Skin Cancer: Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Comprehensive information about skin cancers, their types, prevention, diagnosis, and the latest treatment options including immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and TIL therapy.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with melanoma being the most dangerous type accounting for 80% of skin cancer deaths.
Skin cancer refers to the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often developing on skin exposed to the sun. However, this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Melanoma accounts for only about 4% of all skin cancer cases but is responsible for approximately 80% of skin cancer deaths. Early detection through regular skin examinations significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Risk factors for skin cancer include excessive UV radiation exposure from sunlight or tanning beds, fair skin, history of sunburns, numerous moles, weakened immune system, and family history of skin cancer. Prevention strategies include sun protection, regular self-examinations, and professional skin checks.
According to the World Health Organization, skin cancer incidence has been increasing worldwide over recent decades, with more than 1.5 million new cases diagnosed annually. Advances in treatment, particularly immunotherapy and targeted therapy, have dramatically improved outcomes for advanced melanoma.
Types of Skin Cancer
Understanding the different forms of skin cancer is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, developing from pigment-producing melanocytes.
- Most dangerous skin cancer type
- Can spread to other organs
- Follows ABCDE rule for detection
- Treatment includes immunotherapy
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, developing from basal cells in the epidermis.
- Most common skin cancer
- Rarely spreads to other areas
- Appears as pearly bumps or patches
- Highly treatable when detected early
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops from squamous cells and can spread if not treated.
- Second most common skin cancer
- Can spread to lymph nodes
- Appears as red scaly patches
- Treatment includes surgery and radiation
Advanced Treatment Options
Modern approaches to skin cancer treatment have significantly improved patient outcomes, especially for advanced melanoma.
Immunotherapy for Skin Cancer
Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer, with immune checkpoint inhibitors showing remarkable success in treating advanced melanoma.
Immunotherapy approaches for melanoma include checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and ipilimumab, which block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells. These treatments have shown durable responses and improved survival in patients with advanced melanoma.
Combination therapies, particularly nivolumab plus ipilimumab, have demonstrated superior outcomes compared to single-agent therapy, though with increased risk of immune-related adverse events. Ongoing research focuses on identifying biomarkers to predict response and developing novel immunotherapy combinations.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies attack specific genetic mutations in cancer cells, offering effective treatment for melanoma with BRAF mutations.
Targeted therapies for BRAF-mutant melanoma include dabrafenib plus trametinib and encorafenib plus binimetinib, which inhibit the BRAF and MEK proteins in the MAPK pathway. These oral medications produce rapid tumor responses and are standard treatment for advanced BRAF-mutant melanoma.
Current treatment strategies often involve sequencing immunotherapy and targeted therapy based on disease characteristics and patient factors. Research continues to develop new targeted agents and overcome resistance mechanisms that limit long-term efficacy.
TIL Therapy
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is a cellular immunotherapy that uses a patient's own immune cells to fight advanced melanoma.
TIL therapy involves harvesting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from a patient's tumor, expanding them in the laboratory, and reinfusing them back into the patient after lymphodepleting chemotherapy. This approach has shown remarkable efficacy in patients with melanoma resistant to other treatments.
The FDA approved Amtagvi (lifileucel) in February 2024 for advanced melanoma that has progressed after prior therapy. Treatment requires specialized centers with expertise in cellular therapy and management of associated toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome and bone marrow suppression.
Surgical Options
Surgical approaches remain the primary treatment for early-stage skin cancers, with Mohs micrographic surgery offering the highest cure rates.
Surgical options for skin cancer include excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, cryosurgery, and curettage and electrodesiccation. The choice of procedure depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the skin cancer, as well as patient factors.
Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates while preserving healthy tissue, making it particularly valuable for cancers on the face and other cosmetically sensitive areas. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed for melanomas of certain thickness to determine if the cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes.
Advanced Skin Cancer Treatments in China
Access to cutting-edge skin cancer treatments and clinical trials available in leading Chinese medical centers.
TIL Therapy Program
Comprehensive TIL therapy program for advanced melanoma, including cell harvesting, expansion, and reinfusion with specialized toxicity management.
AvailableCombined Immunotherapy
Innovative combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with targeted therapies for advanced melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma.
AvailableMohs Surgery Center
Advanced Mohs micrographic surgery for complex skin cancers with frozen section analysis and reconstruction expertise.
AvailableScientific References
Evidence-based information from reputable medical sources and recent research.
- American Cancer Society. (2025). Skin Cancer Statistics. Atlanta: ACS.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2025). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines: Melanoma.
- FDA Approval: Amtagvi (Lifileucel) for Advanced Melanoma. (February 2024).
- ASCO 2025 Guidelines: Immunotherapy Combinations in Melanoma.
- Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology. (2025). CSCO Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Melanoma.
- Lancet Oncology: DREAMseq Study Update (2025).
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