and cultural attractions.
Lumpini Park: Bangkok’s largest public park, perfect for a stroll or light exercise.
Dean & DeLuca – Mahanakhon CUBE: The world’s famous café.
Blue Elephant Restaurant: Fine dining Thai cuisine.
Other renowned restaurants on Sathon and Silom Roads: A variety of Thai and international eateries within walking distance.